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95 reviews for:
Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System
Cyntoia Brown-Long
4.25 AVERAGE
95 reviews for:
Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System
Cyntoia Brown-Long
4.25 AVERAGE
There was a time on social media you could not open and not see a Cyntoia Brown headline. Her story is hard, sex trafficked at 16 by a pimp, murdered someone that picked her up for sex, then given a life sentence even though she was a juvenile. After failed appeals the only way Brown would have freedom again was to be granted clemency by the governor, which is a rare occurrence. This case caught national attention and celebrities pushed for the governor to grant her clemency.
In this book Cyntoia describes her childhood which she learned her mother was not her real mother. She had been given away by her real mother Gina. Gina was unable to care for a child. She often found herself in trouble and wanting to be apart of the bad crowd which led her down the path to terrible decisions.
With such a heavy story I was expecting more from the book. There are details left out of certain events. The descriptions of events didn’t seem authentic. I think the book was released too soon because the story wanted to be told. I think time would have been better on this one.
*not to discredit the situation that Cyntoia was in. Her story was devastating and the justice system failed her many times for her case. The book was just not what I was expecting
In this book Cyntoia describes her childhood which she learned her mother was not her real mother. She had been given away by her real mother Gina. Gina was unable to care for a child. She often found herself in trouble and wanting to be apart of the bad crowd which led her down the path to terrible decisions.
With such a heavy story I was expecting more from the book. There are details left out of certain events. The descriptions of events didn’t seem authentic. I think the book was released too soon because the story wanted to be told. I think time would have been better on this one.
*not to discredit the situation that Cyntoia was in. Her story was devastating and the justice system failed her many times for her case. The book was just not what I was expecting
This book was only okay. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. But all in all, I’m glad I picked it up.
I was not sure what to expect with this book. I started out reading it. Switched to the audiobook. It felt honest. There's a lot of religion and faith in it. It is her story as she sees it. It made her more human than a headline.
A powerful story of redemption and the dangers of our juvenile and adult justice system. This book made me take a hard look at myself and my own forgiveness towards
People who have wronged me or those I have wronged. Cyntoia showed and amazing amount of perseverance and resilience when it seemed all was lost.
I hope her story changes the narrative in sentencing, especially juveniles. And particularly crimes committed by trafficked minors.
What I appreciated most about her story is she never denied or made excuses. She owned up, wrestled
and bravely moved forward.
Highly suggested for book club reading.
People who have wronged me or those I have wronged. Cyntoia showed and amazing amount of perseverance and resilience when it seemed all was lost.
I hope her story changes the narrative in sentencing, especially juveniles. And particularly crimes committed by trafficked minors.
What I appreciated most about her story is she never denied or made excuses. She owned up, wrestled
and bravely moved forward.
Highly suggested for book club reading.
"Until this point, I've been captive to so many unfulfilling roles- outcast Cyntoia, delinquent Cyntoia, convict Cyntoia, heathen Cyntoia. Now I am exactly who and what the Lord called me to be: free Cyntoia."
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CW: sexual violence
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This is the gut-wrenching, anger-inducing, and truly inspiring memoir of Cyntoia Brown-Long who was sentenced to life in prison at 16 years old for murdering a man who had picked her up for sex, a child! Leading up to that day we are privvy to Cyntoia's memories of her childhood, her rebellion, her time in different institutions, her repeated sexual abuse at the hands of her boyfriend Kut and his friends. The writing is very fast paced and her story is one of incredible resilience in the face of every adversity. During the trial we see how broken the system is that locks up a child for life while not taking into account her life thus far. This book is a big indictment of the legal system in the US, and the prison system as well.
~~~
The transformation of Cyntoia's heart and soul while in prison was such an interesting part of the story. The journey of finding her faith and the love of her life was a very moving chapter in an otherwise heartbreaking story. All I know is I am incredibly excited to see what Cyntoia does next because she is someone special.
~~~
CW: sexual violence
~~~
This is the gut-wrenching, anger-inducing, and truly inspiring memoir of Cyntoia Brown-Long who was sentenced to life in prison at 16 years old for murdering a man who had picked her up for sex, a child! Leading up to that day we are privvy to Cyntoia's memories of her childhood, her rebellion, her time in different institutions, her repeated sexual abuse at the hands of her boyfriend Kut and his friends. The writing is very fast paced and her story is one of incredible resilience in the face of every adversity. During the trial we see how broken the system is that locks up a child for life while not taking into account her life thus far. This book is a big indictment of the legal system in the US, and the prison system as well.
~~~
The transformation of Cyntoia's heart and soul while in prison was such an interesting part of the story. The journey of finding her faith and the love of her life was a very moving chapter in an otherwise heartbreaking story. All I know is I am incredibly excited to see what Cyntoia does next because she is someone special.