“Shanti Brien asks the two urgent questions of our time: is anyone entirely innocent, and why is it so easy for us to draw lines between us and them? Almost Innocent is a deft but humble investigation into who is worthy of compassion and where justice may have lost its way.”
—Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place, Glitter and Glue, and Tell Me More
 
“Shanti Brien takes us on a fast-paced look at the strange and often infuriating criminal justice system where guilt or innocence doesn’t seem to matter. While reading the fascinating details of her ripped-from-the-headlines cases, I realized the rare importance of the lessons she shares about the unfairness of the legal system. I was also surprised to find myself so absorbed in the fantastic story of a young lawyer finding herself in the legal system that I devoured Almost Innocent in three sittings.”
—David Meerman Scott, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Fanocracy
 
“Powered by a poignant mixture of insight, intellect, and honesty, Shanti Brien takes us on an illuminating journey through the American criminal justice system, opening our minds and tugging at our heartstrings along the way. Expertly written and refreshingly confessional, Almost Innocent reveals the dark underbelly of our institutional approach to law and order, exposing a system in which guilt and innocence are often overshadowed by other forces. Amid the tragedy and the futility, Brien gives us glimpses of grace and hope that sustain our faith in humanity while making a strong case for pronounced change. And as her professional area of expertise coalesces with her personal life, Brien’s vulnerability and self-reflection—and, ultimately, her fighting spirit—take our breath away.”
—Michael Silver, acclaimed sportswriter, NFL analyst, and author of Golden Girl: How Natalie Coughlin Fought Back, Challenged Conventional Wisdom, and Became America’s Olympic Champion
 
“Shanti Brien’s Almost Innocent is a beautifully written memoir that shines a brilliant and authentic light on the lives of the accused and those who fight for them.”
—Julie Barton, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me From Myself
 
“Almost Innocent is more than just an important book that will open your eyes to the justice system—it’s a page-turner! Brien shines a very particular light on the very real struggles of marriage, motherhood, work-life balance, and purpose. Through deft weaving, we come to love and understand the couple at the heart of this legal drama, while gaining deep appreciation for the dozen characters—vivid, real, and often tragic—whose stories will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Rarely does such timely and meaningful nonfiction come in such an engaging, readable package.”
—Kimberly Ford, Ph.D., author of the bestselling Hump: True Tales of Sex After Kids