A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom by Brittany K. Barnett

:

A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom by Brittany K. Barnett

Author: Brittany K. Barnett

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE FINALIST • NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE • A “powerful and devastating” (The Washington Post) call to free those buried alive by America’s legal system, and an inspiring true story about unwavering belief in humanity—from a gifted young lawyer and important new voice in the movement to transform the system.

“An essential book for our time . . . Brittany K. Barnett is a star.”—Van Jones, CEO of REFORM Alliance, CNN Host, and New York Times bestselling author

Brittany K. Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her life forever—that of Sharanda Jones, single mother, business owner, and, like Brittany, Black daughter of the rural South. A victim of America’s devastating war on drugs, Sharanda had been torn away from her young daughter and was serving a life sentence without parole—for a first-time drug offense. In Sharanda, Brittany saw haunting echoes of her own life, as the daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother. As she studied this case, a system came into focus in which widespread racial injustice forms the core of America’s addiction to incarceration. Moved by Sharanda’s plight, Brittany set to work to gain her freedom.

This had never been the plan. Bright and ambitious, Brittany was a successful accountant on her way to a high-powered future in corporate law. But Sharanda’s case opened the door to a harrowing journey through the criminal justice system. By day she moved billion-dollar deals, and by night she worked pro bono to free clients in near hopeless legal battles. Ultimately, her path transformed her understanding of injustice in the courts, of genius languishing behind bars, and the very definition of freedom itself.

Brittany’s riveting memoir is at once a coming-of-age story and a powerful evocation of what it takes to bring hope and justice to a system built to resist them both.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KIRKUS REVIEWS

[highlight color=”green”]Goodreads users review :[/highlight]

I can’t recommend this book enough. The timing of this book being released soon is a blessing. Brittany Barnett is a wonderful storyteller as she describes her work to assist Sharonda Jones in getting clemency which Barack Obama granted her. It explores the complex work of the criminal justice system and the infamous war on drugs. I really can’t give this book enough praise. I will definitely be buying a copy when it is published. Caroline David                                                                                         rated it: 5.0 from 5.0

Wow! This book is amazing and should be a must read. Brittany really explained sentencing requirements and enhancements- things I never truly understood in the past. This book explains the oppression and unfair practices so clearly, that even the most entitled and privileged person should hopefully be able to recognize the disparities. Such a powerful book with a call to action. Jessica (BlogEared Books)                                                                        rated it: 5.0 from 5.0