Are you looking for a good book this National Book Month? National Book Month is a time to celebrate the power of literature and the profound impact it can have on society. As we delve into the wealth of knowledge available, Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform’s staff have chosen eight books that have taught us how to be better advocates of criminal justice reform. Here is our list of the eight influential books that we think provide deep insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and offer pathways toward meaningful reform.
1. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Michelle Alexander’s groundbreaking book sheds light on the racial disparities within the U.S. criminal justice system. Alexander argues, “We have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.” Her work exposes how mass incarceration functions as a racial caste system, disenfranchising millions of African Americans. By understanding the mechanisms of systemic racism she outlines, advocates can better grasp the need for comprehensive reforms that address both legal and societal inequities.
2. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
In this powerful memoir, Bryan Stevenson shares his experiences as a lawyer fighting for the wrongly convicted and marginalized. Stevenson states, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” His narrative highlights the importance of mercy and compassion in the pursuit of justice. Stevenson’s stories of wrongful convictions and systemic bias encourage readers to advocate for a more humane and equitable justice system, emphasizing the importance of legal representation and support for the disenfranchised.
3. Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis
Angela Davis challenges the very necessity of prisons in this thought-provoking book. She writes, “Prisons do not disappear social problems, they disappear human beings.” Davis advocates for abolition and envisions a future where restorative justice replaces punitive measures. Her arguments for the abolition of prisons encourage readers to rethink traditional notions of justice and consider alternatives that focus on rehabilitation and community support.
4. Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform by John F. Pfaff
John Pfaff offers a critical analysis of the factors driving mass incarceration and debunks common myths. Pfaff argues, “The real problem is not crime or drugs but our reliance on prisons as a catchall solution.” His work underscores the need for comprehensive policy changes that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of education. Advocates can use Pfaff’s insights to push for policies that reduce reliance on incarceration and promote preventative measures.
5. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton’s memoir recounts his wrongful conviction and 30 years on death row. Hinton’s resilience is evident when he writes, “The only way to survive is to have hope.” His story is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the urgent need for judicial reform. By sharing Hinton’s experiences, advocates can highlight the flaws in the death penalty system and the importance of fighting for the rights of the wrongly accused.
6. The Meaning of Freedom: And Other Difficult Dialogues by Angela Y. Davis
In this collection of speeches and essays, Angela Davis explores themes of freedom and justice. She emphasizes, “The struggle for freedom is a constant struggle.” Davis’s work is a reminder that the fight for criminal justice reform is ongoing and multifaceted. Her discussions on the intersections of race, gender, and class provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the broader implications of the justice system and inspire continued activism.
7. The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America by Khalil Gibran Muhammad
Khalil Gibran Muhammad traces the historical roots of the racialization of crime in America. He states, “The link between race and crime is not a natural one, but a social construct.” Muhammad’s book provides a historical context for understanding contemporary issues in the criminal justice system. His analysis helps advocates understand how historical biases continue to shape current policies and attitudes toward race and crime.
8. The Prisoner's Wife: A Memoir by Asha Bandele
Asha Bandele’s memoir offers a personal perspective on the impact of incarceration on families. Bandele writes, “Prison is a second sentence for those left behind.” Her story highlights the collateral damage of the prison system on loved ones and communities. By sharing Bandele’s experiences, advocates can underscore the need for policies that support families of incarcerated individuals and address the broader social impacts of imprisonment.
Conclusion
Education is power. Our staff thinks the best way to be a true advocate for change is to be educated! We continue to learn every day what being a true advocate means and we recommend people read these books to better understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and the pathways toward meaningful reform. As we celebrate National Book Month, let’s engage in conversations inspired by these works and advocate for policies that promote fairness, transparency, and justice. By educating ourselves and others, we can become more effective advocates for a more equitable and humane criminal justice system.
