BKMT READING GUIDES

Inspiring,
Dramatic,
Interesting

9 reviews

Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Ronald Cotton, Erin Torneo

Published: 2009-03-03
Hardcover : 304 pages

2 members reading this now
18 clubs reading this now
2 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 9 of 9 members

No other editions available.

Jump to

Introduction

Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape, and eventually positively 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 eleven 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.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Do you think the judical system was fair and unbaised in Ronald Cotton's case? Why or why not?

What circumstances placed Ronald Cotton under suspicion for the crime that he was alleged to have committed?

Do you feel that eye witness identification is a valid detection tool? Did this book change your mind in any way?

by [email protected] (see profile) 03/22/16

Weblinks

There are no web links at this time.

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 9 of 9 members.

Book Club Ideas for Retirees

by [email protected] (see profile) 03/22/16

We hold our book club meetings once a month at 4 PM on a Monday. This seems to work for a majority of our members. At the meetings wine and non-alcoholic drinks are served as well as appetizers/snacks. We meet at one of the members' homes and rotate this so all are eventually are included.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"Picking Cotton "by peg t. (see profile) 11/19/16

Based on a true story, this book makes you explore race discrimination, our legal system, and how would you react if in the same situation. Good book for discussion.

"A Book to Inspire Discussion"by Jill B. (see profile) 03/22/16

Picking Cotton was one of the favorite picks of our bookclub. It was the longest book club we have had to date with all the members sharing personal stories and opinions.We were all extremely impressed... (read more)

"Worth getting to the end."by Vickie R. (see profile) 09/22/11

"More inspiring than you would think"by Dana B. (see profile) 03/02/11

An inspiring account of how a rape victim picks the wrong man out of a lineup leading to him spending 11 years in jail for a crime he did not commit. In the end, the victim and the man she accused become... (read more)

"Picking Cotton"by Patsy P. (see profile) 01/10/11

This book had an inspiring message of hope & forgiveness.

"Picking Cotton"by melissa S. (see profile) 12/22/10

I don't usually read non-fiction,so it was a surprise to me when I really started to find this book interesting. It was fairly well written and the true life story kept me wanting to find out the ending!I... (read more)

"Picking Cotton"by Betsy M. (see profile) 07/01/10

This book was very much a journey of self-realization, learning, growing, and changing. Both main characters made themselves better throughout the course of the book, and that is a very hopeful thing.... (read more)

"Memory and Forgiveness Are Tricky Things"by Lisa S. (see profile) 06/11/10

The remarkable friendship of Ronald Cotton and Jennifer Thompson-Cannino inspires and reveals. In this finely written true tale of fear, determination, forgiveness and finally of love, we learn how even... (read more)

"Great Book!"by Amanda Y. (see profile) 04/01/10

"Great Book Club Pick - True Story, Incredible Outcome"by Beth B. (see profile) 03/21/10

I live in NC and was aware of this noteworth true story even before I met the author at a party. The incredible shame of rape, the wrongs of our legal system, and the impacts of the victim of rape and... (read more)

Rate this book

MEMBER LOGIN