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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 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.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
There is something to be gained from the good and bad of our life stories. Peaks and valleys define our journey and Cyntoia Brown-Long's story is no different. For me, reading her memoir was like witnessing a transformation of a lost girl into a woman on a mission to reform to judicial system's treatment of minor girls beginning with her experience. I admire Brown-Long's writing because she never comes across as self righteous or smug. She recalled her ordeal as being sexually trafficked with clarity and unabashed honesty.
There are some takeaways that I think are important for understanding her story and the concept of human trafficking in general. For one, most of the time when one hears about sex trafficking there's a smuggling or kidnapping aspect presented. That is not always the case as Brown-Long's story shows that she thought she was in love and this was a way to prove her worth to her "boyfriend". This is a moment where if one is honest they may ask how do I define my value? Is it by accomplishments, approval of other people, career, perceived wealth or lack thereof? For children, are they valued more if they fit a certain description such as being the child of someone society deems worthy of respect? What about in a school setting where a child does not conform to standards? At what point does it become obvious that punishment isn't solving the problem and a new approach is needed? It's easy to point fingers and play the blame game as a reader, but it's not productive so...
I won't call this a criticism but I thought it was questionable how Jaime (her husband) was presented as the catalyst to her acceptance of God. I'm always a little leery of placing that kind of responsibility on a person. It just seems a little too much a fairy tale ending, maybe the word I'm looking for is saccharine.I also realize that people come into our lives to serve a purpose so maybe I'm being a little harsh. I'm thrilled that Cyntoia Brown-Long is free, happy, and is making moves to reform the judicial system. Her story is not for the faint of heart and I do think it's an example of something that man meant for evil that God meant for good. Trusting in His timing is key and that is a lesson that never gets old.
Passages I think are important:
"God, I said, back in my cell, curled up in my yellow jumpsuit, if you let me out of here, I'll tell the whole world about you" (xvii)
"More than anything, I wanted to belong. I wanted to sit down a group of friends and feel like I was accepted for who I was, that I didn't have to try to fit in. But it didn't happen. I felt awkward and alone" (5).
"Maybe their opinions don't count. But what about mine? I wasn't ready to accept that I didn't have to prove my value. After all, I was the one who had screwed up every opportunity that was ever handed to me. I'm the one who walked away from Mommy, who let men tell me how much I was worth. I'm the one who killed somebody, who got myself condemned to life. There had to be more, and I had to show myself. I dreamed of getting into Lipscomb, acing my classes, and proving to everyone how smart I was. Once I got that diploma, everyone would see I was worth more than my life sentence let on. I wouldn't let myself be thrown away. I would make something of myself, whether anyone believed I could or not" (167).
"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" (297).
There are some takeaways that I think are important for understanding her story and the concept of human trafficking in general. For one, most of the time when one hears about sex trafficking there's a smuggling or kidnapping aspect presented. That is not always the case as Brown-Long's story shows that she thought she was in love and this was a way to prove her worth to her "boyfriend". This is a moment where if one is honest they may ask how do I define my value? Is it by accomplishments, approval of other people, career, perceived wealth or lack thereof? For children, are they valued more if they fit a certain description such as being the child of someone society deems worthy of respect? What about in a school setting where a child does not conform to standards? At what point does it become obvious that punishment isn't solving the problem and a new approach is needed? It's easy to point fingers and play the blame game as a reader, but it's not productive so...
I won't call this a criticism but I thought it was questionable how Jaime (her husband) was presented as the catalyst to her acceptance of God. I'm always a little leery of placing that kind of responsibility on a person. It just seems a little too much a fairy tale ending, maybe the word I'm looking for is saccharine.I also realize that people come into our lives to serve a purpose so maybe I'm being a little harsh. I'm thrilled that Cyntoia Brown-Long is free, happy, and is making moves to reform the judicial system. Her story is not for the faint of heart and I do think it's an example of something that man meant for evil that God meant for good. Trusting in His timing is key and that is a lesson that never gets old.
Passages I think are important:
"God, I said, back in my cell, curled up in my yellow jumpsuit, if you let me out of here, I'll tell the whole world about you" (xvii)
"More than anything, I wanted to belong. I wanted to sit down a group of friends and feel like I was accepted for who I was, that I didn't have to try to fit in. But it didn't happen. I felt awkward and alone" (5).
"Maybe their opinions don't count. But what about mine? I wasn't ready to accept that I didn't have to prove my value. After all, I was the one who had screwed up every opportunity that was ever handed to me. I'm the one who walked away from Mommy, who let men tell me how much I was worth. I'm the one who killed somebody, who got myself condemned to life. There had to be more, and I had to show myself. I dreamed of getting into Lipscomb, acing my classes, and proving to everyone how smart I was. Once I got that diploma, everyone would see I was worth more than my life sentence let on. I wouldn't let myself be thrown away. I would make something of myself, whether anyone believed I could or not" (167).
"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" (297).
It is hard to review memoirs or autobiographies. However, this book was so good. Cyntoia's story was captivating and tragic and eventually uplifting. I'm so glad I was able to hear her story from her (and in her own voice via audiobook).
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
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
I learned so much from this book. I read it because I love memoirs and reading about the injustices of the American prison system, but what I took away from it was far more than I expected.
What will really stick with me is Cyntoia’s message about forgiveness:
“Forgiveness doesn’t mean someone needs to be part of your life. Forgiveness doesn’t mean welcoming someone in with open arms, regardless of the fact that they continue to hurt you... But now I’m no longer defined by anger. I choose to walk in God’s Grace and let go.”
My personally relationship with God and religion is complicated. However, I never felt uncomfortable reading his book regardless of how pivotal God’s role in Cyntoia’s life became.
Cyntoia was done wrong by the American prison system. That much is obvious. However, her story is so much more than that. Her story is about change and redemption. Rehabilitation and forgiveness. How much she was able to change her life and find peace and salvation within the walls of Tennessee Prison for Women is astonishing and incredibly admirable.
What will really stick with me is Cyntoia’s message about forgiveness:
“Forgiveness doesn’t mean someone needs to be part of your life. Forgiveness doesn’t mean welcoming someone in with open arms, regardless of the fact that they continue to hurt you... But now I’m no longer defined by anger. I choose to walk in God’s Grace and let go.”
My personally relationship with God and religion is complicated. However, I never felt uncomfortable reading his book regardless of how pivotal God’s role in Cyntoia’s life became.
Cyntoia was done wrong by the American prison system. That much is obvious. However, her story is so much more than that. Her story is about change and redemption. Rehabilitation and forgiveness. How much she was able to change her life and find peace and salvation within the walls of Tennessee Prison for Women is astonishing and incredibly admirable.
I liked it so much! But I really, really struggled with the enormous emphasis on religion at the end. A personal issue, not a reflection of the book.
challenging
emotional
reflective
I don’t really like leaving reviews on memoirs, biographies or autobiographies because I feel like I’m judging someone’s life. Lol.
This was a very informative, realistic, straightforward, honest, read. I’m glad I read this because Cyntoia’s actual story is quite different from the one celebrated by the media.
This was a very informative, realistic, straightforward, honest, read. I’m glad I read this because Cyntoia’s actual story is quite different from the one celebrated by the media.