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