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Better, Not Bitter
- Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice
- Narrated by: Yusef Salaam
- Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
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Publisher's summary
Named a Best Book of 2021 by NPR
This inspirational memoir serves as a call to action from prison reform activist Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five, that will inspire us all to turn our stories into tools for change in the pursuit of racial justice.
They didn't know who they had.
So begins Yusef Salaam telling his story. No one's life is the sum of the worst things that happened to them, and during Yusef Salaam's seven years of wrongful incarceration as one of the Central Park Five, he grew from child to man, and gained a spiritual perspective on life. Yusef learned that we're all "born on purpose, with a purpose." Despite having confronted the racist heart of America while being "run over by the spiked wheels of injustice," Yusef channeled his energy and pain into something positive, not just for himself but for other marginalized people and communities.
Better Not Bitter is the first time that one of the now Exonerated Five is telling his individual story, in his own words. Yusef writes his narrative: growing up Black in central Harlem in the '80s, being raised by a strong, fierce mother and grandmother, his years of incarceration, his reentry, and exoneration. Yusef connects these stories to lessons and principles he learned that gave him the power to survive through the worst of life's experiences. He inspires readers to accept their own path, to understand their own sense of purpose. With his intimate personal insights, Yusef unpacks the systems built and designed for profit and the oppression of Black and Brown people. He inspires listeners to channel their fury into action, and through the spiritual, to turn that anger and trauma into a constructive force that lives alongside accountability and mobilizes change.
This memoir is an inspiring story that grew out of one of the gravest miscarriages of justice, one that not only speaks to a moment in time or the rage-filled present, but reflects a 400-year history of a nation's inability to be held accountable for its sins. Yusef Salaam's message is vital for our times, a motivating resource for enacting change. Better, Not Bitter has the power to soothe, inspire and transform. It is a galvanizing call to action.
What listeners say about Better, Not Bitter
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 05-29-21
Mesmerizing Memoir
I absolutely loved this memoir! I also enjoy when the author narrates on Audible and Yusef did not disappoint. This was a moving, gut wrenching, heartbreaking, yet inspirational story of a personal, inside look at a young man's life affected by the injustices of our "justice" system. I wasn't even born yet when this court case was in the news and media. I learned, for the first time, through Yusef's memoir what happened to him and the other exonerated men. This was a beautiful way to rewrite the narrative. My generation will now read the truth through Yusef's memoir, watch the truth on Netflix's "When They See Us," and advocate for the truth to continue to be told. The more I listened to Yusef's story the more captivated I was, the more I wanted to hear about his experiences, the more I wanted to help. This book completely moved me. I highly, highly suggest reading it. Thank you, Yusef, for sharing your truth and for discussing memories that were so difficult to bring back to the surface. You are changing this world for the better. Absolutely incredible.
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- c.philly
- 05-26-21
Finished in one day!
I loved the over all theme of the book of being reminded and realizing who you are and the greatness with in. the narration of the book was excellent. Made it easy to listen to.
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- Passionate Book Reader
- 05-24-21
Better and Certainly NOT Bitter
I first became interested in the Central Park Five's story (now the Exonerated Five ) when I saw Matias Reyes confessed to the rape on the New York Nightly News. I remember the five youthful boys who were my age when they got arrested and wrongfully convicted. I could not imagine what my life would have been like had I been them. My heart immediately felt for their innocence. In this book, we are brought into the psyche of an intelligent and gifted teenage boy who turns into a mature and spiritual man...thanks to his doting mother.
Unlike the other wrongfully accused, Yusef was able to escape prison mentally by engaging deeper into his faith. A faith that protected him and prevented him from serving a very long time in prison. A faith that saved him from receiving harsher cruelties from inmates as did his fellow friend, Korey Wise. Once released, Yusef faced a hard reality that even his mother couldn't protect him from. A reality that life on the outside meant it was time to become a man.
At times, the book does get a little preachy, but it wasn't so bad that it made me stop reading. Overall, I would recommend this book as required reading. I think it would be helpful to our youth and college students. It's quite engaging.
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- Amazon Customer
- 09-18-21
Explosive, Powerful, Insightful, Wise - MUST READ
I give the author 10 Perfect Stars. The power unleashed through this memoir is transformative. I devoured this book as my heart broke, my anger swirled and my hope rose. I am grateful to Yusef Salaam for every word written and every experience he had to relive again and again to get his story to us. He refers to himself as a child, just a kid going into the system and coming out a child in a man's body 7 years later. I say he was born for this experience, I say he was a Man-Child going into the system and a Master-of-Men coming out 7 years later. Yusef is an old soul with the strength and spiritual wisdom of a sage (wise through reflection and experience). It was an honor and privilege to read his book.
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- Maurice B. Mosley
- 09-15-21
Powerfully Motivating
This book is a must read for young men and women trying to find their purpose in life. Yusef shows how to use your mind to overcome harsh advertises.
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- Briizi326
- 09-06-21
More proof of hope…
Yusef Salaam proves yet again that we should never give up hope, no matter the circumstances. Bad things, even horrible things will happen to you, some out of your control. However, your reaction to these situations are what matter most. Take as much control of your life as possible. Change your perception, shape your own narrative. Nurture your mind, body and spirit. Love yourself. Love your God and you will come out, better, not bitter.
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- Craig W Douglass
- 06-29-21
Excellent book. A must read.
I loved every minute of the book. I would recommend it to anyone. Yusef Salaam laid his journey as a guide for those seeking a closer walk with the Creator. 👍🏾👍🏾
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- Thomas Dowd
- 06-18-21
Better & Better
I had just moved to NYC the year of the Central Park jogger incident from Ireland. I was amongst the many who had a blood lust for instant justice for the victim of this crime. Not proud to cop to this, and with hindsight being 20/20 I'm disgusted with myself for having shared the same opinion as Donald Trump. This was one of the most inspirational journeys I have ever been taken on. Where is the $80k front page add to apologize to five children you were so quick to presume guilty Donald? You could tag line the apology also to the 15 women who have accused you of sexual assault. Here is my apology to you Yusef, and your four brothers. I became a U.S. citizen a few years back and after reading your book (and listening to the audio version) I know beyond a doubt, I have been afforded more opportunities by virtue of my race as a visitor to YOUR county than you have or have or will be allowed. Amazing read!
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- Christopher Dean Oliver
- 07-08-23
Disappointed with the underlying tone
While he experienced an undeniable tragedy and injustice and it’s impressive his experience didn’t lead him down a different road the constant lack of accountability is shameful. He speaks of many black “injustices” only to blame white supremacy and Donald Trump while not taking into account other factors. I was really looking forward to hearing his story but the constant straying was too much for me to finish.
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- Cheryl Sacrates
- 05-23-23
Interesting Story but wanted more
I was drawn into this story when I saw a Yahoo post about the author putting an ad in like Trump did for the death penalty. I was just a bit disappointed as I wanted to know more like WHY did they target these boys? Just cause they were in the park? I had never heard this story before and like learning. We have a lot to improve as a society.
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Story
When They Call You a Terrorist is the essential audiobook for every conscientious American. From one of the cofounders of the Black Lives Matter movement comes a poetic audiobook memoir and reflection on humanity. Necessary and timely, Patrisse Cullors' story asks us to remember that protest in the interest of the most vulnerable comes from love.
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Everyone should listen!
- By Mary J. Bunker on 01-26-18
By: Patrisse Cullors, and others
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Terraform
- Building a Better World
- By: Propaganda
- Narrated by: Propaganda
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In this deep, challenging, and thoughtful book, Propaganda looks at the ways in which our world is broken. Using the metaphor of terraforming - creating a livable world out of an inhospitable one - he shows how we can begin to reshape our homes, friendships, communities, and politics.
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My favorite audio book!
- By CottonNLR on 06-20-21
By: Propaganda
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Love and Justice
- By: Jonathan Irons, Maya Moore Irons, Bryan Stevenson - foreword, and others
- Narrated by: Jonathan Irons, Maya Moore Irons
- Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In the tradition of Just Mercy, an inspirational memoir by WNBA star Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, who she helped free from a wrongful conviction.
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God is Real!!
- By Stacy L. on 09-28-23
By: Jonathan Irons, and others
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A Knock at Midnight
- A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom
- By: Brittany K. Barnett
- Narrated by: Karen Chilton
- Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Brittany K. Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her life forever - that of Sharanda Jones, single mother, business owner, and, like Brittany, Black daughter of the rural South. A victim of America’s devastating war on drugs, Sharanda had been torn away from her young daughter and was serving a life sentence without parole - for a first-time drug offense.
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Riveting Listen, Inspiring, Change Your Mind
- By elena on 11-18-20
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Patriarchy Blues
- Reflections on Manhood
- By: Frederick Joseph
- Narrated by: Preston Butler III, Novell Jordan
- Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and “manning up” to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of men’s lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.
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Much needed healing. My Soul Wept.
- By AB on 09-17-23
By: Frederick Joseph
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Sparrow in the Razor Wire
- Finding Freedom from Within While Serving a Life Sentence
- By: Quan Huynh
- Narrated by: Quan Huynh
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In 1999, Quan Huynh shot and killed another man in a gang-related incident in Hollywood, California. He received a prison sentence of 15 years to life in a state that, at the time, did not parole prisoners with life sentences. Behind bars, Quan continued his downward spiral. This could have been the end of the story for Quan, as it is for many prisoners. But somewhere along the way, he discovered a new path - one that prompted him to commit to self-reflection, truth, and personal responsibility.
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Thoroughly Enjoyed
- By Angela Hein on 04-06-23
By: Quan Huynh
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When They Call You a Terrorist
- A Black Lives Matter Memoir
- By: Patrisse Cullors, asha bandele, Angela Davis - foreword
- Narrated by: Angela Davis - foreword, Angela Davis, Patrisse Cullors
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
-
Story
When They Call You a Terrorist is the essential audiobook for every conscientious American. From one of the cofounders of the Black Lives Matter movement comes a poetic audiobook memoir and reflection on humanity. Necessary and timely, Patrisse Cullors' story asks us to remember that protest in the interest of the most vulnerable comes from love.
-
-
Everyone should listen!
- By Mary J. Bunker on 01-26-18
By: Patrisse Cullors, and others
-
Terraform
- Building a Better World
- By: Propaganda
- Narrated by: Propaganda
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this deep, challenging, and thoughtful book, Propaganda looks at the ways in which our world is broken. Using the metaphor of terraforming - creating a livable world out of an inhospitable one - he shows how we can begin to reshape our homes, friendships, communities, and politics.
-
-
My favorite audio book!
- By CottonNLR on 06-20-21
By: Propaganda
-
Love and Justice
- By: Jonathan Irons, Maya Moore Irons, Bryan Stevenson - foreword, and others
- Narrated by: Jonathan Irons, Maya Moore Irons
- Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the tradition of Just Mercy, an inspirational memoir by WNBA star Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, who she helped free from a wrongful conviction.
-
-
God is Real!!
- By Stacy L. on 09-28-23
By: Jonathan Irons, and others
-
A Knock at Midnight
- A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom
- By: Brittany K. Barnett
- Narrated by: Karen Chilton
- Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brittany K. Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her life forever - that of Sharanda Jones, single mother, business owner, and, like Brittany, Black daughter of the rural South. A victim of America’s devastating war on drugs, Sharanda had been torn away from her young daughter and was serving a life sentence without parole - for a first-time drug offense.
-
-
Riveting Listen, Inspiring, Change Your Mind
- By elena on 11-18-20
-
Patriarchy Blues
- Reflections on Manhood
- By: Frederick Joseph
- Narrated by: Preston Butler III, Novell Jordan
- Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and “manning up” to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of men’s lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.
-
-
Much needed healing. My Soul Wept.
- By AB on 09-17-23
By: Frederick Joseph
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The Myth of the American Dream
- Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety and Power
- By: D.L. Mayfield
- Narrated by: Nan McNamara
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Affluence, autonomy, safety, and power. These are the central values of the American dream. But are they actually compatible with Jesus' command to love our neighbor as ourselves? In essays grouped around these four values, D. L. Mayfield asks us to pay attention to the ways they shape our own choices, and the ways those choices affect our neighbors. Where did these values come from? How have they failed those on the edges of our society? And how can we disentangle ourselves from our culture's headlong pursuit of these values and live faithful lives of service to God and our neighbors?
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Sooooo good. Powerful
- By D. Frazier on 08-19-21
By: D.L. Mayfield
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Breathe
- A Letter to My Sons
- By: Imani Perry
- Narrated by: Imani Perry
- Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Breathe explores the terror, grace, and beauty of coming of age as a Black person in contemporary America and what it means to parent our children in a persistently unjust world. Emotionally raw and deeply reflective, Imani Perry issues an unflinching challenge to society to see Black children as deserving of humanity. She admits fear and frustration for her African-American sons in a society that is increasingly racist and at times seems irredeemable. However, as a mother, feminist, writer, and intellectual, Perry offers an unfettered expression of love.
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Delightful peek into the heart & soul of a mother
- By Treesey on 10-08-19
By: Imani Perry
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Shoutin' in the Fire
- An American Epistle
- By: Danté Stewart
- Narrated by: Danté Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In Shoutin’ in the Fire, Danté Stewart gives breathtaking language to his reckoning with the legacy of white supremacy - both the kind that hangs over our country and the kind that is internalized on a molecular level. Stewart uses his personal experiences as a vehicle to reclaim and reimagine spiritual virtues like rage, resilience, and remembrance - and explores how these virtues might function as a work of love against an unjust, unloving world.
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Poetic. Narrative. Vulnerable. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.
- By A. Smith on 10-13-21
By: Danté Stewart
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A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
- By: Alicia Elliott
- Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
- Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The Mohawk phrase for depression can be roughly translated as a mind spread out on the ground. In this urgent, visceral work, Alicia Elliott explores how apt a description that is for the ongoing effects of the personal, intergenerational, and colonial traumas experienced by her so many Native people. Elliott's deeply personal writing details a life spent between Indigenous and White communities - a divide reflected in her own family - and engages with such wide-ranging topics as race, parenthood, love, art, mental illness, poverty, sexual assault, gentrification, and representation.
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Great storytelling and addressed colonial impacts
- By Amber Hosie on 05-03-23
By: Alicia Elliott
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Secrets and Wives
- The Hidden World of Mormon Polygamy
- By: Sanjiv Bhattacharya
- Narrated by: Sanjiv Bhattacharya
- Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged