Just Mercy a story of justice and redemption By Bryan Stevenson & So You Want to Talk About Race By Ijeoma Oluo 2 Books Collection Set

A cogent argument against the death penalty and an inspiring account of a meaningful career, I was genuinely moved by the empathy in this book and I am still marvelling at how one could engage as a civil rights attorney and not become a furious, embittered, cynical mess.
Despite the cruelty inflicted on the children and minorities held in prison by specious reasoning or vindictive revenge, despite the obstinate and flawed system that they fight against, despite the incredulity one cannot help but feel for those who are executed and innocent, I felt my outrage at the injustice counterbalanced by the kindness of the author. I was left with a surprisingly hopeful aftertaste.
Much of the information was not new to me, or to anyone interested in juvenile justice or popular false-accusation cases. I would recommend this book as a good introduction to criminal injustice issues, as it is clear, level-headed and easy to read. There is a nice mix of anecdote and fact, personal and objective.
He discusses mostly cases where the victims were innocent of either intention or the actual deed, which makes it palatable for those moral outrage types. However, the beautiful title and underlying context allows for broader forgiveness.
Occasionally, it gets a little too emotional and saccharine for my taste, such as the poor old lady who is afraid of dogs but insists on attending William's trial. Vivid, but I prefer more matter-of-fact writing. How he can expend so much kindness and not have some rage is also beyond me. He is a new Thurgood Marshall

Bryan is a tireless force for justice and mercy in our world. He is truly inspirational. This story is often so saddening to hear how people's prejudices and desire for blood/vengeance/closure blinds them to the fact that they are victimizing innocent people. And it's frustrating to see how the justice system is built to maintain status quo and makes it very hard to get review of wrongful convictions. Bryan's Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) organization that he built is doing so much good and has gotten justice for hundreds of wrongfully convicted people. Additionally, he has helped reshape the criminal justice system to be merciful toward young people accused of crimes instead of cruel (sentencing them to die in prison at a young age). Science backs up the notion that youths are not the same as adults in their judgment and deserve different treatment. Fortunately, the system is coming around to this way of thinking. This book inspires me to work toward justice and compassion and mercy for those in my own community who have been denied it. It shows that even those jailed are still people and deserve mercy and second chances and don't deserve cruelty.