Picking Cotton

Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

By: Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Erin Torneo, Ronald Cotton

Narrated by: Richard Allen, Karen White

Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape and eventually identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken - but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After 11 years, Ronald was allowed to take a DNA test that proved his innocence. He was released after serving more than a decade in prison for a crime he never committed.

Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face - and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives. In their own words, Jennifer and Ronald unfold the harrowing details of their tragedy, and challenge our ideas of memory and judgment while demonstrating the profound nature of human grace and the healing power of forgiveness.

©2009 Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Injustice and redemption are overused words, but this heartfelt joint memoir justifies its subtitle." ( Kirkus)
"Touching" ( Library Journal)

Powerful

Powerful book on forgiveness, perseverance, and redemption. Demonstrates that sometimes you can experience the worst, turn it around and help others.

Great Witness of Reconciliation and Forgiveness

What did you love best about Picking Cotton?

I liked that each chapter presented the different stories of Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ronald Cotton's sprituality and patience were very attractive. I cheered at each step of his journey to personal freedom.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked when Ronald Cotton met Jennifer's children.

While it may have been tense, the scene when Ronald and his new wife first met with Jennifer was a well reported chapter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was moving to see Ronald as he learned he was to be set free.

Any additional comments?

Reconciliation is much needed in today's world. Ronald and Jennifer showed us all the way and that it is possible.

Required for a class..

but so didn't feel like it! This book is beautiful, such a beautiful story! And I love how half of it is a man reading and half is a woman!

Excellent Read!

Great story and very well told. This story and the stories within it opened my eyes to the reality of the common failures of our system. This was a required read for me but it is excellent and I highly recommend it.

Picking Cotton

I thought this book was very interesting and it kept me intrigued throughout the story. It really enjoyed how it was told from both perspectives.