Susan BurtonBecoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women

A remarkable story -- and a book you will never forget. Becoming Ms. Burton is an ideal companion to Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow and every American should read it in order to understand the terrible human cost that the war on drugs and mass incarceration have had on our society -- a cost felt way, way disproportionately by people of color -- and to appreciate the nearly impossible odds people face when they get out of prison after ostensibly having paid their dues. Susan Burton got lucky by getting treatment and help but there are thousands upon thousands like her whose lives have effectively been destroyed. The book is particularly good at describing how children whose parents get caught up in the criminal justice system (often for minor drug offenses for which middle-class white parents would get community service or probation) are treated like criminals themselves and how insanely unfair and inhumane our criminal justice system is. Some of the statistics in the book are really shocking but despite the subject matter, there is nothing dreary about the book: in the first half Burton chronicles her difficult childhood but in the second half the book soars as Burton describes developing an understanding of what happened to her and her family and points the way toward what can be done. It is also a thrilling recovery story that people will find enthralling and inspiring. This is one of the most moving books I have ever read.

Informative, and eye opening.

This book will amaze you to know where someone came from and where they are it can be mind blowing you never know what a person has been doing in their life and a lot of times we’d like to just place judgments like our lives are perfect, but I can truly say That Miss Susan Burton is a magnificent, magnificent, magnificent woman. I tip my hat off to her just to know that she had the strength in her to become a pillar in the community is amazing. I have absolutely been encouraged and Inspired to keep moving forward, no matter what. Even on my lowest days I can never say I don’t have the strength to do something. Reading this book you learn that there is no reason a person should say they can’t do something. After all the adversity Susan went through and has shown us that nothing can stop you when you want to do something you just do it. You can’t find no excuses, you can’t use no hurdle in your way, no crutch, no pit hole, no traffic jam, no construction on the road. Nothing should be the reason why you don’t do the things that your heart desires, especially when it comes to helping other people . Susan’s most selfless act was caring for others and giving them something that she knew she wanted and she was the only one who probably wants something like that and intern she gave that gift to everyone. I love her for that, this book was beautiful it was amazing and I can’t wait to see what she has coming out next.

Becoming Ms. Burton is an incredible story about the average person in America that has struggled with addiction and is caught up in the judicial system. Ms. Burton goes through her childhood, the death of her son, her addiction, and her success in becoming one of the country's leading voices for the formerly incarcerated. Her story is very touching although is not one of a kind. She makes a point in the book to explain that every life has a value and a meaning. Ms. Burton defied the odds of a repeated offender not only to turn her life around but to help others. Ms. Burton’s calling of life was truly to live the life she did, so she help make a difference and give opportunities to others. She created a foundation called A New Way of Life, this foundation has been successful in helping others turn their life’s around. I am a Teacher that works inside the prison system. I chose to read this book to not only help understand my students but to help them become better individuals. After reading this book I plan on sharing Ms. Burton story with them. Sometimes I feel that it takes a good success story to give incarcerated individuals the drive to better themselves. Ms. Burton has done a great good telling her life story and delivering the message in this Book A++++.

Nikolas Kristoff recommended this in the NYTimes, and no wonder. Gosh, where to start. It's the story of a remarkable woman who overcame sexual abuse as a young girl, drugs, and multiple incarcerations to create an organization called A New Way of Life that helps women leaving prison get their life back together. Even that description doesn't cover the depth of the book. Underlying all of this is a vicious cycle of drugs and prison that is extremely difficult to escape. Somehow Sue Burton managed it.It's a very engaging read. Well written, although the subject matter is tough in places. I gained an understanding of what many young girls are subjected to and from which there is little hope of escaping. I learned of the inequities of the judicial system and the prison system. Sometimes it was mindboggling how unjust politicians were, but fortunately in several cases Mrs. Burton prevailed. She is an astonishing woman.Thank you for opening my eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from this book. Top-notch storytelling , both heartbreaking and triumphant. Excellently put into broader context and shines a light on the often overlooked plights of women caught in the criminal punishment system. I’d highly recommend.

Absolutely love this book very powerful! Brings to light the many issues the people of color have to face in the system

Ms. burton is one of my heroes, even though we’ve never met. Just a little bit of help can make a huge difference. She is living proof of that and has paid it forward beyond anyone’s expectations, including hers! I have been part of reentry/jail/prison ministry for eight years as a lay person. I have seen firsthand that it’s not just about making poor choices, but not having the same options/choices as many others have. I highly recommend this book as well at “Entry Lessons” by Jorja Leap which is embraces research to explore effective ways to reduce recidivism.

Interesting and all true. I just wish it could have been told in less words.