About this title: What happened in this book will change what you think of the criminal justice system in this country. Each of [the authors] tells an extraordinary story about crime . . . but it's their shared spiritual journey toward reconciliation and forgiveness that is even more compelling and profound.--Barry C. Scheck.
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Binding: Paperback
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9781615234561ISBN:161523456X
Description: Very Good. Book is in excellent clean condition. Cover may have some minor wear. All pages are clean. Your satisfaction is guaranteed! read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date Published: 2009-03-03
ISBN-13:9780312376536ISBN:0312376537
Description: New. This is a paperback ARC with same cover and publisher stickers. This book is the same isbn, but is a paperback. New, unread, unused & in perfect condition with no damaged or missing pages. Great Copy. Ships Lightning Fast. read more
Binding: Audio CD
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9781400161522ISBN:1400161525
Description: New. Brand New! Buy with confidence-your satisfaction is guaranteed at B-Logistics! Due to the large scale of our operation, we do not have access to the specific contents/condition of our items. Please note that Expedited shipping is not available at this time. read more
Binding: Spoken Word MP3-CD
Publisher: Tantor Media Inc
Date Published: 2009-03-03
ISBN-13:9781400161522ISBN:1400161525
Description: NEW. Spoken Word MP3-CD. From an inventory that is 100% brand-new, 100% direct from the publishers' distribution channel. We carry NO pre-owned, NO remaindered. We pack in CARDBOARD to ensure the pristine quality is maintained. (Bubble-wrap alone is NOT sufficient to protect from USPS equipment. ) Guaranteed brand-NEW, protected with CARDBOARD, your satisfaction is guaranteed. BKLUVID: 9781400161522. read more
"The first half of the book seems to plod along with stories from both Jennifer and Joseph. Since they shared their stories with a third party writer, the writing about each of their lives has the same tambre unfortunately. It's not convincing to read a non-fiction book where both characters dialogue sounds like they graduated with the same education and both lived in the same neighborhood when we know that Jennifer came from affluence and Joseph came from disadvantage. The second half of the book is well worth the read because they interact, and their relationship is quite touching. In the second half of the book I learned about the evolution of the DNA test and how deputies can often put pressure on women to identify the victum, thus blinding their judgement."
"Picking Cotton is based from a fantastic, eye-opening true story. It is definitely worth reading just for Jennifer and Ron's stories and the many areas it sheds light on. (Such as the reality of legal proceedings, convictions, life in prison, racism, forgiveness, friendship, etc.)
My only complaint is that I really wish the book would have delved more into Ron and Jennifer's friendship and the aspect of forgiveness. That was really what appealed to me the most before reading 'Picking Cotton.' Additionally, I feel the story could have made more impact if it was better-written. (If the narratives were put together in a way to emphasize particular situations or feelings.)"
"I'm fascinated by redemption, forgiveness, and the power of being 'strong at the broken places,' so Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton with Erin Torneo had me at hello, but it was the complicated shape-shifting of relationships in this story that burned this book into me.
Picking Cotton made me need to be a better person; just reading it allowed me a glimpse into hope.
Jennifer Thompson woke up to a man in her apartment; he raped her at knifepoint. She identified Ronald Thompson as her attacker, suffered great trauma, and though she eventually moved on, the attack on her body left a wide swath of emotional scar tissue. However, Jennifer used the legal system as her way to fight back.
Lesson one: One doesn't really recover from rape; one reconfigures themselves.
Ronald Thompson swore his innocence as surely as Jennifer Thompson testified to his guilt. At times, his lock-up seemed what allowed Jennifer to walk through the world. But after eleven years, DNA proved Ronald an innocent man. The amazing thing is that he walked out, not only an innocent man, but also a strong one.
Lesson two: There are miraculous stores of strength inside us.
Ronald's innocence stunned Jennifer (the real rapist was found) and tested her courage in an entirely different manner than had the rape. Despite her profound guilt at knowing she'd wrongfully identified her rapist, and taken eleven years, family, love, work, and all else from this man, she found the guts to meet with him. And despite eleven grinding wasted years in jail, time served for a crime he'd never committed, he found the valor to say yes, seeking closure and offering forgiveness.
Jennifer and Ronald eventually went on to work together for judicial reform. They speak out together, addressing the issues that kept Ronald in jail. More amazing, they became true friends.
I closed this book sorry for the ordeal Jennifer and Ronald suffered, but grateful they had the wisdom and grace to offer themselves to us: through this memoir, through speaking out, and through their example of true goodness.
When's the last time you shed tears for someone convicted of violent rape-convicted not once, but twice-and sentenced to two life terms, plus fifty-four years? The next time, probably the first time, will be when you read 'Picking Cotton', by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, with Erin Torneo.
Can you imagine, not only serving eleven years in prison for a crime you didn't commit, but serving (at least a couple of those years) in the same prison with the person you know to have committed the crimes for which you were convicted? Then try to imagine being the person whose positive eyewitness identification sent this innocent person to prison for eleven years. In this story, fact is vastly stranger than fiction could ever be.
Recommendation: Read it soon. This is a very interesting and worthwhile read. It will certainly make you question the value of eyewitness testimony.
See also: 60 Minutes, Eyewitness Testimony, Parts 1 and 2 on YouTube."
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