Picking Cotton

by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino

In Brief

In 1984, university student Jennifer Thompson was raped. Her evidence led to the conviction and incarceration of Ronald Cotton. It would take eleven years and the development of DNA testing to prove Cotton's innocence. Cotton and Thompson have now formed an unlikely friendship, and campaign together for justice reform. This is their story.

Why you should read it

Crime, conviction, exoneration and forgiveness lie at the heart of this page turner. How is our judicial system able to wrongfully convict, yet so clearly exonerate? This book will keep you awake at night wondering how many other "Ronald Cottons" are still in jail.