i love this book so much, it means the world to me, i would do anything for it, and i have the exact proof.

because one time a guy i was dating (who would prove to be supervillain-level evil, for unrelated reasons that would later reveal themselves) ghosted me.

while borrowing my (SIGNED!) copy of this book.

and when i realized months later that he still had it (long after i had already removed him on everything and deleted his number and paid a witch to cast a spell on him, as all healthy grown-ups do when they get over someone), i re-followed him on instagram.

but he didn't follow me.

so i had to make a group chat with him and my roommate in order to send him this request.

and then i had to SEE HIS STUPID FACE in order to retrieve it.

i did all that for this book. and i'd do it again!

this is a compelling, important, and well-written story. it is my go-to recommendation for writing on race, on the justice system, on systemic bigotry, and on the death penalty. i read this when i was somewhat undecided on the latter, and it set me on a decidedly anti- path. i have never looked back or doubted it. the equal justice initiative is still my go-to charity.

this was also my first-ever college assignment, and it set the stage for my entire post-mandatory education, and it was a blessing and a treat.

if all that didn't convince you of this book's must-read status, i don't know what to tell you. WHAT DO I HAVE TO OFFER YOU BUT THE LAST OF MY DIGNITY.

part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago and embarrass myself on multiple levels in the process