One of the (many) benefits of contributing to 5 Minutes for Books is the opportunity to read books that I probably would not have read otherwise. While memoir is among our managing editor Jennifer’s favorite genres, it’s one I’ve rarely indulged in on my own. However I was intrigued by the story of Picking Cotton and was excited to broaden my horizons just a bit.
And I’m glad I did. Picking Cotton is just what its subtitle promises: a memoir of injustice and redemption. As a young college student, Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a young black man who broke into her apartment. Jennifer was able to escape her attacker after intently studying his features in the hopes she might be able to identify him. Because of her eyewitness testimony positively identifying Ronald Cotton as her attacker, Ronald was found guilty of the rape despite his assertions of innocence. In the wake of DNA evidence conclusively proving his innocence, Cotton is finally released after spending more than a decade in prison for a crime he did not commit. What follows his release is an amazing story of redemption, forgiveness, and an unlikely friendship.
Picking Cotton alternates between Jennifer’s story and Ronald’s story. Both are tragic: Jennifer suffers a rape; Ronald suffers prison. Both are victims. Yet both rise above their respective tragedies to embrace forgiveness and grace.
It is at times a difficult read, dealing frankly with the rape and the prison environment. There is also some rough language. Overall, though, it is a truly remarkable story of a truly remarkable friendship.
If you are interested in more of Ronald and Jennifer’s story including a trailer and pictures, check out www.pickingcottonbook.com. Also, Ronald and Jennifer have made appearances at various media outlets discussing both the book as well as the controversy surrounding the validity of eyewitness testimony:
- 60 Minutes interview here and here
- The Today Show interview
- The Diane Rehm Show
- NPR’s All Things Considered
Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….