'Just Mercy' Is the One Book, One Community Selection for Fall 2016

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Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Just Mercy is a memoir by Bryan Stevenson, describing his life-long crusade to find justice in the legal system for low income and minority defendants, as well as the wrongly condemned. It has been chosen for the University of Arkansas One Book, One Community program for the fall semester.

Stevenson was a young, Harvard educated lawyer when he co-founded the Equal Justice Initiative of Montgomery, Alabama. His book tells of his personal growth and understanding of flaws in the legal system, while bringing the stories of his clients to life.

“This is a remarkably readable and accessible book, and I can see it fitting in very well in any number of course curriculums,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the One Book, One Community committee. “The committee made a particular effort this year to make our selection in time for faculty members to consider adding it to their courses, so we can increase the number of students reading it.”

Stevenson will visit the U of A campus and deliver a free public lecture Thursday, Nov.3. He will also speak at the Fayetteville Public Library on Friday, Nov. 4.

“Bryan Stevenson is a wonderful writer and storyteller,” said David Jolliffe, One Book committee co-chair. “This book will fit perfectly in any course that examines social justice issues and that teaches clear, effective, forceful writing, from the freshman to the graduate level.”

The committee is in the process of negotiating with the publisher of Just Mercy  and if there are enough advance orders it is likely that students will be able to buy it at a substantial discount from the U o A Bookstore or Nightbird Books, which are both a part of the committee.