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Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption
Picking Cotton Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption
Author: Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Ronald Cotton, Erin Torneo
Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape, and eventually positively identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken-- but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After eleven years, Ronal...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780312376536
ISBN-10: 0312376537
Publication Date: 3/3/2009
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 14

4 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This incredible story of human errors and forgiveness did my heart good. It made me think about things that aren't necessarily pleasant to think about, how line-ups can be tweaked so you pick the suspect the law wants you to pick. A woman is brutally raped and subsequently identifies the wrong man, who is convicted and sent to jail for a long time. We hear the story from both points of view, and I felt deeply for both of them.
Would highly recommend this book!
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kdurham2813 avatar reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 753 more book reviews
Thank you to a blogger who recently reviewed this book, I am sorry I can't remember where I found it. A great read about a young woman who was burglarized and raped in the middle of the night in her college apartment. She went on to identify her attacker who was sentenced to life in prison. After 11 years, a simple DNA test set him free. Now the victim and accuser are friends, yep, crazy - but this makes the book a great read - to find out how it all happens.

When I read the review on the other blog, I was drawn in by the story because it is such a heinous crime, but the ending is very positive. Then I found out where this crime took place - my alma mater Elon University. I couldn't believe that I had never heard this story and I bumped the book to the top of my list.

Written from both of the perspectives of the victim - Jennifer and the accused - Ronald, this book overlaps with their viewpoints which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed being in the courtroom in Jennifer's shoes and hearing the verdict and then going back in time through the trial again in Ronald's shoes.

I would recommend this book to all of my readers who love non-fiction and especially those who may have a connection to North Carolina or Elon.
princessj avatar reviewed Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption on + 12 more book reviews
What a great book! Completely heartbreaking real life story. But from the very beginning it keeps you captivated as you want to know how the beginning relates to the end, and what brought both people there. Well written!


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