Lisa S. (dimendog) reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This incredible story of human errors and forgiveness did my heart good. It made me think about things that aren't necessarily pleasant to think about, how line-ups can be tweaked so you pick the suspect the law wants you to pick. A woman is brutally raped and subsequently identifies the wrong man, who is convicted and sent to jail for a long time. We hear the story from both points of view, and I felt deeply for both of them.
Would highly recommend this book!
Would highly recommend this book!
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 753 more book reviews
Thank you to a blogger who recently reviewed this book, I am sorry I can't remember where I found it. A great read about a young woman who was burglarized and raped in the middle of the night in her college apartment. She went on to identify her attacker who was sentenced to life in prison. After 11 years, a simple DNA test set him free. Now the victim and accuser are friends, yep, crazy - but this makes the book a great read - to find out how it all happens.
When I read the review on the other blog, I was drawn in by the story because it is such a heinous crime, but the ending is very positive. Then I found out where this crime took place - my alma mater Elon University. I couldn't believe that I had never heard this story and I bumped the book to the top of my list.
Written from both of the perspectives of the victim - Jennifer and the accused - Ronald, this book overlaps with their viewpoints which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed being in the courtroom in Jennifer's shoes and hearing the verdict and then going back in time through the trial again in Ronald's shoes.
I would recommend this book to all of my readers who love non-fiction and especially those who may have a connection to North Carolina or Elon.
When I read the review on the other blog, I was drawn in by the story because it is such a heinous crime, but the ending is very positive. Then I found out where this crime took place - my alma mater Elon University. I couldn't believe that I had never heard this story and I bumped the book to the top of my list.
Written from both of the perspectives of the victim - Jennifer and the accused - Ronald, this book overlaps with their viewpoints which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed being in the courtroom in Jennifer's shoes and hearing the verdict and then going back in time through the trial again in Ronald's shoes.
I would recommend this book to all of my readers who love non-fiction and especially those who may have a connection to North Carolina or Elon.
Kim H. (princessj) reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 12 more book reviews
What a great book! Completely heartbreaking real life story. But from the very beginning it keeps you captivated as you want to know how the beginning relates to the end, and what brought both people there. Well written!
Julie N. (jules1981) reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 34 more book reviews
This is a great true story of forgiveness.
Great book and one that I'll remember for a long, long time.
