Writing My Wrongs

Life, Death, and One Man's Story of Redemption in an American Prison

By: Shaka Senghor

Narrated by: Shaka Senghor

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An “extraordinary, unforgettable” (Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow) memoir of redemption and second chances amidst America’s mass incarceration epidemic, from a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100

Shaka Senghor was raised in a middle-class neighborhood on Detroit’s east side during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic. An honor roll student and a natural leader, he dreamed of becoming a doctor—but at age eleven, his parents’ marriage began to unravel, and beatings from his mother worsened, which sent him on a downward spiral. He ran away from home, turned to drug dealing to survive, and ended up in prison for murder at the age of nineteen, full of anger and despair.

Writing My Wrongs is the story of what came next. During his nineteen-year incarceration, seven of which were spent in solitary confinement, Senghor discovered literature, meditation, self-examination, and the kindness of others—tools he used to confront the demons of his past, forgive the people who hurt him, and begin atoning for the wrongs he had committed. Upon his release at age thirty-eight, Senghor became an activist and mentor to young men and women facing circumstances like his. His work in the community and the courage to share his story led him to fellowships at the MIT Media Lab and the Kellogg Foundation and invitations to speak at events like TED and the Aspen Ideas Festival.

In equal turns, Writing My Wrongs is a compelling portrait of life in the shadow of poverty, violence, and fear; an unforgettable story of redemption; and a compelling witness to our country’s need for rethinking its approach to crime, prison, and the men and women sent there.

©2016 Shaka Senghor (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[A] harrowing [portrait] of life behind bars . . . Gritty, visceral . . . Senghor writes about the process of atonement and the possibility of redemption, and talks of his efforts to work for prison reforms that might turn a system designed to warehouse into one aimed at rehabilitation.”—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“My first glance at the person on the book's cover—a dreadlocked, tattooed, heavyset black male—left me skeptical. Full of judgment. Why should I be interested in the story of a murderer? But as [Senghor's] words unfolded, so did my understanding—of what it means to fall short, to go astray, to lose your way . . . His story touched my soul.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

“[A] powerful memoir.”—The Washingtonian

ambivalence

the story was exactly what i was looking for, however, the author's narration took from rather than added to the experience.

Awesome read

I love this book and I was hung on every word. Although a sad story, but it taught me so much about mental health, prisionization, the social construct of African American Men and the street life. I recommend this book to all young boys who are at risk. Thank you for this.

A powerful story of redemption

Shaka is a gifted storyteller with a powerful story. Nothing does more to connect us with others than a personal story.

Judge Not!

Shaka Senghor paints a picture that Black America has seen too often. His story is raw and gut punching. Everything in life is based on a choice. Sometimes we make choices that don’t have the best outcome. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is always a chance for redemption. Keep on keepin’ on... don’t give up! Be encouraged

Great telling of truth and teamwork between writer and his wife

Awesome book, hope people really learn how consequences for actions can change your whole way of thinking

Forgiveness

What a great story of the power of forgiveness and so well written. Thank you Shaka!

I couldn't put it down 😊

I feel like I walked through his life, so vivid and real. Highs and lows

Compelling

I’m so glad I listened to this. It touched my soul. Loved the honesty. I grieved over the mistreatment described in modern day prisons.
It’s a redemption story of hope.

An excellent read/listen

I decided to give this book a chance after listening to Oprahs super soul podcast where Shaka was a speaker. I thought the book was detailed to the point I could envision his struggle as my own. It was painful and real. Most of all I was amazed by his resilience and faith. Overall great book.

A revolution of the soul

I gave this piece 5 stars for a number of reasons.
The vivid imagery afforded by the authors choice of words established a connection to the people, places and events throughout the reading. The structure of the chapters and sections held my interests as the author ties youthful decisions to adult consequences.

Readers do not need to be from the "streets" to enjoy and appreciate this work of redemptive value. I believe that those looking for an understanding of the systematic oppression of Africans in America, and how that same system, by design, will inevitability consume the offspring of any ethnicity, will be blessed by this contribution to literacy.

Thank you Shaka.