A review by mybestfriendisabook
Better, Not Bitter: Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice by Yusef Salaam

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

after finishing the When They See Us series, which was so so well done and moving, and seeing that Yusef was a published author, i had to check out his work and was glad to see he wrote a memoir! i picked it up the next day. it was great to continue the story through one of the actual people, to learn about Yusef as a person before and after being incarcerated. it takes a lot to remain that hopeful throughout your entire life. he emphasizes trusting that you have a purpose despite whatever obstacles you are given and how the prison complex system is built to destroy Black bodies, a modern day cotton field.

it was very heartwarming to see the photos he included. it made me happy to see him happy. my favorite chapter was the one on meeting his wife and his struggles with romantic relationships after being released.