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rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I had started reading this book as a NetGalley ARC and set it aside because I thought the parents were trying too hard to present their son as a saint. I did not feel Trayvon's life needed sanctification, his death was unjustified regardless of his past.
I purchased a copy of the book after reading The Hate U Give. Ironic that a fictionalized account would lead me back to this nonfiction, but the author of that book highlighted how the media and law enforcement agencies dig through the victims' background to paint a scarier picture.
I am glad I read it. I am still in shock that the killer was set free, but reading about how the prosecutors did not push hard enough it is easy to see why. The killer is a vile man whose actions after the murder make is obvious he is repulsive. Nonetheless, the death of Trayvon Martin in rife with injustice and miscarriages of justice.
Trayvon's parents want his son's legacy to live on and I know he will. I #SayHisName in my classroom, along with other victims of #WalkingWhileBlack and #DrivingWhileBlack . If you want to expand your knowledge of his life, death, and the birth of a movement; read this book and keep him alive in your thoughts, words, and actions.
I purchased a copy of the book after reading The Hate U Give. Ironic that a fictionalized account would lead me back to this nonfiction, but the author of that book highlighted how the media and law enforcement agencies dig through the victims' background to paint a scarier picture.
I am glad I read it. I am still in shock that the killer was set free, but reading about how the prosecutors did not push hard enough it is easy to see why. The killer is a vile man whose actions after the murder make is obvious he is repulsive. Nonetheless, the death of Trayvon Martin in rife with injustice and miscarriages of justice.
Trayvon's parents want his son's legacy to live on and I know he will. I #SayHisName in my classroom, along with other victims of #WalkingWhileBlack and #DrivingWhileBlack . If you want to expand your knowledge of his life, death, and the birth of a movement; read this book and keep him alive in your thoughts, words, and actions.
11corvus11's review against another edition
4.0
I have a lot of issues with the respectability politics in this book, which I assume is why they didn't cover Black Lives Matter, which this case inspired the beginning of. There is a lot of claiming that "nonviolent," legal protest is the only effective kind which is odd since the verdict in this case and a juror calling their protests "riots" anyways shows that white supremacy does not care about respectability. The fact that more time was spent on Obama than it was on BLM- a movement that has fought harder and done more than he has- irked me. Why did I still give it 4 stars? Because this is their story and in some ways I don't believe my opinion about tactics really matters as much as hearing their story in their honest way does. I paid attention to what was going on but this book filled in a whole lot that I missed. I disagree with reviewers who claim it was too long or had too many quotes. I found the quotes fit very well and broke up the memoir-esque writing in engaging ways. I liked the design of the book and how it shifted back and forth between parents. I thought it was honest and well written. I would recommend it to folks interested in a more detailed history of the trial. Just keep in mind that their belief system is one of many and they don't speak for all activists.
heathen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Hard to listen to but necessary information. My heart breaks for Treyvon's parents and loved ones. I feel enraged by the injustice of our criminal punishment system. I have hope for a better future for us all.
bberlanga's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
sducharme's review against another edition
4.0
Even though it hadn't been long, I forgot many of the details about this case and even about its outcome. The story of these two parents - divorced, but very much together in their quest to get justice for the murder of their son - held me all the way through. The writing is spare and clear. It's an emotional topic but the recounting of the events isn't hand-wringing or over the top. Rather, it's straight-forward, factual, and devastating.
proseandpostre's review against another edition
5.0
This book was heart wrenching and eye opening. I clearly remember where I was when I heard the verdict and can pinpoint it as the moment I realized the system didn’t work equally for everyone. This book was akin to standing in the same room as the family of Trayvon, bearing witness to their unfathomable pain. Their consequent work is remarkable and inspiring.
knschemm's review against another edition
5.0
This book broke my heart and inspired me all at once. I appreciate hearing about Trayvon’s entire story beyond what the media shared. I am so disappointed that so little has changed 8 years after his murder. I hope that the recent petitions, protests, and activism of many will bring about new legislation and change. Rest in Power Trayvon, your story has changed me.
mare33's review against another edition
4.0
Unbelievable. That’s all I can say. Unbelievable that this happened. I can’t wrap my head around it and no justice. 💔😡