bookrids's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliant book that worked greatly to complement When They See Us, Salaam has a lot to offer in the autobiographical retelling of his life beyond simply recounting past and present. Especially reading this as a young Muslim, I found reading how Salaam turning to Islam in prison and finding his identity as a Muslim both incredibly moving and powerful; especially the little ways faith shielded him from certain cruel aspects of prison. The title of the book really rings true as the reader witnesses the making of his life purpose, and forces one to think about their own purpose - it's not surprising in the slightest that Salaam found a career as a motivational speaker. Surprisingly, despite the heavy subject matter - the book had a lighthearted tone throughout and I would have loved to read even more.
shar_b's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing, inspirational memoir of Yusef, one of the wrongly accused and imprisoned Central Park Five.
Yusef shares his story of how his faith and his family helped him survive his wrongful imprisonment and how he found his purpose.
While he touches on the Central Park Five case, this memoir mainly focuses on Yusef’s mindset throughout trial, imprisonment and his exoneration. While I was very angry at what Yusef had to endure, I was inspired by his outlook and faith through it all.
Yusef shares his story of how his faith and his family helped him survive his wrongful imprisonment and how he found his purpose.
While he touches on the Central Park Five case, this memoir mainly focuses on Yusef’s mindset throughout trial, imprisonment and his exoneration. While I was very angry at what Yusef had to endure, I was inspired by his outlook and faith through it all.
transportedlfl's review against another edition
5.0
Review: Better, Not Bitter
This is such a powerful memoir. As one of the Exonerated Five, Yusef Salaam points out that his life story doesn't begin with his imprisonment, nor does it end with his exoneration. He speaks eloquently about the many challenges he faced in society and the many barriers for men who have been convicted to be able to work and maintain families.
The memoir incorporates passages from the Bible and Qur'an as well as Yusef's original poetry. The writing shifts seamlessly between these verses, individual history, and broad discussion of the societal implications of our "criminal system of injustice." Yusef's photographs further add to the power of his story.
I found the most moving chapter to be the one he wrote for his mother. I can't possibly do it justice. His words deserve to be read in their entirety. So I will stop here by simply saying I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for this book.
This is such a powerful memoir. As one of the Exonerated Five, Yusef Salaam points out that his life story doesn't begin with his imprisonment, nor does it end with his exoneration. He speaks eloquently about the many challenges he faced in society and the many barriers for men who have been convicted to be able to work and maintain families.
The memoir incorporates passages from the Bible and Qur'an as well as Yusef's original poetry. The writing shifts seamlessly between these verses, individual history, and broad discussion of the societal implications of our "criminal system of injustice." Yusef's photographs further add to the power of his story.
I found the most moving chapter to be the one he wrote for his mother. I can't possibly do it justice. His words deserve to be read in their entirety. So I will stop here by simply saying I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for this book.
christina_billhartz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
intorilex's review against another edition
4.0
A positive, engaging and disarming memoir, I'm hopeful that the Exonerated Five will continue to bring change to the criminal justice system. Yusef had his adolescence stolen from him, because of a corrupt and unjust criminal justice system. In his memoir he described the many ways that he was protected and given divine purpose despite his circumstances. Yusef illustrates how negative stereotypes that have driven mass incarceration, and the danger of ignorance in a society that has stripped humanity from young black men.
"The systematic oppression created by white supremacy and white male dominance has to alter us in order to justify it's evil works."
Yusef talks speaks honestly about his hardships in prison and the mental issues he had to grapple with as he returned to a society where he was branded as a rapist. The captivating storytelling has a overarching positive message about perseverance and resilience. I was awed by how Yusef and his family channeled their rage into positive actions to help others, despite their infuriating and unjust experiences.
"My challenge to you is this: No matter what life has taken you through, try to live full and die empty."
I would recommend this to readers who want a encouraging call to action to continue to fight against injustice . Yusef is Muslim so he illustrates how his faith helped him with some passages of the Quran. But he encourages readers whatever their beliefs are to have faith in themselves and their purpose.
"The systematic oppression created by white supremacy and white male dominance has to alter us in order to justify it's evil works."
Yusef talks speaks honestly about his hardships in prison and the mental issues he had to grapple with as he returned to a society where he was branded as a rapist. The captivating storytelling has a overarching positive message about perseverance and resilience. I was awed by how Yusef and his family channeled their rage into positive actions to help others, despite their infuriating and unjust experiences.
"My challenge to you is this: No matter what life has taken you through, try to live full and die empty."
I would recommend this to readers who want a encouraging call to action to continue to fight against injustice . Yusef is Muslim so he illustrates how his faith helped him with some passages of the Quran. But he encourages readers whatever their beliefs are to have faith in themselves and their purpose.
coderedkira's review against another edition
I tried reading and listening to it, and while I think this author has valuable perspectives, I just didn't vibe with the writing.