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Picking Cotton – Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton
St. Martin’s Press (2009)
ISBN 9780312376536
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (06/09)


“Picking Cotton – Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption” is co-authored by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton (with Erin Torneo).  One may look at the cover and think nothing of a book being written by more than one author; however, what is unique in this instance is that the authors of this book faced each other across a courtroom when Thompson-Cannino accused Cotton of being the man who raped her.  In 1984, Thompson-Cannino was raped in her apartment at knifepoint.  In both a picture and in a police lineup, she was positively convinced that Cotton was the man who committed the crime.  Cotton maintained his innocence, and eleven years after serving time in a prison for a crime he didn’t commit, a DNA test cleared him of the charges.

This is the first that I have heard of the duo’s story (although apparently there was a PBS documentary made about the case) and reading this memoir was a real eye-opener for me.  The book was informative, well-written, and held my unwavering attention. 

What is most striking to me about “Picking Cotton” is what a remarkable man Ronald Cotton is.  He lost so many years of his life, but he was willing to forgive his accuser, and even forged a friendship with her.  I think we could all take a lesson from him whenever the little things in life are bugging us.  The book also shows just how very important it is to be sure of things, especially when a person’s freedom is in your hands.  Picking Cotton” is an important, inspirational book that everyone can benefit from reading.

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