Writing My Wrongs

“[A] harrowing [portrait] of life behind bars . . . Gritty, visceral . . . Senghor writes about the process of atonement and the possibility of redemption, and talks of his efforts to work for prison reforms that might turn a system designed to warehouse into one aimed at rehabilitation.”—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“My first glance at the person on the book’s cover—a dreadlocked, tattooed, heavyset black male—left me skeptical. Full of judgment. Why should I be interested in the story of a murderer? But as [Senghor’s] words unfolded, so did my understanding—of what it means to fall short, to go astray, to lose your way . . . His story touched my soul.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

“[A] powerful memoir.”—The Washingtonian

“No one has forced us to look at the core questions about humanity and our broken criminal justice system with more authenticity and clarity than Senghor . . . If Senghor’s tale is any indication, redemption, mercy and grace aren’t just emotional ideals or spiritual buzzwords. They are the sharp, effective tools that can be used to rebuild lives and communities, one person at a time.”—Erica Williams Simon, Time

“Probably the most important book I’ve read in the past few years . . . Few people, sadly, come out on the end of two decades of hard time and find their way back to the life Shaka is now leading. Here, he tells us why that is, and why it doesn’t have to stay that way.”—Shaun King, New York Daily News

“Extraordinary . . . You will reconsider everything you’ve ever thought about poverty, the prison industrial complex and the connection between the two.”—Essence

“[An] inspiring book that gives hope for those who believe in the redemption of the incarcerated.”—Publishers Weekly

“A necessary reminder of the deep humanity, vulnerability and potential that lies within each one of us, including those we view as ‘thugs’ or ‘criminals’.  Shaka’s story illustrates that if we muster the courage to love those who do not yet love themselves, a new world is possible.”—Michelle Alexander, bestselling author of The New Jim Crow
 
“Shaka Senghor’s terrific and inspiring book affirms that we are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.  This beautiful and compelling story of recovery and redemption offers all of us powerful truths and precious insights as we seek recovery from decades of over-incarceration and excessive punishment.”—Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, bestselling author of Just Mercy

“A profound story of neglect, violence, discovery, redemption and inspiration. Consistently touching and surprising, Writing My Wrongs is, ultimately, deeply hopeful. Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered.”—J.J. Abrams, director, writer, producer