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

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 am so thrilled with this book. Susan Burton's story about her childhood, the death of her son, her descent into addiction, and her emergence as one of the country's leading voices for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people is inspirational, painful, and enlightening. It's a must-read for anyone concerned about women, prisons, poverty, addiction, and sexual abuse -- issues that intersected for the author and intersect for many women who end up in America's jails and prisons.

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.

This book was so riveting, so honest and raw. I couldn't put it down. I cried because I could feel her pain through her writing. In reading this memoir, I could imagine Susan Burton's childhood, the music of that era, the roughness of her brothers, her pain that caused her descent into addiction - then on to overcoming her addiction to becoming the voice and help for hundreds of women and children affected by drugs and societal inflictions of all the problems - I admire her SO much. This book is a must-read! Velma Jenkins Miami, Florida

I work in the criminal justice system and found the story compelling. I know all too well how we do far too little for those who need mental health and substance abuse treatment. Her story is like so many I've seen before. She has, however, made something beautiful out of her tragedies. Except, Ms. Burton, if you read this, there are many judges and prosecutors out there who also are passionate about change and reform but are crushed by caseloads and feel as though they are but a cog in that machine as well.

Becoming Ms. Burton is an incredible story about how unhealed trauma led to addiction and ultimately led to recovery and transformation. Susan Burton is an angel among women. She not only overcame abuse, addiction and incarceration, she went back to save other women who are suffering as well. This book is extremely readable. I read it in a single day. This book has inspired me to do more in my life to help those that are suffering. Once you read this book you will not soon forget Ms. Burton.

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++++.

This book was an amazing eye opener into inequalities in our justice system especially in terms of race and wealth. Ms. Burton's compelling life story is inspirational in how the first half of her life was full of turmoil and incarceration and now she is a leader in prison reform. This autobiographical story had me in tears of anger, frustration, sadness, and eventually joy. I recommend this book to everyone.

Every person with no experience with the inside of the criminal justice system should read this book. Susan Burton’s story is inspiring. She’s overcome tremendous trauma and adversity. Her book also sheds light on the inequities of a system that treats trauma, grief and addiction in people of color with incarceration and demeaning conditions. Ms. Burton sheds light on these inequities and then she does things to change the outcomes and life experiences of other people. Big things!

This book is a complete page-turner and a much needed first-person voice in the realms of courageous, resilient lives who heal and overcome tremendous challenges. Ms. Burton's life is big because of her outstanding living, big risks, big healing, and big movement building. She exposes how systems intertwine in the lives of Black and Brown people in our country an how essential it is for us to build a movement, to demand more of ourselves, our own lives, and most importantly our institutions. Even so, even if you put the book down half-way through you'd knwo what an extraordinary woman this is. Read it all, and claim more for your own life, too! Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work with this motivating, inspiring, call to action!

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 am so thrilled with this book. Susan Burton's story about her childhood, the death of her son, her descent into addiction, and her emergence as one of the country's leading voices for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people is inspirational, painful, and enlightening. It's a must-read for anyone concerned about women, prisons, poverty, addiction, and sexual abuse -- issues that intersected for the author and intersect for many women who end up in America's jails and prisons.

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.

This book was so riveting, so honest and raw. I couldn't put it down. I cried because I could feel her pain through her writing. In reading this memoir, I could imagine Susan Burton's childhood, the music of that era, the roughness of her brothers, her pain that caused her descent into addiction - then on to overcoming her addiction to becoming the voice and help for hundreds of women and children affected by drugs and societal inflictions of all the problems - I admire her SO much. This book is a must-read! Velma Jenkins Miami, Florida

I work in the criminal justice system and found the story compelling. I know all too well how we do far too little for those who need mental health and substance abuse treatment. Her story is like so many I've seen before. She has, however, made something beautiful out of her tragedies. Except, Ms. Burton, if you read this, there are many judges and prosecutors out there who also are passionate about change and reform but are crushed by caseloads and feel as though they are but a cog in that machine as well.

Becoming Ms. Burton is an incredible story about how unhealed trauma led to addiction and ultimately led to recovery and transformation. Susan Burton is an angel among women. She not only overcame abuse, addiction and incarceration, she went back to save other women who are suffering as well. This book is extremely readable. I read it in a single day. This book has inspired me to do more in my life to help those that are suffering. Once you read this book you will not soon forget Ms. Burton.

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++++.

This book was an amazing eye opener into inequalities in our justice system especially in terms of race and wealth. Ms. Burton's compelling life story is inspirational in how the first half of her life was full of turmoil and incarceration and now she is a leader in prison reform. This autobiographical story had me in tears of anger, frustration, sadness, and eventually joy. I recommend this book to everyone.

Every person with no experience with the inside of the criminal justice system should read this book. Susan Burton’s story is inspiring. She’s overcome tremendous trauma and adversity. Her book also sheds light on the inequities of a system that treats trauma, grief and addiction in people of color with incarceration and demeaning conditions. Ms. Burton sheds light on these inequities and then she does things to change the outcomes and life experiences of other people. Big things!

This book is a complete page-turner and a much needed first-person voice in the realms of courageous, resilient lives who heal and overcome tremendous challenges. Ms. Burton's life is big because of her outstanding living, big risks, big healing, and big movement building. She exposes how systems intertwine in the lives of Black and Brown people in our country an how essential it is for us to build a movement, to demand more of ourselves, our own lives, and most importantly our institutions. Even so, even if you put the book down half-way through you'd knwo what an extraordinary woman this is. Read it all, and claim more for your own life, too! Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work with this motivating, inspiring, call to action!

This should be required reading. This book tells a powerful story of the shackles that our criminal justice system places on its charges and the incredible resiliency of women who have been caught in its grip. The book beautifully blends heart-wrenching memoir with the devastating data about incarceration that it reflects. I have read many books about the interconnectedness of poverty, race, incarceration and injustice, and this book tops the list. Michelle Alexander calls Ms. Burton the Harriet Tubman of today, and indeed she is. It succinctly describes the dire state of our prison system--and the populations it targets--in a way that will open the eyes of those who have been able, thus far, to ignore the problem. Read this, and then give it to your friends.

This book was a great read. I found out about it through an NYTimes article that talked about her phenomenal work (link below). There were times I wanted to cry because it seemed like no matter how hard she tried to do better, she encountered a roadblock. I'm so glad Ms. Burton was able to start over and provide a second chance for those who are often left to fend for themselves. As I was reading this book, it reminded of a similar book entitled A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown.

I heard about this book on NPR a while ago and added it to my Amazon wish list. Susan Burton's story is compelling and honest. The quality of the writing is excellent, and the hope she inspires is greatly needed. Her primary message is that every life has tremendous value. A second message is the value of persistence. I have tremendous respect for this marvelous woman and gratitude for the lives she has touched. I am so glad she shared her story!

If you are a licensed therapist, social worker, addictions specialist or other helping professional, or involved with teaching Black Studies; this book is a must read. It belongs on a bookshelf along side Dr. Gabor Mate's "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" and Johann Hari's "Chasing the Scream". It deserves to be on the best seller list! Phil Stein, LMFT

Ms. Burton openly shares her experiences; harsh and harmful childhood leading to an adult life with few options other than crime to survive. All caused by years of discriminatory attitudes and policies toward blacks. Yet like a Phoenix she rose from the ashes and became an activist that helped lead women and men from cages to causes. Thoughtfully and intelligently written.

Amazing and compassionate read. I found myself tearing up. An incredible story that summarizes the need for reforms and how simplicity is dangerous. So many truths and lessons here. The power one person can have is the core of this compelling and moving book. This is a story told from the depths of honesty and truth. Painful in so many ways it cries out for us all to do something. Anything.

The book provides insight and information so desperately needed for understanding a topic too easily avoided. Warehousing, locking away and denying opportunities to persons labeled "criminal" "felon" or "law-breaker" keeps us ignorant of human beings with complex life experiences and dreams like we all have. I was deeply moved, hugely inspired and greatly challenged by reading this excellent book of stories. Read and then take actions to improve our world.

A subzero non fiction book that keeps readers engaged and rooting for Sue. Very educational as to so many aspects of our criminal justice system and how broken it is. I

Eye opening journey of an amazing woman who found her way through domestic violence, sexual assault , our shameful prison system, and emerged as warrior for people like herself. The facts and figures at the start of each chapter were mind blowing to me. Read it and raise your voice against the injustices in incarcerating women in our country, especially women of color.

What a brilliant book which lays bare the systemic racism in our county. Susan Burton is my hero all the way, and I find her story completely inspiring. I was out in rural areas of Minnesota taking a family show to libraries, and recommended the book to librarians out there. White people, urban and rural, need to know what we are supporting as citizens of the United States; how skewed the "justice" system is against Black and Brown people.

It is an inspirational book about a courageous woman's efforts to get her life straight and to assist other women coming out of prisons in California to get their lives focused in the right direction. It is well-written and the writers capture the enormity of the conditions that Ms. Burton faces in reaching her goals. It is clearly an uphill battle, but every little bit helps; and Ms. Burton shows that to be true.

Excellent, an inspiration for those of us who do re-entry work.

We need more books like this. People need to continue to see the struggles that some people have to go through but they also need to see the success that is possible. Thank you for sharing your story Ms. Burton.

Susan Burton's story is gripping and impactful, telling of her life growing up in South LA, suffering from various forms of abuse and neglect, but also love. Eventually ending up addicted to drugs and incarcerated several times, the book also tells of Ms. Burton's remarkable redemption. It is also an important education in the failures of the criminal justice system.

This book educated and expanded me in so many ways. Although I've worked with incarcerated women and men, through Susan's eyes I have a greater understanding of the hurdles that leaving prison brings. The book is written in such a transparent style that I couldn't put it down. I've known these women inside, and look forward to supporting them here in the "free world"

It's 2 am an I just finished the book. A page turner that provides intelligence, inspiration, and naked truths about our humanity and our racial systems of oppression that make it near impossible to succeed. I'm reading a number of books this year on those who give their lives over to a cause. This is my favorite among them. Easy to move through, and profound. I recommend it highly.

Very enlightening, I'd rather read this than watch the sensationalism of OITNB any day. Ms. Burton had tough experiences and is using her life and story to make a difference. Very inspiring.

Terrific true story by and about a courageous African American woman. Tells how one amazing woman overcame the odds of poverty, addiction and tragedy to able to help other woman in similar misfortune. A hero.

I purchased this book as a gift for my mother. She was very excited to read it. She said that it was one of the best books that she's ever read. She was very pleased. Now she wants me to read it so that we can discuss.

A great perspective to learn about women in prison and recidivism, a constant cycle for women of color. A must read book. Susan is an inspiration...

Personal stories are always the best. Her story makes you sad, makes you laugh, makes you outraged and makes you want to take action.

I'm so glad that my book club decided to read this book. It really opened my eyes to a serious problem plaguing this country that I was not previously very informed on. It's definitely left me wanting to learn more and find ways to get involved. Susan Burton is a real inspiration.

If you have not gone through these experiences there is no way of knowing this struggle and sheer determination to fight against every obstacle life can possibly present.

I enjoyed the first half of the book but found the secondhand to be preachy . Ms. Burton is an amazing woman and I admire what she is doing . But I was unable to finish the book .

The best book I have ever read.

Her story is an amazing story of hope & redemption. Even though I don't necessarily agree with all of her proposed solutions, I greatly respect the efforts she makes to improve the lives of women coming out of prison. And, she definitely shines the light on the problems and obstacles they face. An interesting, worthy and thought-provoking read.

This is a MUST READ. And then take some action locally, At the end are resources.

I am in awe of the courage it took for Ms. Burton to write this book. Her story displays all the elements that capture the imagination of those interested in violence, loss, trauma, drug addiction, prison and redemption. However, this is not fiction birthed of an author’s imagination; her story is real. It was painful for me to read; my heart was pinched at every loss, yet my soul was moved. Ms. Burton was able to transform trauma and loss into understanding, then movement building to shift societal structures blocking basic human rights and racial equity. Her message has mobilized my consciousness to a greater universal truth - national policies that seem reasonable on paper may play out to the devastation of vulnerable populations living at ground zero. I am paying attention. ~ Claire S. Arcé

Beautifully-written, moving, eye-opening book.

Poor writing to describe an uninteresting life.

I recommend this book for all readers, but especially for those who have lost hope and see no possibility in their lives. Ms. Burton is an inspiration.

Good info

My husband liked this book. Used it with a book club at his church.

Truly inspirational. An amazing woman, an amazing story. This book should be read by everyone fortunate enough to grow up away from the vicious cycle of poverty/substance abuse/prison. It's not about just "pulling up by your bootstraps" -- sometimes a hand needs to be extended.

A good book on the struggles of growing up and overcoming a system that was created to not benefit all people

For those who see what's wrong in the world and believe there's nothing to be done --watch out! Ms. Burton is about to show you just Howard wrong you are!

A great moving and passionate book. And enjoyable read.

This book was a raw and unapologetic. A must read if you’re at all interested in the criminal justice system or just like hearing people’s stories.

A great read with practical solutions

Inspirational! Saw Ms. Burton speak at a friend’s church...amazing human being!

I love this book, and I love Susan's story and how she transformed a very sad life into one of joy! It is an inspiration to anyone who wants to see positive change in our prison system.

I read this book in 4 days. I could not put it down. What a great biography and what a great resource for knowledge.

This book is beyond inspiring. I am so glad that Susan Burton has shared her story--it is one that needs to be heard.

Very powerful book. Put yourself in their shoes, learn what its like to struggle to pull yourself up with SO many strikes against you. Bless you Ms. Burton. JC

Eye opening! I found this book honest and intriguing- I never understood the cycle that incarcerated individuals go through. Ms. Burton - you're an inspiration.

Inspired & inspiring !

Enjoyed this book very much

This is an excellent, most inspiring book that every one should read, no matter your race, political or religious preferences. Talk about a God send, THIS IS IT!!! Keep the faith and hope alive and you shall overcome as well.

Amazing book! It’s a must read, really opens your eyes to the problems in our society

Really good read!! Bought it for a class n had a hard time only reading what was assigned!!

I enjoyed reading the book! It's just sad how the judicial system work. I'm happy to read that she is making an impact on women lives and getting them the adequate help they need to succeed at life giving "(2nd chances).

This is an amazing story

Ms Burton is doing important work

Her story is honest and inspirational. She exemplifies WWJD. Let's put more people in Rehab not prison.

Bought brand new and came with water damage.

excellent!

Insightful! Powerful! Grateful to have found this great book!

Inspiring and compelling

Every adult American must read this book. Period. It is schema-shifting. Unsentimental. Moving without being unbearably painful. Inspiring beyond inspiring. READ THIS BOOK.

This is a p

Excellent and thought provoking.

Very inspiring and informative (eye opening for me)

A good read!

Excellent and inspiring!

Great delivery! Even better book!! Thanks

Susan has an amazing story and proves that absolutely no woman is hopeless. She is very motivating and inspiring. We all should find a way to have such an open heart.

An amazing story about an amazing women! She tells her story truthfully without self pity but with lots of love and respect. Love and respect for human life. Susan Burton is one of the most amazing people I have ever heard about. After reading her book I am inspired, inspired to do good.

This beautifully written book is a new classic to be read alongside Michelle Alexander's "The New Jim Crow". A riveting, uplifting, inspiring life story and a call to action. Highly Highly Highly recommended!

Poignant, enlightening, alarming and ultimately inspirational. Thank you Ms Burton!

Becoming Ms. Burton is a must read! An inspired story, beautifully written, and important educational insight into our criminal justice system. Finished it in one sitting.

What a story. This lady is an inspiration to us all

Love the book! very educational and inspiring.

This book is incredibly well written. Very moving. And it's also keeping me up. I want to DO something towards the cause, but not sure what. Reading how much Ms. Burton has accomplished in the last 20 years or so is incredible. I want to have that kind of passion and energy. I have about 30 pages left in the book and I can barely keep track on how many initiatives and projects she's been a part of (this is because she's is so incredibly active in multiple arenas. Not due to poor writing. the writing is excellent) I also really appreciate reading how various political leaders interweave in her story. I'm already a fan of my House Representative, Maxine Waters - finding her within the pages of this book, makes me like/appreciate her even more. Many other political leaders make an appearance. It is also really surprising to discover the many ways that political leaders failed, at least, leaders that I thought should have done better. While we all know that politicians strategize everything, because it's all about appearances, it's really bizarre to read how those "superficial strategies/messages/values" play out in people's lives. That Democrats such as Gray Davis and Bill Clinton made political decisions that may have been good for appearances, but certainly didn't do the Black community any favors. Makes me even more wary of my already shaky Democratic connection (we need a viable 3rd party!) This book is personal, political, motivating, and so many more things rolled into one well written package. There is so much more that I want to say, but I am still processing this book.

Very powerful and inspiring story of Susan Burton's life. The first half of book was about her childhood, her family, traumatic events, addiction, time in prison, and read more like a story. The second half was how she recovered and started realizing her potential, her non-profit, and descriptions of policies and programs that help people through challenges. If you're in a book group or want to recommend a book that might open people's eyes to how our society often deliberately relegates usually people of color to the margins, imprisons them, and keeps them from achieving their potential, this would be an excellent book. It is heartbreaking, enlightening, but practical as well. Excellent book.

Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women, is a book that I, as a teacher in a correctional facility, highly recommend. This book should be read by educators, to help understand the need to educate inmates and how that education affects recidivism. To be read by Correction Staff, who see the worst in people but to help understand how they got that way, not by condoning their actions, but to understanding how they got there and how to help end that cycle. And by the general public to get a small glimpse into the struggles and lack of rehabilitation for those who do not have the financial resources to obtain for themselves. Finally, the insidious grip that drug addiction has on so many Americans cannot be undone by incarcerations but through education and rehabilitation. Susan Burton is a remarkable woman, remarkable in helping us to understand the cycle of recidivism within our prison system through her life story. She is an example of how a life on the edge can take a turn for the worse. With the death of her young son and with no accountability from the police who were responsible begins the lifelong spiral of despair and self medicating to ease the pain of her loss. Susan is able to look back at her life and take an accounting of why she made the mistakes she did and finally found meaning in, and for her life. Susan brings to the forefront the need for reform in our sentencing laws that mandate individuals with minor drug offences to prison sentences that far exceed the nature of the crime. She offers the most striking examples of the need for treatment over incarceration. She offers statistics at the beginning of each chapter that really make you think. There is always the nagging thought to just pick yourself up and get it together, that’s all it takes. Susan shows time and time again how easy it is to slip back to your old ways when that’s all you know. Education and rehabilitation are the tickets out of the cycle. Blacks, living in broken neighborhoods, without jobs and poorly educated, are not offered the same addiction treatments and opportunities, as those who are fortunate to have good jobs, and are well educated, yet they both suffer from the same non discriminating grip that drug addictions have on both. I don’t always agree that it’s the fault of the “system” that keeps people down and in a cycle that cannot be broken out of. There is a lot to be said for taking personal responsibility for your stance in life. Susan carried a crutch, an excuse, a blame for everyone else. It wasn’t until she was enlightened with a purpose for her life and acted on it, that she broke out. The stigma of being incarcerated follows a person their whole life and the opportunities for starting over again are very difficult and at times impossible for newly released persons. Susan Barton, through her organization, A New Way of Life, helps those individuals get a new start on life. Susan had to endure many hardships to start her organization and safe houses but prevailed and has helped hundreds of women transition into life again. Ms. Susan Burton offers an established model for helping woman to start over and find a new life through rehabilitation and education. Her model should be duplicated and used in place of second, third, and fourth time incarcerations. Thank You for your lifetime of dedication to woman in need.

I received this book when Ms Burton spoke at the California Legislative Women's Caucus Breakfast in Sacramento A few weeks ago. I'll admit, it's not a book that I would've picked up at a local bookstore. This exquisitely written story of Susan Burton, the challenges faced on her life including six stints in prison and her plight to become an advocate and affect change for incarcerated women, is a story not to be missed. I would give this 10 stars if I could and recommend it to anyone who cares about basic human rights and needs, because that's with the story is really about. Hard to put down and a compelling story that draws in a reader quickly. This is one you will carry around to doctors appointments and read late into the evening. It will not disappoint.

I admire the frank, honest approach Susan takes in vulnerably sharing her life story which has been filled with adversity, setbacks, obstacles and heartache. Yet as I read page after page I could not put down her book as I was drawn into her transparency, her perseverance and desire to share her perspective in order to create awareness of countless issues that are negatively affecting so many lives. I have never read a 250+ page book so fast!!

Like a phoenix, Susan Burton has risen from utter devastation to live a life of hope and purpose. Part 1 was very hard for this tender-hearted reader to get through, but persistence paid off. Part 2 describes a new set of challenges, but Ms. Burton rises to each one and overcomes. Her story illustrates what is wrong with our prison system but also what can be done about it if we raise our voices. Poverty is no crime, but its effects are catastrophic, especially for the young. Reading Ms. Burton's book inspires me to do more in my community; to give a hand up to those who want it. Adults should read this book who truly want their eyes opened. Those who read it will never be the same.

Becoming Ms. Burton was recommended to me after I finished (and loved) Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and they’re very complimentary books. As I menteioned in my previous review, I have no idea, thankfully, what the criminal justice system is like and books like these are opening my eyes to the injustices that are all over the institution. Burton specifically talks about her own experiences of being in and out of jail from a young age and how hard it was to escape that life. But she did. And has now created a welcoming environment to help others do the same. You can also sense her need for continued involvement in the future. I highly recommend this read (I listened).

I absolutely enjoyed this book, it was an eye opener for me. I knew the system was bad but I really had no idea. This book was an easy read and I did not want to put it down. The criminal justice system needs to be over hauled with people that have some humanity in them. How about helping someone before they go to jail or prison and then if they are in jail or prison show them a way back to their community armed with education and purpose. People need help, we are suppose to be the greatest country, well it doesn't show.

Life altering. Eye Opening and well researched! I gave mine to a friend. I am buying it again. I love Ms. Burton. What an incredible survivor and I get goosebumps everytime I think of this book. This book should be required reading in high schools and in every female and male prison and every drug reabilitation center. Heck, every politician should read this as well. I hope she has an enjoyable retirement.