Becoming Ms. Burton

By Susan Burton, Cari Lynn,

Book cover of Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women

Book description

One woman's remarkable odyssey from tragedy to prison to recovery'and recognition as a leading figure in the national justice reform movement. Susan Burton's world changed in an instant when her five-year-old son was killed by a van on their street in South Los Angeles. Consumed by grief and without access…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Becoming Ms. Burton as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

For me, this is a powerful memoir that chronicles her remarkable journey from a life marked by trauma and incarceration to one of empowerment and activism. After experiencing profound loss and systemic injustices, Susan transforms her pain into purpose, advocating for the rights of women affected by the criminal justice system.

Through resilience and determination, she not only rebuilds her own life but also inspires countless others to break free from cycles of despair. This inspirational narrative highlights the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, reminding us that change is possible, even in the face…

From Keith's list on rewriting your story.

I met Susan at the beginning of her career. Even that first day, seeing her give a talk in the living room of the very first home she established for women coming out of prison, I thought she was so significant as a person. I knew she was a leader and found her the first grant funding for her housing and support project, A New Way of Life.

I witnessed the growth that she writes about in her autobiography, how she found purpose in helping others after she spent years losing herself in addiction and prison after too many personal…

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