September 14, 2018
An inspirational memoir of courage ….. determination ….. vision …..
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Genre/Categories: Nonfiction, Memoir, African-American, Judicial System, Criminal Procedure, Politics and Social Sciences
My Summary:
Named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times • The Washington Post • The Boston Globe • The Seattle Times • Esquire • Time
In this compelling and engaging memoir, Bryan Stevenson shares true stories about founding the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice established to defend those most desperate and in need (the underrepresented, poor, wrongly condemned, women, and youth trapped for life in the criminal justice system). In addition to detailing his experience as a young lawyer confronting political machines, fighting prejudice, and accepting challenging cases, Stevenson works determinedly and thinks deeply about mercy, true justice, and compassion.
Listen to Bryan Stevenson summarize his ideas in his own words: Bryan Stevenson Ted Talk
Just Mercy movie: filming in Montgomery.
Amazon Rating (September): 4.8
My Thoughts:
Compelling. Just Mercy is a compelling and engaging read in that it’s inspirational to read about real people and their life work. Even though some of the legal jargon and proceedings are complex for me, I am mesmerized by the overall story of Bryan Stevenson and his lifelong passion for championing the legal defense of the most underrepresented and most desperate prisoners. Despite great personal hardship, he persisted.
Controversial. Some readers might feel they need to agree with everything an author writes to read the work. Sometimes, I feel that way if it’s a topic that I have strong feelings about and am committed to my position. Other times, as in this case, it’s thought-provoking to see issues from an involved person’s perspective (especially from an authentic voice) and to consider issues that don’t usually affect my life.
Memorable. I have the highest admiration for Bryan Stevenson and others like him who have sacrificed and served in areas in which I’m incapable of affecting change. The only thing I can do from the sidelines is to listen and support. Sometimes when I read, I look through a mirror and other times I look through a window. This is a definite window read for me. I’m here to learn.
Thoughtful Quote. Although a difficult read on many levels, Just Mercy is one of those books I can say I’m glad I’ve read. I appreciated the focus on children who commit crimes (not to excuse them but to bring compassion and understanding into the situation):
“When these basic deficits that burden all children are combined with the environments that some poor children experience–environments marked by abuse, violence, dysfunction, neglect, and the absence of a loving caretaker–adolescence can leave kids vulnerable to the sort of extremely poor decision making that results in violence.”
As a teacher, this quote reminds me of how important mental health services and intervention programs are to all school children (especially starting with elementary-aged children).
Recommended. Even though Just Mercy has been on the bestseller list for a couple of years, it’s a worthy read I’m urging you not to miss. Recommended for readers who are interested in social justice, for those serving in legal or social services professions, for readers who enjoy books about current issues (such as incarceration rates of African-American youth, the death penalty, etc.), and for all who are challenged by reading issue-centered books about thought-provoking topics from an insider’s perspective and an authentic voice. Bryan Stevenson is someone I’d like you to meet because he is an influential, courageous, inspirational, determined, and visionary person that will be celebrated, respected, and honored for years to come.
Your Voice. I’d like reviewers to leave your review link in the comments if you are a POC or Own Voices reviewer.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author, Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, and a professor of law at New York University Law School. He has won relief for dozens of condemned prisoners, argued five times before the Supreme Court, and won national acclaim for his work challenging bias against the poor and people of color. He has received numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant.
Happy Reading Book Worms!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
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Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
My Summer TBR
I’ll be updating my Summer TBR list as I complete each read, so check this link often!
(So far I’ve read all but three on the list, some I’ve been more thrilled with than others, and I’ve only abandoned one)
Looking Ahead:
This week I’m reading two ARCs (advanced reader copies) of The Lieutenant’s Nurse by Sara Ackerman and Virgil Wander by Leif Enger (author of Peace Like a River). I’m planning an extra blog post soon highlighting three recently read ARCS.
A Link I Love
Are you a fan of the Enneagram types or Winnie the Pooh? Check out this post that explores the Enneagram type of each character in the Hundred Acre Wood: Kendra Nicole: My World In Reviews: The Enneagram in the Hundred Acre Wood.
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Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.
Book Cover and author photo are credited to Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website.
Thanks so much for linking to my post! And as always, I appreciated your thorough and thoughtful review. This book has been on my radar, but wasn’t necessarily one I would have picked up. Now I just might!
My pleasure Kendra! I hope you find Just Mercy an inspiring and challenging read! I skimmed some of the detailed legalese passages.
I enjoyed reading your review, Carol! Of all the books I read last year, Just Mercy has stuck with me in the most enduring way. It opened my eyes to a side of the criminal justice system I had never seen before. I find myself thinking about it often. It was one of those books that I wanted to press into the hands of everyone I know. I’m glad you’re sharing this important book with your audience.
I agree….it’s an important and unforgettable read! It will be interesting to watch his impact and influence over the years! Thanks for stopping in and commenting!
Good to read your thoughtful review Carol, after I saw it on your blog and read about it on Amazon. Sounds so worthwhile. Like your recommendation of being a book you’re glad to have read. hugs hugs!
I like that it was a thoughtful and well reasoned presentation of ideas ….. he’s passionate and persuasive but easy to listen to. He has strong ideas based on real life experience and walks his talk. I always appreciate hearing from “authentic” voices no matter how difficult the message.
That’s it. He’s in the middle of it– speaks from real experience. Saw it at the bookstore, but waiting for it at the library. Happy weekend Carol!!
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Very good review.
Thanks! I still need to see the movie!
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