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eralbesu's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This book was very informative and I think it’s a great starting point for people interested in abolition as a social theory.
It was frustrating for me, someone familiar with the theory of abolition and familiar with the racist, capitalist, and colonial history of these systems, because I approached this book expecting answers regarding how this is all achieved and what we do in the meantime. I don’t believe this book set out to answer my questions in a way I was hoping.
I still think this book is important for people curious about abolition and the history of these systems that oppress and abuse. I was just disappointed because I was hoping to get more clarity on how we get rid of these current systems and implement these new ones. I also think the author is writing about abolition on a more macro scale, and I was looking at it on a more micro scale. I took the most from the conclusory chapter, when the author set up a picture of what this abolitionist society would look like.
I also really appreciated how Purnell tied everything in, regarding climate injustice, capitalism, colonialism globally and occupation in South Africa and Palestine, etc. I do believe all of our struggles are connected so I appreciated this and I think this was the foremost theme throughout the book.
And one last note, very specific to me, as an attorney, the narrative voice used at times in the book felt very familiar to me in a way that was slightly off-putting. It felt like there was a bit too much handholding for my preference, but I can see how it would be necessary for other readers.
Overall, I will be recommending this book to people interested in being introduced to abolition as a theory. Thank you to astra publishing house for the gifted copy!
It was frustrating for me, someone familiar with the theory of abolition and familiar with the racist, capitalist, and colonial history of these systems, because I approached this book expecting answers regarding how this is all achieved and what we do in the meantime. I don’t believe this book set out to answer my questions in a way I was hoping.
I still think this book is important for people curious about abolition and the history of these systems that oppress and abuse. I was just disappointed because I was hoping to get more clarity on how we get rid of these current systems and implement these new ones. I also think the author is writing about abolition on a more macro scale, and I was looking at it on a more micro scale. I took the most from the conclusory chapter, when the author set up a picture of what this abolitionist society would look like.
I also really appreciated how Purnell tied everything in, regarding climate injustice, capitalism, colonialism globally and occupation in South Africa and Palestine, etc. I do believe all of our struggles are connected so I appreciated this and I think this was the foremost theme throughout the book.
And one last note, very specific to me, as an attorney, the narrative voice used at times in the book felt very familiar to me in a way that was slightly off-putting. It felt like there was a bit too much handholding for my preference, but I can see how it would be necessary for other readers.
Overall, I will be recommending this book to people interested in being introduced to abolition as a theory. Thank you to astra publishing house for the gifted copy!
jaygrant's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
While this doesn’t offer the final solutions I was hoping for, it makes a persuasive starting point
type1padawan's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.75
Overall a wonderful resource and a guide for abolitionist. Start today.
jlyons's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
risqkae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
If you just go off of the title of the book, it seems as though it’s just about bashing the police, which in a way it is lol but there is so much more nuance to this central theme. This book puts into perspective how interconnected the issues of modern day society, especially in America, are in our everyday lives especially when it comes to policing. I feel like I’m always coming across new information and statistics about the harm that is being done every day but without any grounding in any potential solutions or people who are working towards creating and implementing those solutions. It’s disheartening and makes one feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, but the author is someone who not only shares those facts and figures but also shows the work that’s being done, including her own personal advocacy, as well as invites us as readers the chance to contemplate about what she presents while also offering some type of direction and guidance to where, us as readers, could possibly get involved in our own personal lives as well. That is the brilliance of this book, it basically takes the phrase “F*ck the police” to an elevated and thought-provoking level. (I would say listen to the audiobook versus reading because it can feel dense if one is not used to or well versed in the topics included).
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Transphobia, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Trafficking, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Classism, Deportation, and Pandemic/Epidemic
itsmeamethyst's review against another edition
5.0
Every now and then, I read a book that fundamentally shifts the way I see and move through the world. This is one of those. It is a clear, well-researched, accessible, and hopeful invitation to become an abolitionist.
Derecka Purnell was like many people who are/were hesitant about/initially resistant to abolition. She had good experiences with ROTC and relied on calling police as a child. In this book, she unpacks misconceptions about abolition and makes an absolutely irrefutable case for reimagining what our world can look like.
This book is especially for those curious and open-minded about abolition and/or are committed to freedom and justice for all.
Purnell is brilliant. Cannot wait to read more from her. I understand her next book will tackle that familiar and dangerous trope, “but what about Black on Black crime?”. Will pre-order once able.
Derecka Purnell was like many people who are/were hesitant about/initially resistant to abolition. She had good experiences with ROTC and relied on calling police as a child. In this book, she unpacks misconceptions about abolition and makes an absolutely irrefutable case for reimagining what our world can look like.
This book is especially for those curious and open-minded about abolition and/or are committed to freedom and justice for all.
Purnell is brilliant. Cannot wait to read more from her. I understand her next book will tackle that familiar and dangerous trope, “but what about Black on Black crime?”. Will pre-order once able.
nathanmac's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0