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sheri_reads's review against another edition
4.0
In OpenSeason Ben Crump uses cases he’s worked to bring awareness to this legalized genocide that is happening to People of Color. And he does not shy away from going into full detail, which was often hard to read. What I love about this book though is that yes, he talks mainly about Black people but he also makes it very clear that for him, People of Color includes Black, brown, Indigenous, Immigrants, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all the communities that have been marginalized for far too long. He gives us ways in which we can continue to move forward this revolution of social justice.
tirill's review against another edition
5.0
I'll start with the disclaimer that I don't really rate non-fiction books, because I feel weird about rating and reviewing facts. So this review will mainly be based on writing and how well it brings its message across. When it comes to the facts and statistics, I have no other qualifications than 1) some of them I've heard before and 2) the rest does (unfortunately) sound like they're right as well. I say unfortunately as it all surrounds rather depressing statistics and facts around racism and oppression.
Now, going into this book I was worried I would end up having to sit with the dictionary open next to me while reading, since the book is written by an attorney and they often use rather complicated language. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The entire book is written using easy to understand language, everything is supported by stories or examples to explain the situation and the tone itself is really engaging. It doesn't feel like I'm reading a non-fiction book, in many way it has the same flow as storytelling, because there are many stories and situations used to tell things, rather than dry facts. Because of this I feel like this will be easy to understand by pretty much everyone, you don't need to know much about the American Legal System going in, it gives you a good introduction to afrocan american history (introduction, I know it's barely touching the surface) and you never get bored.
All the chapters are nicely put together, following one theme each, with some red threads moving among them, before everything is collected in the last chapter, followed by steps to how we can all be a part of bettering what has been going on for way too long.
As well as the last few lines of the books leaving you rather inspired to go out and actually do something:
"Truth is light.
Truth is knowledge.
We must speak truth to power.
America, we rise, we rise, we rise."
Now, going into this book I was worried I would end up having to sit with the dictionary open next to me while reading, since the book is written by an attorney and they often use rather complicated language. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The entire book is written using easy to understand language, everything is supported by stories or examples to explain the situation and the tone itself is really engaging. It doesn't feel like I'm reading a non-fiction book, in many way it has the same flow as storytelling, because there are many stories and situations used to tell things, rather than dry facts. Because of this I feel like this will be easy to understand by pretty much everyone, you don't need to know much about the American Legal System going in, it gives you a good introduction to afrocan american history (introduction, I know it's barely touching the surface) and you never get bored.
All the chapters are nicely put together, following one theme each, with some red threads moving among them, before everything is collected in the last chapter, followed by steps to how we can all be a part of bettering what has been going on for way too long.
As well as the last few lines of the books leaving you rather inspired to go out and actually do something:
"Truth is light.
Truth is knowledge.
We must speak truth to power.
America, we rise, we rise, we rise."
fictionaltiff's review against another edition
5.0
“The Constitution and Bill of Rights provide the backbone of American greatness, but we still have to recognize and root out fundamentally racist beliefs and discriminatory laws that have contaminated and corrupted American greatness from our nation’s birth.”
Ben Crump’s Open Season is a perfect starting point for those who want a better understanding of systemic racism and the specific ways Black people are still experiencing racism in America on a daily basis. Attorney Ben Crump, the attorney who has represented high-profile cases, such as Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, works through explaining the justice system, voter suppression, environmental racism, and more — he breaks down each flaw in our country’s history and present day that we’ve yet to overcome. It’s not only about white people being racist. Our country doesn’t have a strong support system for people of color and there are many remedies to be made that everyone must understand.
I would challenge everyone to read this book and see that it has the power to change your mind on some things or give you a better understanding of the people around you.
Before reading this book I thought I had a decent knowledge of the judicial process and its effects on all people; but having Crump lay it all out for me with specific examples and personal stories, I feel as if he removed some blind spots I was unaware of.
I’m extremely thankful for this book and the way it has changed my point of view.
Ben Crump’s Open Season is a perfect starting point for those who want a better understanding of systemic racism and the specific ways Black people are still experiencing racism in America on a daily basis. Attorney Ben Crump, the attorney who has represented high-profile cases, such as Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, works through explaining the justice system, voter suppression, environmental racism, and more — he breaks down each flaw in our country’s history and present day that we’ve yet to overcome. It’s not only about white people being racist. Our country doesn’t have a strong support system for people of color and there are many remedies to be made that everyone must understand.
I would challenge everyone to read this book and see that it has the power to change your mind on some things or give you a better understanding of the people around you.
Before reading this book I thought I had a decent knowledge of the judicial process and its effects on all people; but having Crump lay it all out for me with specific examples and personal stories, I feel as if he removed some blind spots I was unaware of.
I’m extremely thankful for this book and the way it has changed my point of view.
acrimsondaisy's review against another edition
5.0
Breaks down the way systematic racism in the U - especially its legal system - works in an extremely concise, well-written, and accessible manner. If you're from the USA, this should be required reading for you.
sophiewoz's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
5.0
Really appreciated the legal exploration of institutionalized racism in the United States, as well as a blended defense for why Crump does what he does.
ghost_cat99's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Racism