Bending the Arc

My Journey from Prison to Politics

By: Keeda J. Haynes

Narrated by: Keeda J. Haynes, Kylah Frye

A searing exposé of the profound failures in our justice system, told by a woman who has journeyed from wrongfully accused prisoner to acclaimed public defender.

Keeda Haynes was a Girl Scout and a churchgoer, but after college graduation, she was imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit. Her boyfriend had asked her to sign for some packages - packages she did not know were filled with marijuana. As a young Black woman falsely accused, prosecuted, and ultimately imprisoned, Haynes suffered the abuses of our racist and sexist justice system. But rather than give in to despair, she decided to fight for change. After her release, she attended law school at night, became a public defender, and ultimately staged a highly publicized campaign for Congress. At every turn of her unlikely story, she gives unique insights into the inequities built into our institutions. In the end, despite the injustice she endured, she emerges convinced that ours can become a true second-chance culture.

©2021 Keeda J. Haynes (P)2021 Seal Press

Critic reviews

"The author’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and her voice is simultaneously impassioned and informed. Haynes is adept at using her personal experience to illustrate general truths about the flaws in the criminal justice system as well as specific avenues for reform.”—Kirkus

“Keeda Haynes suffered a great injustice, struggled, overcame it, and devoted her life to fighting against a criminal justice system responsible for tremendous harm. This is a timely and inspiring book about a subject that could not be more important.”—Eric Schlosser, New York Times–bestselling author of Fast Food Nation

"Heartrending and heartwarming. Haynes exposes the deep flaws in our justice system, all the while exemplifying the importance of second chances.” —Austin Channing Brown, New York Times-bestselling author of I’m Still Here

Wow! Amazing… kept me on the edge of my seat.

I finished the entire book in four sittings—only putting it down to finish work, go to sleep, or when an important call came through. Keeda’s story is worthy of a series or documentary. Through this book I learned about the intricacies of the war on drugs, and general inspiration on life. You won’t want to put it down. Each chapter gave me something to reflect on. This would be awesome for political science classes, pre law, etc. First time I’ve done a written review on audible.

A Must Read

Bravery embodied!
If there is ever to be Truth and Reconciliation, this book is the story, the historical documentation that should be included in truth telling in order to get to the reconciliation our nation so desperately needs.

A must read!

Thank you Keeda Haynes for sharing your journey. This is a testimony of fortitude and purpose.

Must read

Excellent storytelling. Ms. Haynes offers a perspective that only few share. Her experience with the criminal legal system as the accused and as an attorney representing the accused offers the reader/listener insight that we all need. Many of us remain oblivious or willfully blind to the inequalities of the criminal legal system. I commend Ms. Haynes for sharing her experiences in hopes of making improvements to our system. It’s a must read/listen for all.

A story worth learningabout

Three words to describe this work: inspirational, important, powerful. Ms. Haynes shines a light on a system in need of reform and rethinking.