I’m Booked: “Just Mercy”
Written by Ally Abruscato. Photo courtesy of EMU News.
There are certain books that change the way you see the world. Its story and message mold you and stay in your mind far after you finish the last page. For me, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson was one of those books.
Bryan Stevenson is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a non-profit organization dedicated to the representation of wrongfully incarcerated people. In “Just Mercy,” Stevenson discusses how and why he started the organization. By telling intimate and authentic stories of the people he represented, Stevenson shows the cruelties of the American criminal justice system. From the unfairness of the death penalty to the unequal treatment of people of color, the system’s flaws are put on full display.
The stories in “Just Mercy” are often heartbreaking, leaving you questioning how a system could be so corrupt and hurt so many. The book highlights the inequities in the United States and the racism that many people are forced to face every day. If you have yet to read the book, you might have already seen the movie, starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. While both mediums are highly impactful and moving, the book offers more insight and historical background.
I highly recommend everyone read “Just Mercy” to further understand the need for reform in the United States. Stevenson is an inspiring leader and a wonderful writer. I have not stopped thinking about this book since I read it a few years ago. One of my favorite quotes from it is, “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.”
“Just Mercy” is full of intense but true stories that need to be heard and discussed. I cannot give it enough praise. I’ll be back soon with another review, but until then, I’m Booked.
As Editor-in-Chief, Ally Abruscato leads and supports a talented group of staff and contributors in pursuing their creative endeavors. At SCAD, Ally majors in Photography and minors in Advertising & Branding. She regularly offers pop culture insights through movie reviews, articles and her weekly column, “I’m Booked.” When she’s not writing or taking photos, Ally’s probably outside, reading or running.
