Picking Cotton

Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

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

Narrated by: Richard Allen, Karen White

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Great Book!!!

Ron has a great heart!!! I really loved the fact Jennifer went to meet Ron when she was wrong. It's nothing like understanding someone else who is hurt.

Read for School- loved it

I read this book for Forensic Psychology and thought it was amazing. I got choked up several times and think this is a wonderful story of forgiveness. It shines a light on the faulty aspects of the legal system and how well meaning police can accidentally lead victims to give incorrect eye witness testimony.

Amazing Book - Sad Story, Good Ending

Black people are often treated wrongly in this world, especially by white people. I’m glad this story turned out to be a good one, but many do not. I appreciate the efforts of the white woman after she realized what she did was wrong, but it cost a man 11 years of his life.

amazing book

I really enjoyed this book. i was encouraged to read it for a class about psychology and law. it was a read for understand the problem with eye witness testimony.

Great book

Totally enjoyed this book. Very inspirational. He never lost hope! There is nothing God can’t get you through!

One of my best choices on audible!!

I chose this book because it is a recommended college reading assignment for my daughter. I began listening without any idea that it was an actual story and not just loosely based on random happenings in our country. I was immediately drawn into the story. I listened to the whole book, with then exception of the final 30 minutes, in one day. I’m a truck driver so I have plenty of time to listen. When I say that this book took me through just about every emotion I have, I’m telling you the truth. The tension, terror, sadness, shock, frustration, hopefulness, disappointment, more shock, more hopefulness, gratitude, joy and pride are some of them. I’m proud of both Jennifer & Ronald and I’m so happy for them. Thank you both for your stories and thank you both for working so hard to fix your own situations and helping others do the same. You are both totally awesome people.

Powerful

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

Amazingly Sad, Yet Beautiful

This is a great listen for those who like memiors like The Glass Castel. I loved listening to this story and could feel the deep emotions of the authors. I am glad that they teamed up together to share their story in this raw way! I hate that this happened to both of them, but I love how they have let it transform into a story of strength and love!

Reformation of our Justice System is essential!

Take the time to read it or listen to it on audio, you won't regret it...

A surprisingly good book

I think what stood out for me was the performances of the two main characters. I thought it was portrayed well and gave a good sense of one event through two (or more) different perspectives. Nice story of forgiveness and redemption.