Long Way Home

A Young Man Lost in the System and the Two Women Who Found Him

De: Laura Caldwell

Narrado por: Laura Caldwell

Nineteen-year-old Jovan Mosley, a good kid from one of Chicago's very bad neighborhoods, was coerced into confessing to a crime he didn't commit. Charged with murder, he spent five years and eight months in a prison for violent criminals. Without a trial.

Jovan grew up on the rough streets of Chicago's Southeast Side. With one brother dead of HIV complications, another in jail for arson and murder, and most kids his age in gangs, Jovan struggled to be different. Until his arrest, he was. He excelled in school, dreamed of being a lawyer, and had been accepted to Ohio State. Then on August 6, 1999, Jovan witnessed a fight that would result in a man's death. Six months later, he was arrested, cruelly questioned, and forced into a confession.

Sent to a holding jail for violent criminals, he tried ceaselessly to get a trial so he could argue his case. He studied what casework he could, rigorously questioning his public defenders. But time after time his case was shoved aside. Amiable, bright, and peaceable, he struggled to stay alive in prison. As the years ground on, he'd begun to lose hope when, by chance, he met Catharine O'Daniel, a successful criminal defense lawyer. Although nearly all cases with a signed confession result in a conviction, she was so moved by him, and so convinced of his innocence, that Cathy accepted Jovan as her first pro bono client. Cathy asked Laura Caldwell to join her and together they battled for Jovan's exoneration.

Here is Laura's firsthand account of their remarkable journey.This is a harrowing true story about justice, friendship, failure, and success. A breakdown of the justice system sent a nice kid to one of the nation's nastiest jails for nearly six years without a trial. It would take a triumph of human kindness, ingenuity, and legal jousting to give Jovan even a fighting chance.

Deeply affecting, Long Way Home is a remarkable story of how change can happen even in a flawed system and of how friendship can emanate from the most unexpected places.

©2010 Story Avenue LLC (P)2011 Story Avenue LLC

Interesting, but way too long and not that good

It was very clear in the beginning how the legal system is very unfair. It is very sad what happened to Jovan Mosley, however, I feel that it could have been written in a different way to make us care more about the different characters involved.

I felt that she repeated herself several times and I found it annoying. Perhaps if it had been read by a different narrator than the author, I may have enjoyed it more. I feel that this would probably be much better viewed as a movie than read as a book.

Not a bed time book

Couldn't stop listening. Great heartfelt story. Books like this change people and systems. Well done

Chocking story about 6 lost years

Would you listen to Long Way Home again? Why?

Listening once was good enough.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The unbelievable story of how bad the judicial system works in Chicago.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

First I thought the narrator was all too unprofessional. But then I realized this was a true story and told by one of the participants. That made quite a difference and it was suddenly OK listening to the rather flat voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't believe innocence will save you!

Any additional comments?

I liked the book, but when I bought it a thought a bought a novel. I don't understand why it wasn't presented as a documentary.

Excellent, Heart wrenching true story.

What made the experience of listening to Long Way Home the most enjoyable?

This was a very hard book to listen to. Although it is a wonderful story it is hard to listen to the wrongs done to this young man. I would get so frustrated listening to the story I would almost come to tears.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Long Way Home?

The strength that Jovan was able to show throughout the story. He would get down but pull himself right back up.

Any additional comments?

The first couple chapters of the book was poorly written and took a very long time to grab my interest. But hang in there, it get better. I almost quit listening but stuck with it and so very glad I did. It is an excellent story and makes us even more aware of the wrongs done in our justice system. Corruption still exists and probably always will. A handful of very bad cops sadly reflects on all.

Wonderful non-fiction.....needs new narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think this book would be best in hardcover. Laura Caldwell wrote an amazing story and succeeds to show all of us that a little kindness goes a long way. Unfortunately, Laura Caldwell has a drone-like tone with zero inflection. I found myself drifting and having to rewind. I had to concentrate very hard to keep my focus on the story.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

None

Would you be willing to try another one of Laura Caldwell’s performances?

No

If you could give Long Way Home a new subtitle, what would it be?

"The true story of a young man's life cheated by the justice system "