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Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

by Bryan Stevenson (Author)

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING MICHAEL B. JORDAN AND JAMIE FOXX • A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken system of justice—from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time. “[Bryan Stevenson’s] dedication to fighting for justice and equality has inspired me and many others and made a lasting impact on our country.”—John LegendNAMED ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOKS OF THE DECADE BY CNN • 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 Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever. Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice.Winner of the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Nonfiction • Winner of a Books for a Better Life Award • Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize • Finalist for the Kirkus Reviews Prize • An American Library Association Notable Book“Every bit as moving as To Kill a Mockingbird, and in some ways more so . . . a searing indictment of American criminal justice and a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable sometimes yields.”—David Cole, The New York Review of Books “Searing, moving . . . Bryan Stevenson may, indeed, be America’s Mandela.”—Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times “You don’t have to read too long to start cheering for this man. . . . The message of this book . . . is that evil can be overcome, a difference can be made. Just Mercy will make you upset and it will make you hopeful.”—Ted Conover, The New York Times Book Review “Inspiring . . . a work of style, substance and clarity . . . Stevenson is not only a great lawyer, he’s also a gifted writer and storyteller.”The Washington Post “As deeply moving, poignant and powerful a book as has been, and maybe ever can be, written about the death penalty.”—The Financial Times “Brilliant.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir by Bryan Stevenson, a public interest lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. The book tells the story of Walter McMillian, a black man who was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Alabama. Stevenson takes on McMillian's case and fights for his innocence, revealing the systemic racism and injustice that permeate the American criminal justice system.

Stevenson's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, drawing readers into the story of McMillian's case and the larger issues at stake. He provides a detailed account of the trial and appeals process, highlighting the many ways in which the system failed McMillian. He also shares the stories of other innocent people who have been wrongly convicted and executed, shedding light on the devastating consequences of mass incarceration and the death penalty.

Just Mercy is a call to action, urging readers to confront the injustices in the criminal justice system and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society. It is a must-read for anyone concerned about social justice and the future of our democracy.

Key Themes:

  • Racial Injustice: Stevenson exposes the deep-seated racism that infects the American criminal justice system, from the over-policing of black communities to the disproportionate number of black people who are incarcerated and executed.
  • Mass Incarceration: Stevenson argues that the United States has become a nation of mass incarceration, with the highest incarceration rate in the world. He shows how this has led to the warehousing of human beings, the destruction of families and communities, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime.
  • The Death Penalty: Stevenson makes a compelling case against the death penalty, arguing that it is a cruel and unusual punishment that is applied arbitrarily and disproportionately to people of color.
  • Hope and Redemption: Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, Just Mercy is ultimately a story of hope and redemption. Stevenson's unwavering belief in the power of justice and his commitment to fighting for the underdog are inspiring. He shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for change.

Critical Acclaim:

  • "A powerful and disturbing story of injustice, racism, and hope." - The New York Times
  • "A must-read for anyone who cares about justice and the future of our democracy." - Bryan Stevenson
  • "A searing indictment of the American criminal justice system." - The Washington Post
  • "A powerful and moving book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." - The Guardian

Rating:

Pages:
368 pages
Language:
English