New Book
Storming Heaven: Comforting the Dying in Prison
Lorie Adoff and Carson Dean’s newest book goes beyond the self-help genre, providing real-life stories that showcase the human capacity for growth, resilience, and self-acceptance when given the opportunity.
About
Meet Lorie Adoff: A Voice for Compassion and Change
Lorie Adoff, Spiritual Advisor, who helped an innovative team develop and implement the first hospice program of its kind at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, California.
The program ran for more than 13 years. Co-author Carson Dean, incarcerated for 45 years, brings his natural voice and vivid memories to each chapter, narrating his many years of companioning the dying in prison.
Ms. Adoff trained 150 life prisoner volunteers using the Ten Commandments of the Anamcara turning these worst of the worst into the best of the best, soul sharers, creating sacred spaces for the dying. Carson Dean was one of her volunteers who vividly describes his experiences of sitting with the dying and resulting in spiritual transformation.
Past Events
Where Lorie & Carson Have Spoken
13
Oct, 2025
Congregational United Church of Christ
Lorie and Carson will talk at Opening Doors of Interfaith Understanding on Monday, October 13 at 7:00 at Congregational United Church of Christ.
17
March, 2025
Healing Through Compassion: The Power of Prison Hospice (Podcast Interview)
Joined Richard Groves on his workshop presentation in his series on The Art of Living and Dying to chaplains. Showcasing our book Storming Heaven: Comforting the Dying in Prison and with an interview with Richard Groves.
13
March, 2025
Restoring Humanity: A Conversation on Prison Reform & Redemption (University Lecture)
Dave Congalton, local radio personality on Home Town Radio, interviews co-authors Lorie Adoff, Carson Dean discussing dying in prison and establishing the unique hospice program at California Men’s Colony. Available on line in Podcasts March 13, 2025
30
Jan, 2025
The Role of Spiritual Companionship in the Justice System (Panel Discussion)
KCBX radio interview on Central Coast Voices by host Kris Kington-Barker with authors Lorie Adoff, and Carson Dean discussing their newest book Storming Heaven: Comforting the Dying in Prison. Tune in at KCBX On Demand Voices of the Central Coast, Storming Heaven: Comforting the Dying in Prison
Reviews
What Readers Are Saying
4.5 Review from our readers
Reader
"An unusual subject written with honesty and understanding by two new writers, who are excellent at their craft. Writer’s Carson and Lorie have tackled a difficult subject that people are unaware of, with grace, kindness and compassion. A profoundly honest look at our prison system from the inside; how poeple move beyond their circumstances to care about and for each other."
Reader
"Carson shows us the terrible nature of prison life. He puts no gloss on what it is like. He possesses a capacity to write words so raw that they catch fire. Lorie, on the other hand, shows us how compassion and care are, without a doubt, possible - and necessary - in a prison environment. Her words are wise, and even more importantly, they reveal a quality of fluid tenderness that the most alienated person could ache for, thirst for, if they were to be near such tenderness."
The Institute for Poetic Medicine
"I feel your dedication and life giving spirit on every page. I have learned more of your dedicated work at the Men’s Colony. You were called to be there."
Reader
"Writers Carson and Lorie have tackled a difficult subject that people are unaware of. Done with grace, kindness and compassion it is a profoundly honest look at our prison system from the inside: how people move beyond their circumstances to care about and for each other."
Reader
"A compelling read, a most important topic for our time. "
Radio Talk Show Host
"Just finished your book. Your voice and love are on every page. I hope and pray it opens doors for others to offer care inside."
Reader
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Lorie Adoff and Carson Dean to write Storming Heaven?
Storming Heaven was born from Lorie Adoff’s experience developing and leading the first prison hospice program at California Men’s Colony, where incarcerated volunteers cared for fellow inmates in their final moments. Carson Dean, who served 45 years in prison, brought his firsthand perspective as a volunteer, sharing deeply personal stories of transformation, compassion, and resilience. Together, they sought to shed light on the power of human connection, even in the most challenging environments.
How does the prison hospice program featured in the book change the lives of both caregivers and the dying?
The hospice program allows incarcerated men to become caregivers, offering dignity and comfort to fellow inmates in their final days. In the process, these volunteers experience profound personal transformation—learning empathy, selflessness, and the true meaning of redemption. The dying, many of whom have been abandoned by society, find peace in their final moments, knowing they are not alone.
What is an Anamcara, and how does this role play a part in the book?
Anamcara is a Gaelic term meaning “soul friend,” representing a person who provides deep, spiritual companionship. In the prison hospice program, the Anamcara are trained volunteers who sit with dying inmates, offering comfort, presence, and a listening ear. Their role is not only to ease physical suffering but to help the dying find meaning, closure, and peace.
How does Storming Heaven contribute to the conversation around prison reform and second chances?
The book challenges stereotypes by showing the humanity of incarcerated individuals and their capacity for change. It advocates for prison programs that promote rehabilitation, compassion, and dignity, rather than focusing solely on punishment. Through real-life stories, Storming Heaven encourages society to rethink how we treat those behind bars and offers a hopeful vision for second chances.
Who should read this book, and what key lessons can they take away from it?
Storming Heaven is for anyone interested in prison reform, social justice, hospice care, spiritual growth, or human transformation. It resonates with families of incarcerated individuals, second-chance advocates, healthcare professionals, and general readers looking for inspiring stories of redemption. The key lesson: even in the darkest places, compassion and change are possible.
How can I support prison hospice programs or get involved in similar initiatives?
You can support prison hospice programs by advocating for inmate rehabilitation initiatives, donating to organizations that promote prison reform, or volunteering with hospice programs in your community. Spreading awareness about Storming Heaven and its message is also a powerful way to encourage change.
Latest Blog
Reflections & Insights
Prison Life Engenders Profound Grief
Grief Counseling Prison Life Engenders Profound Grief Website Support June 3, 2025 Sitting in my prison office, staring...
The 10 Commandments of an Anam Cara: A Guide to Compassionate Presence
History The 10 Commandments of an Anam Cara: A Guide to Compassionate Presence Lorie Adoff March 29, 2025 At...
Finding Humanity in the Unlikeliest of Places: A Reflection on Life After 45 Years in Prison
History Finding Humanity in the Unlikeliest of Places: A Reflection on Life After 45 Years in Prison Lorie Adoff...
"Storming Heaven shines a unique light on the work of offering compassionate care to the dying in prison, as well as the alchemy of grief as a powerful force for connection and rehabilitation within our prison system. I think this is essential reading for anyone looking for hope that can be found in broken systems, and the potential all of us possess to evolve into a better version of ourselves."