With the colder weather upon us, we’ve been finding ourselves spending evenings curled up under blankets with a warm cup of tea and a good book. Here’s our top pick from last month's reading list:
Writing My Wrongs
by Shaka Senghor
In 1991, at the age of nineteen, Shaka Senghor shot and killed a man. For years, as he served out his sentence, he blamed everybody but himself for the decision he made. It wasn't until Shaka started writing about his childhood pain and his life on the streets that he was able to get to the root of the anger that led him to prison.
Senghor transparently details his lived experience both in Detroit and in the criminal justice system. He touches on rape culture, the sexualization of Black boys, addiction, systemic issues, the consequences of being in solitary confinement for long periods of time, and the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma.
Writing My Wrongs, is an unforgettable memoir of a man's fight from the streets through the broken prison system, to the redemption of his soul. It’s an emotional exposé, riddled with confessions that enlighten the audience and give a human face to the incarcerated. Through the power of journaling, Shaka accepts responsibility for his violent behaviour and now uses his experience to help others avoid the same path.
Happy Reading,
Stray & Wander Team