What Color Justice

by Andrew P. Baratta

Eleven-year-old Darnell Cooper, malnourished and uneducated, is plucked by chance from the abusive horrors of a Philadelphia slum by Lionel, a brash, young, black lawyer struggling to find his own identity. Darnell is discovered to be phenomenally intelligent, and he also becomes the best high school basketball player in the country. But Darnell famously spurns the NBA and chooses to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Overnight, he becomes an American icon.Darnell's unparalleled success as a student-athlete culminates when he falls in love with Kelly, a Penn freshman and the daughter of a Philly cop. But when Kelly's dead body turns up on the night she and Darnell first make love, he is charged with her rape and murder.The District Attorney believes it his duty to seek the death penalty despite doubts that Darnell is capable of murder. Lionel believes Darnell is guilty, but loves the boy too much to allow him to be convicted. Kelly's father only wants revenge. Their fight is not only against each other but against each man's perceptions of race and justice-where Darnell's life hangs in the balance.

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Joni Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the streets of Philadelphia comes a terrific story that makes the reader as well as the characters think about how we think and the assumptions we make about race, class, lawyers, police, the educated, those who live in the projects and those who lunch at the elite clubs. We meet Darnell Cooper when he is just 11, living in squalor and horrific abuse. A black attorney, just starting his own career decides to act and takes him in. A cop with a jerk for a partner pins all his love and hope on his daughter. An attorney who has been mentored well, has design to become an impressive and successful DA. They all will end up in a court room drama where the death penalty is a real possiblity. The desire for justice and revenge are well written. THe relationships carry a realistic weight. There are twists and a few turns. It is well written adn well paced and best of all, while you think it's an engaging story, it's also one that makes everyone, thee reader included reflect on what they thought and why they thought it

[Courtney Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heads up that the first chapter (and a few other parts) are very difficult to read. Otherwise, I thought it was a good book, which highlights the injustices and racial biases that persist in the court system, in schools, on the streets, in our minds, everywhere. I also enjoyed that this book was set in Philadelphia for lighthearted reasons such as the big 5 basketball references, but also for the reason that it made the book's messages ones that I couldn't ignore. I have been a Philadelphia juror, convicting criminals, and I have driven past slums...and allowed myself to be desensitized to the poverty I've seen. This isn't just a made up story about a place far away from me. These are my neighbors. :(

I do want to pat myself on the back for correctly guessing the surprise twist at the end, though.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this one 3.5 stars. Unfortunately, the Kindle version had so many typos! Aside from that, the story had a little bit for everyone - love, friendship, betrayal, drama - and towards the end I couldn't put it down. I did find the ending was predictable but enjoyed that the author dove into the controversial topic of racism in a unique and memorable way.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book ever. Doesn't hurt that I live in Phila & worked with the Delco court system.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous and riveting read. The character development was amazing. I truly felt for characters, and despised some of them. Very timely read with an important reminder to go beyond stereotypes.