Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

ABOUT THIS TITLE:

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 brinkmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.

Just Mercy is 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.

REVIEW:

This book first caught my attention after hearing rave reviews of the recent movie staring Black Panther villain Micheal B. Jordon, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. Knowing that I normally prefer the book compared to the movie, I decided to check it out at the local library and see what it was about.

The first page hooked me, the second chapter made me cry and every page/story/character/situation in the book had meaning and significance. This non-fiction account of Bryan Stevenson's journey is told in an effort to bringing mercy and justice to a system that was arguably created without it. Throughout the book, my past opinions were challenged by empathy for those involved in each account the book told.

The set up of the book weaves Bryan's continuous story with that of a death penalty case of Walter McMillian, but as you go from chapter to chapter other stories of injustice are told to highlight the vast impact of the prison system, the challenge created through the courts and how vulnerable individuals are often not given the representation they require.

Bryan's efforts will break your heart at the challenges that he, his team and those seeking to make the world a better place will face. But hope, and mercy, and the pursuit of justice inspire.

**This book does include language and acts of abuse. Please consult with a trusted adult if you have questions or need to process this book.**

Just Mercy, adapted for young adults is now available: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mercy-Adapted-Young-Adults/dp/0525580034

Review by: Katherine Miller