In 1995, Julienne Burleson is just a naive Southern California girl living a carefree life of fun in the sun. All of that changes, however, when an acquaintance invites her to Ecuador and asks her to bring back some artwork-artwork that, unbeknownst to Julienne, is filled with cocaine.

Thus begins Julienne's multiyear ordeal in the Ecuadorian prison system.

Chronicling her harrowing journey in vivid detail, Julienne describes what life is like in a third world prison. Yet despite the cruel conditions, Julienne manages to find light, hope, and even forgiveness in the darkest of...