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thereadingsnail99's review
5.0
Eye opening. I learned so much reading this book, from the hypocrisy of our society to the true power of forgiveness. His story is both incredible and mind bogglingly frustrating, but has inspired action in me to help do my part.
iowabibliobibuli's review
3.0
This is not my typically genre or topic, but I was encouraged by the PopSugar challenge to read this for both librarian recommended and written by someone who was incarcerated.
Overall, it follows a lot of what we already know - overpopulated prison systems, racist society, and power trips. It was interesting to see it from an actual convict's point of view though.
Overall, it follows a lot of what we already know - overpopulated prison systems, racist society, and power trips. It was interesting to see it from an actual convict's point of view though.
readersbutterfly's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
As someone struggling with a family member drawn into this toxic cycle, and completely at a loss for how to help someone help themselves, this book was a potent reminder that change comes from within. I admiringly read about Shaka’s honesty, his true commitment to change and community development, and the respect and dignity with which he took control of his life. I did not like his usage of a word to describe transgender people in this work, but it is my sole critique.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Excrement, Police brutality, and Murder
tiarala's review against another edition
4.0
Up there with Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me as a powerful story about how we fail young black men in this country, and how they're the ones stepping up to make change for their kids when no one else will stand up. The power of art of heal and teach is infinite, and Senghor gets to the heart of it while shining a light on the inhumane treatment of people in the American prison system. He does this while taking ownership of his crimes, the pain he's caused, and the choices he's made. I'm certain this book will inspire other young incarcerated men to follow his lead.
laila4343's review
4.0
incredibly readable and engaging. Senghor details the circumstances of his life that led to his shooting and killing a man, and what it took to redeem himself by both his own standards and society's standards. A hard look at what prison life is like and how difficult it is to emerge with your sanity and dignity intact. I'm so glad I read this.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Shaka Senghor's story is a testament to both the possibility of a transformed life and the wastefulness represented by so much of the urban drug culture. Senghor was a bright young boy growing up in a stable family. At age 11, his parents split up and Senghor was forced to live with his ultimately abusive mother. By 14, Senghor was living mostly on the streets when he became a valuable "employee" of the drug trade. By 17, he had been shot and by 19 he was doing the shooting, leading to a 19 year prison sentence. After years filled with anger and violence, but also reading and leadership, Senghor experienced a strong desire for forgiveness. He learned to forgive his family and himself (eventually) and he asked for, and received, forgiveness from his victim's family. This book is his story. It is matter-of-fact, well-written and eye-opening.
bridgetwf's review
4.0
Good, fast read. Horrifying and enlightening look at our totally screwed up prison system.
I was totally engrossed at the beginning, but the development slowed down in the second half. Senghor has a great voice, but it started to feel too "memoir-y"--meaning although he denounces and investigates his actions, you know he's of course the good guy in the story. Just the nature of powerful redemption stories. Anyway, I still read it over the course of 3 days, so I'd definitely recommend!
I was totally engrossed at the beginning, but the development slowed down in the second half. Senghor has a great voice, but it started to feel too "memoir-y"--meaning although he denounces and investigates his actions, you know he's of course the good guy in the story. Just the nature of powerful redemption stories. Anyway, I still read it over the course of 3 days, so I'd definitely recommend!
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
3.0
A murderer goes to prison. He writes his memoirs. I'm always surprised that inmates can do that while serving hard time. I'm also surprised that murderers can do several years then get out. During prison, Shaka became a father and grandfather. He was in solitary confinement for 4.5 of those years.
For someone who discovered religion and became pretty religious in jail (he was nominated as a Spiritual Advisor) he was still pretty hypocritical and didn't apply anything at all. He didn't evolve while in prison like he said he did, except for him reading books and attempting to write books.
Why is his name Shaka because as a kid his name was John? I must have zoned out how he was able to get a girlfriend while in prison.
I don't like this guy.
For someone who discovered religion and became pretty religious in jail (he was nominated as a Spiritual Advisor) he was still pretty hypocritical and didn't apply anything at all. He didn't evolve while in prison like he said he did, except for him reading books and attempting to write books.
Why is his name Shaka because as a kid his name was John? I must have zoned out how he was able to get a girlfriend while in prison.
I don't like this guy.
jaedynyoung's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Phenomenal book! I highly recommend ever single person read it. It shows you a lot about experiences in the prison system and gets you to critique it yourself/want to help reform it.