Just Mercy

Just Mercy Summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING MICHAEL B. JORDAN AND JAMIE FOXX • A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken system of justice—from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time.

“[Bryan Stevenson’s] dedication to fighting for justice and equality has inspired me and many others and made a lasting impact on our country.”—John Legend

NAMED ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOKS OF THE DECADE BY CNN • Named One of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times • The Washington Post • The Boston Globe • The Seattle Times • Esquire • Time


Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.

Just Mercyis at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice.

Winner of the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Nonfiction • Winner of a Books for a Better Life Award • Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize • Finalist for the Kirkus Reviews Prize • An American Library Association Notable Book

“Every bit as moving as To Kill a Mockingbird,and in some ways more so . . . a searing indictment of American criminal justice and a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable sometimes yields.”—David Cole, The New York Review of Books

“Searing, moving . . . Bryan Stevenson may, indeed, be America’s Mandela.”—Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times

“You don’t have to read too long to start cheering for this man. . . . The message of this book . . . is that evil can be overcome, a difference can be made. Just Mercy will make you upset and it will make you hopeful.”—Ted Conover, The New York Times Book Review

“Inspiring . . . a work of style, substance and clarity . . . Stevenson is not only a great lawyer, he’s also a gifted writer and storyteller.”The Washington Post

“As deeply moving, poignant and powerful a book as has been, and maybe ever can be, written about the death penalty.”—The Financial Times

“Brilliant.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer



Book Reviews

ascerichan

Very educational and thought provoking5 star

Extremely well written sad stories that can be overwhelming to read, but they also bring up important questions to ponder55

wss0004

Eye Opening5 star

This book is a must read. I am a privileged white man that is now educated and aware of the racially imbalanced incarceration numbers and the amount of unfair and corrupt imprisonments. I am so thankful for this book and the insight it gave me to transform my eyes and thoughts on these issues.55

KSSKAUAI

Well done5 star

Eye opening and inspirational book! Highly recommend.55

crich1234

Haunting motivating and inspiring.5 star

Just mercy is one of the best books I think I’ve ever read55

jrbhairco

Amazing5 star

Words can’t express. Everyone should read at least once.55

GLC2551

Wow! What a Privilege to Read and Learn!5 star

The movie is amazing and the book even more so. It gives me new knowledge and perspective on the justice system and incarceration. Thanks.55

Stanly P

Powerful and engaging story telling5 star

One of the most powerful books you can ever read. The story telling by Bryan Stevenson is truly flawless and will keep you engaged.55

colinjvw

The Truth5 star

Written in 2014, Just Mercy provides a timeless narrative that educates the common public, breaks down walls of bias, and promotes unity among its readers. As a result of recent current events regarding race and equality, there seems to be a growing division among Americans. Polarizing beliefs seem to taint the grandeur of America, causing us to spend more time groveling in our differences rather than discovering ways to overcome clear obstacles. As a Harvard alumni, and practicing lawyer, Brian Stevenson shows clear examples of inequality, racism, and corruption as he details the stories of men, women, and children sentenced to life in prison or worse, death row. Through the stories told, and the genius use of an educational tone, Stevenson captivates readers from all walks of life—black and white, conservative and liberal. As a result, he exposes the uninformed, biased way of thinking so prevalent in society, and enables his readers to see these complex issues through a new light. While it is normal, and in fact important, to develop thoughts and opinions surrounding these topics, Stevenson shows it is also important to consider the other side of the coin. In the end, Just Mercy invites us to reevaluate our stance on race and equality. He invites us to be more understanding, more willing to seek out facts and knowledge that will inform our opinions, and ultimately invites us to be more unified with our fellow man.55

Jenwal1104

Amazing, yet heartbreaking!5 star

As an Alabamian born and raised and what is considered to be a minority as well as not being “well off” financially, this story hits hard. I’m so thankful that Mr. Stevenson and his staff work as tirelessly as they do for anyone, regardless of race, income, or background. While I’ve never been on the “wrong side of the law”, Walter McMillan’s tragedy could befall any of us at any time. The way that was treated is an absolute nightmare!55

CajunBoy111

Life Changing5 star

This was by far one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Just as it serves to document the freedom of the innocent, it convicts each of us and the role we play in permitting grave injustice within any legal system.55





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