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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
This was a tough read, not because it was poorly written, but because of the content itself. I was living in Tennessee at the time Cyntoia was granted clemency by our then governor, Bill Haslam, and I was aware of the case, though I’m not sure what brought my attention to it? Perhaps because I was living in her hometown, the news outlets reported on it? I genuinely have no idea. I know it became big with celebrities sharing her case on social media, but I don’t really follow celebrities on social media. Regardless, I just could not imagine living a life like this. On one hand, I said to myself more than once that I wish I had half the guts Cyntoia has to call people out, but on the other, those guts got her into troubling situations over and over again.
I really apppreciated her candor regarding her circumstances. She didn’t shy away from owning up to her behavior. It was not an easy road to rehabilitation, and she was honest about every set back.
I’d love to read a second memoir, a few years from now, about her life in the free world and how she has helped other girls who are in, or are leading themselves to, her former situation.
TW: Rape, abuse, grooming, sexual abuse
•••••
Cyntoia Brown was sentenced to life in prison for a murder she committed at the age of sixteen. In 2017, her story gained traction nationally when celebrities made the hashtag #FreeCyntoia. After serving fifteen years, Cyntoia was granted clemency August 7, 2019.
•••••
This book was so sad. As a teacher, it made my stomach hurt to have multiple examples of the school to prison pipeline. Kids deserve so much better, yet they continue to fall through the cracks. How you feel about this book will depend on what you thought of the case overall. I did get frustrated with decisions she made, but I kept reminding myself of her age at the time. I actually got chills reading about her relationship with Garion because I had a childhood friend who was in a similar situation. Cyntoia’s story gave me a glimpse of hope in true rehabilitation. A lot of stories I’ve read these individuals don’t have the opportunity to grow or change because they are in prison fighting for their life. Cyntoia took responsibility, held herself accountable and did the work. & I know there will be many who will continue to say she was “fast” or “hot in the ass,” but that still shouldn’t attract a grown man. Gross.
•••••
Cyntoia Brown was sentenced to life in prison for a murder she committed at the age of sixteen. In 2017, her story gained traction nationally when celebrities made the hashtag #FreeCyntoia. After serving fifteen years, Cyntoia was granted clemency August 7, 2019.
•••••
This book was so sad. As a teacher, it made my stomach hurt to have multiple examples of the school to prison pipeline. Kids deserve so much better, yet they continue to fall through the cracks. How you feel about this book will depend on what you thought of the case overall. I did get frustrated with decisions she made, but I kept reminding myself of her age at the time. I actually got chills reading about her relationship with Garion because I had a childhood friend who was in a similar situation. Cyntoia’s story gave me a glimpse of hope in true rehabilitation. A lot of stories I’ve read these individuals don’t have the opportunity to grow or change because they are in prison fighting for their life. Cyntoia took responsibility, held herself accountable and did the work. & I know there will be many who will continue to say she was “fast” or “hot in the ass,” but that still shouldn’t attract a grown man. Gross.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Faith in the middle of hopelessness
Cyntoias story was heartbreaking in that even with a loving mom, girls can still develop low self esteem that leaves them vulnerable to people who prey on the weak. It’s also a reminder that words can hurt and lead to self fulfilling prophecies, especially on young impressionable minds. Our prison system in America needs a swift over haul in so many aspects. But I am so glad to see how faith like a mustard seed can be planted, flourish and grow. Her story is one of rehabilitation, courage, transformation, triumph, love and faith. A must read.
Cyntoias story was heartbreaking in that even with a loving mom, girls can still develop low self esteem that leaves them vulnerable to people who prey on the weak. It’s also a reminder that words can hurt and lead to self fulfilling prophecies, especially on young impressionable minds. Our prison system in America needs a swift over haul in so many aspects. But I am so glad to see how faith like a mustard seed can be planted, flourish and grow. Her story is one of rehabilitation, courage, transformation, triumph, love and faith. A must read.
Phenomenal, challenging, beautiful story of Cyntoia Brown-Long...my very same age, grew up in the same city but lived a very different life from me for many years. Now a sister in Christ, a living testimony, and a bomb-ass truth teller, liberator, and voice for Jesus. Cyntoia’s story will break your heart, open your eyes up, and lead you to hope even in the impossible. Thank you for sharing your story with the world sister! May God continue to be glorified!!
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I first learned about Cyntoia Brown (as she was known then) when celebrities started sharing her story and documentary on social media. When she was released from prison, I celebrated with her and her family. And when she published her memoir, I knew I had to read it. (Thanks to the Fort Worth Public Library for the digital borrow.)
Going in, I thought that I would learn about what a difficult childhood Cyntoia had, how she came from a broken home with no stability or parental support. Serves me right for making assumptions and applying stereotypes! That is not what I learned as I read her story. In my opinion, she had a good foundation but made some poor, and ultimately detrimental, life choices. During the first third of her autobiography, I was so frustrated with and mad at her. By the middle of the book, my heart began to soften, and by the end of the book I was absolutely enamored by the transformation she had made. Essentially, just as I changed my mindset in reading her book, she changed hers over the course of nearly two decades.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Cyntoia Brown-Long (as she is now known). I appreciated the journey she took me on as a reader, and I am grateful for her being vulnerable and sharing her story in this way. It is not a pretty one, but it is a beautiful illustration of God's grace and mercy.
Recommendation: This is an interesting true account of a young life, and how our criminal system impacted it. It is non-fiction but definitely a read for mature audiences. Even if you are not a Believer, I think you can appreciate the maturity and personal growth written about in this book.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I first learned about Cyntoia Brown (as she was known then) when celebrities started sharing her story and documentary on social media. When she was released from prison, I celebrated with her and her family. And when she published her memoir, I knew I had to read it. (Thanks to the Fort Worth Public Library for the digital borrow.)
Going in, I thought that I would learn about what a difficult childhood Cyntoia had, how she came from a broken home with no stability or parental support. Serves me right for making assumptions and applying stereotypes! That is not what I learned as I read her story. In my opinion, she had a good foundation but made some poor, and ultimately detrimental, life choices. During the first third of her autobiography, I was so frustrated with and mad at her. By the middle of the book, my heart began to soften, and by the end of the book I was absolutely enamored by the transformation she had made. Essentially, just as I changed my mindset in reading her book, she changed hers over the course of nearly two decades.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Cyntoia Brown-Long (as she is now known). I appreciated the journey she took me on as a reader, and I am grateful for her being vulnerable and sharing her story in this way. It is not a pretty one, but it is a beautiful illustration of God's grace and mercy.
Recommendation: This is an interesting true account of a young life, and how our criminal system impacted it. It is non-fiction but definitely a read for mature audiences. Even if you are not a Believer, I think you can appreciate the maturity and personal growth written about in this book.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I listened to this book after several days of vacillating back and forth. Did i want to purchase a hard copy or could I be content listening to the author read her journey. I am grateful that Cyntoia and Jamie read her story. It made the tragedy that resulted in transformation resonate all the more with me. It was emotional hearing her describe her journey of needing acceptance.
It's so easy to be sterile and assume that there system doesn't make mistakes. That everyone who has ever been incarcerated deserved it. Cyntoia exemplifies what happens when lawyers, parents, educators etc, don't advocate for a child. instead l Instead they allow them to be shuffled through the systematic imperfect processes that label an individual. There is no room to make allowances for mitigating circumstances. No compassion for those who look differently or have a different perspective of "normal."
This is the truth of a young woman who's intellect and flippant attitude often impeded her ability to communicate what her needs were. She eventually succumbed to the ideology that others knew best. The mother who raised her had no clue her daughter's esteem was on the auction block. The mother who walked away from her didn't check in to ensure that her mistakes weren't repeated. The world of black and white became her world. From her ethnicity to the way she was drug through the system no one saw the grey areas that could have given her an opportunity for the inner freedom she needed to overcome internal and external obstacles. No one that is but God. As she says, He never stopped in His pursuit of me even when I denounced Him to whomever was listening. That knowledge was the key to the release she needed in order to fully appreciate life outside of the walls. I pray she will honor the covenant she made with God and continue to advocate for people worldwide who have no one to speak for them.
It's so easy to be sterile and assume that there system doesn't make mistakes. That everyone who has ever been incarcerated deserved it. Cyntoia exemplifies what happens when lawyers, parents, educators etc, don't advocate for a child. instead l Instead they allow them to be shuffled through the systematic imperfect processes that label an individual. There is no room to make allowances for mitigating circumstances. No compassion for those who look differently or have a different perspective of "normal."
This is the truth of a young woman who's intellect and flippant attitude often impeded her ability to communicate what her needs were. She eventually succumbed to the ideology that others knew best. The mother who raised her had no clue her daughter's esteem was on the auction block. The mother who walked away from her didn't check in to ensure that her mistakes weren't repeated. The world of black and white became her world. From her ethnicity to the way she was drug through the system no one saw the grey areas that could have given her an opportunity for the inner freedom she needed to overcome internal and external obstacles. No one that is but God. As she says, He never stopped in His pursuit of me even when I denounced Him to whomever was listening. That knowledge was the key to the release she needed in order to fully appreciate life outside of the walls. I pray she will honor the covenant she made with God and continue to advocate for people worldwide who have no one to speak for them.
This book was an eye opener. The book mentions the documentary about Cyntoia's story and seeing her at 16 was very impactful. She looked so young.
tragic... an important story that helped broaden the public's understanding of sex trafficking to include not only those kidnapped and physically held captive, but also minors who may appear to be acting voluntarily but are actually vulnerable/without agency and manipulated by men.