Book Review: 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson

✰✰✰½ Decades ago Bryan Stevenson was a law student who really didn't have any idea of what he wanted to do. Fate intervened, and Stevenson ended up in an internship that sent his to tell a prisoner that he wasn't going to dies within the next year. That encounter became the catalyst for what would become Stevenson's life's work, helping individuals on death row.

A few years later, Stevenson met Walter “Johnny D.” McMillian on Alabama’s death row. McMillian, an African American, had been found guilty of murdering a young white woman, Ronda Morrison, even though he had a solid alibi for the time of the murder. As Stevenson learned more about McMillian’s case, there were just too many red flags. This book takes a look at the issues surrounding McMillian’s conviction and eventual release. Stevenson also includes stories about other cases that are equally troubling as well as information about the work of the Equal Justice Initiative.

The Bottom Line: This prize winning book is sure to provoke serious discussion about capital punishment. Throughout the book Stevenson asks thoughtful questions as he tells the stories of several incarcerated individuals. Highly recommended for colleges and individuals interested in death penalty and social justice issues.

Book Club Notes: On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the book averaged 3.67 stars. Several in our group were not able to finish the book, but the parts they finished provoked strong emotions. This book could have almost been two books: one about McMillian’s case and the other about social justice issues.

The movie, on the other hand, averaged 5 stars. Our group was in agreement that the movie was excellent. It portrayed the essence of Stevenson’s message without getting bogged down with details like the book.

On a final note, it troubled us that the murder of Ronda Morrison remains unsolved. We longed for more information about Morrison, but there was little in the book.

Recommended for thought-provoking discussions in criminal justice classes, church groups, and others concerned with social justice. This is a challenging, but timely, topic.

Discussion guides are plentiful. Here are links to several different ones: Equal Justice Initiative, Teach With Movies, Beaverton Library, Mount Prospect Library, Define American, Freshman Year Reading Guide from Random House, Georgetown Public Library, Catholic Mobilizing Network, and St. Mary Immaculate Parish. Finally, you can supplement your discussion with the interview on 60 Minutes. 

Details: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. Paperback published in 2015. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-8129-8429-8496-5 

Book Review: 'Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life' by Judy Kane

✰✰✰½  If you have recently found yourself struggling in life and experiencing stress, this just might be the book for you. Everyone has the power to change their lives, and it starts with identifying the four basic beliefs that can impact you. These subconscious beliefs have been ingrained into our lives since childhood and may be the root of our limitations. By changing these beliefs, anyone can move forward and make the decisions you want rather than decisions based on reactions to fear or self-doubt. 

The Bottom Line: While this is not a how-to book for the layperson new to the theories of PSYCH-K, it does get one thinking about what is troubling you. By learning about the four beliefs and reading about real-life examples of how changing your internal beliefs can help people live their best lives, you can begin to identify which subconscious thoughts are blocking you. Recommended for the individual who is curious about PSYCH-K. Also, recommended for those familiar with the concepts already. The ideas introduced in this slim book are intriguing.

Details: Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life by Judy Kane. Published by Highlander Press in 2021. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-7372638-1-4 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. 

Book Review: 'Seabiscuit: An American Legend' by Laura Hillenbrand

✰✰✰✰½ The story of the little horse that could rode into the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression era and never really left. Overcoming numerous physical challenges and racing setbacks, Seabiscuit triumphed over much larger horses to become a cultural icon. But had it not been for the combined efforts of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard, Seabiscuit may never have found his way out of the claiming races. Together the three men and Howard's wife, Marcela Zabala, did everything they could to bring out the best in Seabiscuit. The horse went from an angry, overlooked animal to an admired treasure that was the envy of the horse racing world. The book itself is an epic tale of determination, luck, and inspiration that will keep you turning the pages. 

The Bottom Line: Bestselling author, Laura Hillenbrand, tackled the story behind the most famous racehorse in American history and what made him so special. There's something for everyone in this inspiring tale. Highly recommended for fans of sports, horses, biographies, and underdog stories.

Book Club Notes: While the book was difficult for some to get into, it was riveting for others. Ironically, while several members expressed that the book was too long, the movie, on the other hand, did not go into enough depth. Our group shared an inspirational and spirited hour on Zoom discussing this one. We rated the book an average of 4.5, and the movie received 4 on a scale of 1 - 5. Discussion questions are plentiful online for groups looking to delve into this book. Highly recommended for book clubs, colleges, and other groups interested in both the horse and the personalities behind the making of Seabiscuit. 

Details: Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. Paperback published by Ballantine Books in 2001. 399 p. ISBN: 978-0449005613 

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year to all my readers! I hope everyone has an AMAZING year filled with lots of great books to read and new adventures to be found. Be well & carry on! 

Note: The free clip art is courtesy of  Clipart World. Thank you!