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crybabybea's review against another edition
4.5
I went into this being mildly informed on the prison industrial complex, but Stevenson helped open my eyes to how truly harrowing the experiences of the most underserved prisoners can be. He explores not only the systemic biases that cause unfair and wrongful convictions, but also the devastating after-effects of mass incarceration and lazy, biased legal proceedings. There is a deep-rooted corruption within our legal system that stems from slavery, fed by racism, ableism, classism, and sexism, and Bryan Stevenson is not afraid to call the corruption out for what it is. I also liked how he touched upon sensationalization of crimes in the media, which I think has become even more of an issue with true crime becoming one of the most popular forms of media in recent years.
The anecdotes in this book are absolutely sobering and told with a degree of compassion that is rarely given to prisoners, let alone the "worst of the worst". I believe this compassion and empathy make this book an accessible entry into abolition and understanding the prison industrial complex, even for those who may be on the other side of the political spectrum. The phrase "Just Mercy" is a plea from the author to practice empathy, compassion, and a call to action to focus on helping the people who need it the most, rather than calling for their deaths.
Highly recommend.
Also ACAB.
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Police brutality, Dementia, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, and Classism
danimcthomas's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
alayamorning's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Slavery and Pregnancy