I've waited too long to read this, so for that I apologize, Mr. Adams. The copy I read was generously given to me by NetGalley with the working title, "Justice for Sale".
I may prefer the original title; justice, to those who can afford competent representation. And even if they can afford it, good luck to your legal team overcoming systematic oppression. I'm cynical, I've realized. I think my entire generation is.

This book fed my appetite for getting fired up about the existance of this criminal enterprise that we call our "justice system" and then feeling guilty for weeks after reading it because I haven't changed the lives of real people, innocent people, over-sentenced people sitting in the county jail right. now, only 15 minutes away.

I think this book perfectly captures the absurdity of the crinimal justice system and the long difficult road of the innocent fighting to be exonerated. Mr. Adams, thank you for the work you do and congratulations for having told your story in the best way possible.

Wow, this powerful memoir is a heartbreaking look at our criminal justice system, and those it often leaves behind...young Black men.

And while this title is eye opening as it shares the miscarriage of justice against Jarrett Adams, it is also an incredibly impactful story of fighting back for the truth, and then moving on to help others in a similar (and all too common) situation...redemption and hope prevail.

This is a book I will never forget and I am so appreciate to have had the opportunity to read and learn from it. Thank you to Convergent Books for my review copy.

Gut wrenching memoir of the utter nonsense that is our criminal justice system. A must read for all Americans as we fight for freedom and equality for all. This story has a happy ending because of Jarrett’s tenacity, hard work, and family support, but those qualities should not be needed to live a life of freedom in this country. Thank you Jarrett for fighting for others still stuck in the system and not waiting for them to pull themselves out of it. Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read nonfiction to understand the reality more closely with facts and figures with all the shades. Redeeming Justice by Jarrett Adams is spot on to help me with that. This book is an eye-opener to understand what's going on in the judicial system of America in recent times. Though i have seen many a documentaries over the sensitive topic this read was never repetitive or boring to me.

To say it in short, 17 year old Jarrett was convicted for a sexual assault that didn't happen by an all white jury. After facing 30 years of term he took control of his defence in his own hand. After being freed from jail he became a practicing attorney from a law school in the same state where he was convicted in.

This story is definitely heart breaking and inspiring amidst racist power structure of our society. Anyone can understand how Jarrett felt through those years of his life being shunned from a good society and life. The idea of “disposable young Black men” is itself quite horrible to consume.

Redeeming Justice is a non-fiction memoir that is a must-read for all people no matter their age, race, or gender. I just loved it for its inspiring story and jarret's iron solid character through all the obstacles of his life to claim the rightful right of any human being. I heartily thank both Convergent Books and NetGalley for this amazing ARC.

I have to admit that I received this months ago and put off reading it - I've watched a lot of documentaries about social justice and was afraid this book would feel repetitive or dry. I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been more wrong. Adams' memoir of being wrongly imprisoned for close to ten years is incredibly powerful and impactful. He shares his story with clarity and took the time to process what had happened to him before putting pen to paper. Still, he conveys his emotions in a palpable manner that left me feeling his loneliness, anger, despair, and a range of other emotions.

Adams' story is one of a miscarriage of justice, and the original title of this book was Justice for Sale. HIs socioeconomic status was a huge factor, but the original title did omit the gigantic role that racism took on in his story. Ultimately, Adams' story and life is about redemption and his ability to overcome trauma to eventually inspire and help others. This memoir should be required reading for anyone going into law or law enforcement fields, though I think it is a worthwhile and eye-opening read for anyone who wants to better understand how our justice system fails so many. This is easily one of the most powerful memoirs I've read in a long time.

I felt that this was definitely a timely read to our current overall judicial climate in America. The author wrote about his experience with the justice system failing him and how he managed through this to come out the other side to be the lawyer and man he is today, I felt that this book was well written and definitely thorough in his overall story and life during the 10 years he was in prison. The only real criticism that I could possibly have is that the cases that he described toward the end seemed to pull focus away from the subject of the book. I would love to see another book about the cases that he has tried and working in the system. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

This book is an absolute must-read. It is an absolute page-turner -- I could not put it down. This compelling and moving memoir of Jarrett Adams who was falsely convicted of a crime and the horrendous journey he takes through the prisons and court systems made me angry at the systemic racism inherent in the judicial processes. It is also about class - the quality of the legal counsel you can get makes or breaks your ability to be exonerated/acquitted. It also is a story of empowerment - Jarrett gets sage advice from a cellmate to start researching in the Prison law library. Jarrett begins petitioning for a retrial as well as works with other prisoners on "infractions" within the prison -- which he is then punished for by the guards and administration. This horrible treatment fuels his determination to become a lawyer and we are left hopeful by the end of his memoir. Jarrett Adams is making a difference in this world.

I highly recommend this book!

Wow, this is a must read for everyone. Redeeming Justice made me SO mad, but it was information I needed and all Americans need. Good for fans of Just Mercy. Even if you've read that, read this, there is so much more to learn!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books/Penguin Random House for gifting me a copy of this incredible memoir by Jarrett Adams - 5 stars for a must read look into our legal system.

Jarrett Adams was just 17 years old when he attended a party with 2 friends in Wisconsin. Soon afterwards, the 3 find themselves accused of a horrible crime they did not commit. Jarrett was eventually sentenced to 28 years in prison. Jarrett through himself into the legal world, spending as much time as possible in the law library, eventually helping other prisoners with their legal paperwork. He finally finds that the Wisconsin Innocent Project believes him enough to take on his case and he is eventually exonerated. But that's just another beginning for him as he tries to make his way in a new world. He makes good on his promise to himself to become a lawyer.

This is an incredible story - both one of inspiration and perseverance to one of outrage for the way the legal system works in this country. It should never be who can afford the attorney that can tell the best story that determines innocence or guilt but that's the way the system is set up. Jarrett is an amazing man, raised by powerful women who never gave up on him, who is making a real difference in the world. This is an absolute must read - it is as well written as a thriller, all the more so because it's all true.

Redeeming Justice is both a vivid and honest personal account as well as a striking indictment of the injustice of the criminal justice system. It allows the reader to understand the cruelty embedded in the justice system and to get a glimpse of the humanity and fortitude of those impacted by the system itself. Mr. Adam’s story will not allow you to exhale until it has been heard. What a tremendous feat of both vulnerability and strength. This is a must add to any school library.

At just 17 years old Jarrett was convicted by an all white jury for committing a sexual assault that never happened. He was facing 30 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit when he decided to take control of his judicial defense. He worked in the law library of the prison helping other prisoners better understand their legal predicaments while also searching for a better lawyer to help with this appeals.

He eventually was freed and struggled once he was released finding his purpose. Eventually he went to Law school and became a practicing attorney in the very state he was wrongfully convicted in.

What a tremendous life story this book tells. At every turn Jarrett faced unbelievable circumstances but he had such self determination and smarts to turn his life around. I kept asking what else could possibly go wrong and after endless battles fought he was finally given advocates who listened to his life story and helped him redeem justice.

The United States justice system is broken and the author of this book is a product of the racist actions of this system. This book felt like I was just listening to Jarrett tell his life story which was truly tremendous. I found it easy and enjoyable to read, I definitely even might have cried a little.

The only fault I found in the writing was the multiple mentions of persons being fat as an insult and often being a defining characteristic. Which of course was completely unnecessary for this story. So those moments pulled me out of the narrative at some points but otherwise I found Jarrett's life story compelling.

Definitely a necessary read to better understand the faults in our justice system.

Thank you to Netgalley and Convergent Books
for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

At only 17 years of age, Jarrett Adams was found guilty of a crime that he didn't not commit and sentenced to 28 years in prison. At a time when he should have had countless opportunities ahead of him, a false accusation left him alone, fending for himself in a traumatic environment with no prospects for the future. Challenged by a cell mate to keep fighting to prove his innocence, Adams found a refuge in the law library in the prison where he studied legal literature and cases to figure out how to plead his case. His journey to challenge his conviction gave him a new vision for his life--get out of prison and become a lawyer.

Adams' story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It pulls the veil back on our broken justice system as it shows how our system withheld justice from an innocent man not just once, but again and again. Our justice system forced a teenager to essentially teach himself how to be a lawyer to able to rescue himself from prison, and at the same time, he was forced to deal with extra obstacles like not having the financial resources to hire attorneys and being repetitively sent to segregation in maximum strength prisons because of bogus charges by prison personnel. One of my favorite parts of the book was the ending. It was so satisfying that I wanted to cheer out loud as I finished the book. I'm grateful that Adams prevailed and that he has dedicated his life to helping others who are facing sentences that they don't deserve.

Overall, this is a beautifully written story, and I highly recommend it. This would be a great read for anyone who enjoyed Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It would also be a compelling read for anyone who wants to know about our justice system and the ways that it is failing people in our country.

A big thank you to Jarrett Adams, Convergent Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.

Wow I loved this book. It was incredibly powerful and I think will be very successful. A book like this in times like these are imperative to reminding Americans why change is a good thing when it comes to the criminal justice system.

After the anguish of the incredible injustice in the first few chapters this book became one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. We’ll written and easy to read, I devoured this book in a little over a day. This is an amazing book by an equally amazing person. Highly recommended

Jarrett Adams tells his alternately inspiring and maddening story in Redeeming Justice: From Defendant to Defender, My Fight for Equity on Both Sides of a Broken System. At 17, he attended a college party with two of his buddies. Before the night was out, they had some drinks, smoked some weed, and had consensual sex with a young woman. They are Black and she is white. Shortly after, she accused them of raping her that night. Adams tells the story of what came next and how he fought back against a justice system that treats Black men unjustly.

As the subtitle says, Adams eventually makes it to the other side of the courtroom. His path from accused teenager to lawyer fighting against injustice is gripping. He breaks down the legalities of his own case as he tells the story. And in real life, that’s how it happened. In the beginning, he was just swept forcibly into the legal system. He had to learn to put his feet back on the ground and fight against the racism drowning him in that wave.

Adams spent a decade in prison. He learned to play chess, assess his cellmates, keep his head up, and avoid fights. Most importantly, one cellmate introduced him to the law library and the process of legal recourse. Then Adams takes steps for his own case, as well as helping other incarcerated men. The results are hard-fought. But as Adams makes clear, it should never have been like this.

My conclusions
Adams frequently refers to the idea of “disposable young Black men.” And this is what’s maddening. The US criminal justice system is not equitable. Defendants who don’t have the money to hire a defense attorney are assigned public defenders instead. While they may be well-intentioned, these folks are overworked and often don’t mount a viable defense for their clients.

As a lawyer, Adams seeks to change that, and this book tells the story of both why and how he intends to do so. His strength of character and ability to persist is admirable. He’s also honest about the times his mental health slid into depression and PTSD. And he’s comfortable explaining how he overcame the related tendency to freeze up and stop feeling.

In the process of this tale, we meet the family who supported Adams. We meet some of the men incarcerated with him, in various facilities. And Adams also introduces the various folks who gave him a hand up. For example, one lawyer was basically editor and pen pal as Adams was writing a court document for his case. And when he entered community college, a guidance counselor helped him learn to tell his story. These people and more are integral to Adams’s success.

But no matter how many people were behind him, it is Adams who makes all the winning moves on the chessboard of his life. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. Read it and feel both the outrage and the hope. But also read it to support a man who overcame and is now helping others do the same.

Acknowledgments
Many thanks to NetGalley, Convergent Books, and the author for a digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for this honest review. Expected publication date is September 14, 2021.

I gotta be honest: I’m so tired of reading books like this. Books about how our justice system is corrupt and racist and unfair. Stories that emphasize how our society just locks people up (disproportionately Black people) and throw away the key. The way we’ve dehumanzied people and raised them with a mindset that they’re expendable and not worthy of due process.

And I gotta say: If I’m tired of it, how do you think the Black people and minorities feel?

They live in fear every single day of something happening to them like what happened to Adams and two of his friends – wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Locked up in prison for eight years (of a twenty-eight year sentence) before finding some lawyers that heard his case, believed him, and then fought to get him released.

Through it all, Adams had the love of his mother and aunts. They fed the fire of his faith which ultimately kept him going. When he was finally released, he fought his way through law school while working full-time. Adams is the true definition of resilience and determination.

This story is inspiring and a great companion piece to Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson and The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton.

Jarrett Adams was seventeen years old when he went to a college party in Wisconsin. He was with friends and they all had fun. They even had sex with the same girl. Afterward, they continued to hang out and then returned to their homes in Chicago. That pivotal moment defined the rest of Jarrett’s life. Through a series of events, Adams is sentenced to 28 years for rape. He tries to get help for his case, but it turns out he must help himself by learning about his rights. This process leads him to the Wisconsin Innocence Project and his conviction being overturned … ten years later.

Redeeming Justice is a non-fiction memoir that is a must-read for all people no matter their age, race, or gender. The issues discussed within the pages will shine a spotlight on flaws in our criminal justice system as well as our country in general. I am the first to admit that I am a middle-aged white woman, but I work in a minority-majority high school and see many students who could easily fall into the criminal justice system without a way out. I highly recommend Redeeming Justice to all teens and adults.

Once I started I reading the book, I could not put Redeeming Justice: From Defendant to Defender, My Fight for Equity on Both Sides of a Broken System down.

By reading this memoir readers will not only be reminded of the injustice to black men in the criminal justice system... or as the author reminds us, how black men are "disposable," in the eyes of the legal system, but will have an opportunity to learn a great deal of the challenges individuals face over turning convictions when wrongfully charged and sentenced.

A powerful statement from the author when describing his time in prison... in segregation... "time becomes my cellmate."

A well put together memoir that also serves as a good overview of the struggle and fight for justice and equity in an unequal justice system in the USA. I highly recommend the book and will add the book to our store's to be read list.
e.jean of Enda's BOOKtique

This is such a well-written book, but it is distressing. Jarrett Adams was convicted of a rape he didn’t commit. He then spent ten years in prison before he could prove that innocence. As a young, black man, he felt that he had very little chance in the justice system. He determined to become a lawyer and help others that were in the same boat.

Most of this book is about his fight to prove his innocence while in prison. Jarrett takes the advice of an older inmate and doesn’t become hardened by the experience. Rather, he uses the opportunity to learn in the law library. He helps other inmates while still bombarding every lawyer and judge he can find with his own case.

He eventually finds the Wisconsin Innocence Project and that leads to his exoneration. After drifting around for a bit, he starts community college, eventually earning a bachelors degree and JD. As the book ends, he has set up his own practice to help those who have gotten the short end of the justice system.

This is a worthwhile book and reads easily. I would highly recommend it.

If you read no other book this fall, please read this one. Jarrett Adams, now a successful lawyer in Chicago, went through hell to get to that oint. Arrested for crime he didn't commit, he was sentenced many years in jail. His experiences there should have turned him into a bitter man, but instead he rose above it all while working his best to get someone to take his case. The book, while graphic in spots, is a most inspiring story of a man who did it his way - the right way.