Picking Cotton

Picking Cotton
Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton
320 pgs
St.Martins Griffin
Audio-Book
BCC












Amazon Blurb-

Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape, and eventually positively identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken-- but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After eleven years, Ronald was allowed to take a DNA test that proved his innocence. He was released, after serving more than a decade in prison for a crime he never committed. Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face-- and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives.

In their own words, Jennifer and Ronald unfold the harrowing details of their tragedy, and challenge our ideas of memory and judgment while demonstrating the profound nature of human grace and the healing power of forgiveness.

*****

This was my book club book for April, and to be honest, I didn't want to read it at first.  I'm not that into true stories.  Well, I was very pleasantly surprised.  This was just a fantastic book!  Jennifer's rape was just heart wrenching.  The fear was so palatable.  I just couldn't imagine what I'd do in the same situation.  What really struck me though was Ronald.  This poor man spent eleven years of his life in a cell for something he did not do.  The peace he embraced even knowing he may never get out is truly humbling.  It goes to show how some people are just filled with grace.

As you progress through the years and see all the struggles of trying to get a new trial and getting all the evidence in, the anger I felt at how unfair the courts can sometimes be!  Then you have Jennifer angry that the man she thinks inflicted this violent act on her is just trying to get out.  The emotions were amazing.  I highly recommend this book, it is certainly a wonderful read.  Though I did it on audio, which to be honest, I don't really like.  Reading is much better for me :)

4 cannolis