i am a big fan of liz bruenig's writing and a huge opposer of the death penalty, so the existence of this book is enough to make me read nonfiction—and adore it.

the entire system of punishment in this country is intended to dehumanize those that reside within it, and numb the emotions of those that witness it.

this book is the antidote to that.

it is incredibly painful and consuming. i felt such deep sorrow while reading this, and such helplessness, and such disgust for the world that we live within. i felt grief.

but i also felt incredible gratitude, that bruenig continues to bring these topics that so many would see buried to light. and i felt love for the people depicted here. and i felt forgiveness.

it was a beautiful thing. it's a beautiful book.

bottom line: i wholeheartedly recommend.

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)