What Set Me Free (The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture Brian Banks): A True Story of Wrongful Conviction, a Dream Deferred, and a Man Redeemed

by Brian Banks, Mark Dagostino

*The story that inspired the film Brian Banks *

Discover the unforgettable and inspiring true story of a young man who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager and imprisoned for more than five years, only to emerge with his spirit unbroken and determined to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

At age sixteen, Brian Banks was a nationally recruited All-American Football player, ranked eleventh in the nation as a linebacker. Before his seventeenth birthday, he was in jail, awaiting trial for a heinous crime he did not commit.

Although Brian was innocent, his attorney advised him that as a young black man accused of rape, he stood no chance of winning his case at trial. Especially since he would be tried as an adult. Facing a possible sentence of forty-one years to life, Brian agreed to take a plea deal—and a judge sentenced him to six years in prison.

At first, Brian was filled with fear, rage, and anger as he reflected on the direction his life had turned and the unjust system that had imprisoned him. Brian was surrounded by darkness, until he had epiphany that would change his life forever. From that moment on, he made the choice to shed the bitterness and anger he felt, and focus only on the things he had the power to control. He approached his remaining years in prison with a newfound resolve, studying spirituality, improving his social and writing skills, and taking giant leaps on his journey toward enlightenment.

When Brian emerged from prison with five years of parole still in front of him, he was determined to rebuild his life and finally prove his innocence. Three months before his parole was set to expire, armed with a shocking recantation from his accuser and the help of the California Innocence Project, the truth about his unjust incarceration came out and he was exonerated. Finally free, Brian sought to recapture a dream once stripped to play for the NFL. And at age twenty-eight, he made that dream come true.

Perfect for fans of Just Mercy , I Beat the Odds , and Infinite Hope , this powerful memoir is a deep dive into the injustices of the American justice system, a soul-stirring celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, and an inspiring call to hold fast to our dreams.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, True Crime, Sports, Politics

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All it took was an accusation. A he said, she said moment and a young black teen with a promising football career ahead of him, finds his life derailed. A heavily football recruit, a young man who did his best to stay out of trouble, who had no previous police record, finds himself in juvvie, with his bail set at one million dollars. How is this fair? How is this justice? Facing an impossibly long sentence for something he did not do, his lawyer convinces his mother to take a plea bargain. His once bright future will be spent in serving six years in prison.

Thank goodness for these innocence projects, this one in California, that has set so many unjustly convicted men back their freedom. But, one can't give them time back, can't give them back their youth, many times can't give them back their families, their reputation. Brian made the most of what he had, learning, turning to spirituality not to become bitter, one can say he was one of the lucky ones. He does manage to achieve part of his dream.

A stirring story, one among many that point out the need for justice reform. When one makes an accusation, all involved need to be sure it is factual, not one made for revenge of hurt feelings, because all it takes is an accusation, just an accusation to ruin a man's life.

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Nanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! what an ordeal - one I would never want to experience! I believe in the justice system, especially when it removes hardened criminals from the streets, Yet, when it causes disastrous results for the innocent, I cannot comprehend how our system has progressed to that state, as in this case for Mr Brian Banks. Time and again, court appearance after court appearance, every person from his lawyers to judges, investigators, psychologists, police persons, etc... were able to ignore or disregard the evidence found or given. Everyone deserves a FAIR trial in this country regardless of age, race, gender etc... Innocent Until Proven Guilty should be adhered to by ALL working within the criminal justice system, keeping innocent people from wrongfully being sent to prison. The woman having accused Mr. Banks of rape - what happens to her? NOTHING!! She even sued the high school and obtained millions for the wrongful accusation against a fellow schoolmate. She should have to experience EXACTLY what Mr. Banks had to endure for falsely being accused!
BRAVO Mr. Banks for writing this book and telling your story

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Particularly in the age of #MeToo, Banks' story stands out as remarkable - and his grace and restraint even moreso. While the cynic in me wants to look at most of these types of memoirs as little more than PR, the endless optimist desperately hopes that the Banks portrayed in this book is the real deal. His final recommendations seem warranted, particularly in light of how his own case has turned out. Possibly the one narrative change I would have made would have been to end it at what Joe Public would generally see as the climax of his story - the moment he stormed the field as an NFL player and knelt in prayer at the 50 yard line. But Banks himself sees that as just one moment among many, and does a remarkable job of showing his public priorities of the several years now since that moment. Truly a remarkable book, and absolutely one anyone interested in the US criminal justice system in particular should read.

Because the publisher wants it, I'll note here that I am writing this review on June 22, 2019 - 10 days before publication of this book. Meaning that it is in fact an Advance Review Copy. As is my own standard for *all* of my reviews, ARC or not, my review is my honest reflection of my experience with the book.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in high school, one of my African American Classmates was falsely accused of rape. He lost a football scholarship among other things sank into depression which he never fully recovered from. This memoir by Brian Banks makes you think of injustice and the me too movement. After turning down advances from a classmate, Brian Banks is falsely accused of rape. While in prison, Banks has a mentor in the wonderful Mr. Johnson and begins to think of his future.

[Vanessa Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with many powerful messages! The story of a 16 year old who was wrongfully convicted. EVERYONE must Read!!!

You’ll get a lot out of this book, it’s full of wisdom.

I cried a few times, nobody deserves what he went through! He did a great job delivering his story, i can’t even
imagine how hard it must have been to share such pain.
His strength is inspiring.

There is a movie about this story coming out this August called Brian Banks btw!!

[Dre J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings-Found this book sonewhere random like the dollar tree I think. Knew his name but didn’t know much about the story. This book hit hard. Thank God I have never been accused of nothing like that but reading how he felt about getting arrested and going to jail when you know you are innocent hit me with hard memories of how the system treats you. If you’re in here, you’re guilty. I felt the same thoughts he felt as he was getting stripped searched and felt rage about being in there with gangs members etc. This is just a terrible thing. We live in a world where horrible acts like rape happen but also in a world where some may use it as a lie which also is a horrible act. You can’t fathom how sick people would do actually commit the act and how sick people would lie that someone committed the act. It’s just the horrible nature of a fallen world, but I digress the story was pretty well written and we sit with Brian through a lot of his feelings and the biggest theme I got as how he relied on his faith to get him through all of this. He was a big black joy and similar to him I understand what being big and black means. It’s like you automatically assumed to be a criminal or do something wrong. I’m just black and a little fat, but never been down with criminal activity ever, but as a young man growing up the system doesn’t see that. So a lot of relating to those types of things. I absolutely believe a woman that goes through this and having a daughter I pray daily bc her daddy will have to end up in prison, but I also want her to learn to tell the truth and not have malicious intent either. Some of the harder parts of this book and I’m sure for Brian was thinking it was over and nope you’re getting denied this or that and having to go back to court or having to go to another facility. It was a bit exhausting to read. It is so much to unpack with a story like this bc only the people that were there know what happened, but she had none of his dna on her and recanted it all. These questions about the justice system did it work for him in the end probably so because he got cleared, but he had a lot of time in there lost so idk. I hate things like this, because the way I was raised was to never touch anyone without permission and keep my hands to myself and never make anyone feel uncomfortable around me, so when you grow up in a world where these bad things start happening it just put a damper on worldview at times, but the book was a great read overall. Now off to watch the movie.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I don’t know if I would of been as positive as Brian Banks was. I know I would of wanted my accuser to do just as much hail time as I did.

This book was difficult to read at first. I hate to think of anyone being falsely accused and the justice system failing. However, it happens all the time. It was difficult to read because I didn’t want to think about the author (or anyone) going though that. I’m sure there were nights/days when he cried. He missed out on part of his life for something he didn’t do. I thought fiction was the only place I would ever hear about a victim becoming a guilty party.

I’m happy he was able to finally be free and accomplish his dream.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories like this one always hit me in the feels.. It's so hard for my mind to wrap around the fact that people were (and are) treated differently because of their skin color. The true story of a man whose youth was torn from him due to false allegations and an eventual prison sentence is just so saddening. Makes me think of the abortion industry and how these children don't have a chance because they're seen as an inconvenience and someone else's "choice." It's gross and immoral. Allow people to thrive and change the world regardless of what they're viewed as!

[Tom Gase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very powerful book and true story of Brian Banks, who was wrongly sent to prison on a rape charge he did not commit. The once highly touted high school football player tells the story of how he was wrongly accused, his time in jail and how he eventually was sent free. It's hard to read this at times because not only is the accuser pure evil, but the justice system failed Mr. Banks on so many levels you lose count. An inspiring story but depressing for many of the story's chapters.

[rad librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another reminder on how deeply flawed our justice system is. I had a hard time putting this book down. Brian Banks story is upsetting, yet inspirational. His faith, positive outlook, and patience is admirable, especially with all that he experienced. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to watching the film. I am happy for him and like that he is using his platform to speak on injustice.

[Carol Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mesmerizing, horrifying, and ultimately uplifting and exhilarating. Written in the first person, though it was written by a ghost writer, it came across as true and authentic in Brian's voice. The descriptions of prison were terrifying and I could feel his hopeless disbelief this was happening to him. It's especially possible in today's "me too" culture that people can be wrongly accused. This woman who accused Brian hurt not only him, but all the woman who are really victims. For every horrible person like Wanetta who wrongly accuses someone, there is a woman who is not believed even though her accusations are true.

I was in tears at the end of this book that Brian had the strength and the faith in God to come through his ten years of unbelievable conditions and be a positive person ready to make something of his life and serve as inspiration to others.

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for my grandson, but curiosity got the better of me. I thought I'd read the first few pages and by the end of the next morning, I'd read the whole book! It is a very compelling story as you might guess, one of an innocent young man at age 16 being falsely accused of rape. I'll only say that they were in California, he was black, the evidence was on his side, yet he was convicted and jailed. Incompetence in the judicial system appeared at every stage. I'll say no more except to give thanks for and to the California Innocence Project and Brian's strength of character. I am one who had faith in our system of laws and justice, but now I'm shaken by Brian's experience. This book is definitely worthy of your time to read it.

[davidgonzalezsr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story of overcoming adversity. Brian narrates his own book and did a great job. Great read and I'd recommend it to others.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again.

[Natalie Print · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening account of a miscarriage of justice. Uncomfortable at times, as you would expect, but very readable. Still worth reading even if you’ve seen the film. I found him wrestling with his Christian faith an interesting aspect of his story which wasn’t really explored in the film.

[Donna Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. It made me angry at time to know that thus young man was not treated fairly in our justice system. It's sad because much of this story continues to happen to our black/brown boys/men and girls/women. I'm glad that while he was mistreated he never gave up his faith in God.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought parts were repetitive and there were other parts that I really wanted to know more about. That being said, this was a book choice for my seniors this year, and the students who chose it enjoyed it and could talk pretty deeply about it.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sad story, but also one of triumph. It shows how you can make the best of your life despite the odds. I found this hard to put down.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent I read on audible. Because I needed to feel all his emotions. I needed to see this story in my head.

These stories of Judicial Systems failures is ridiculous. We are living in times where this system is put in place for us to have fair representation & fair sentencing but it certainly goes wrong none of the above is taking place. They want to see us all in jail; the less black people in the street the less problems no matter how old or less the crime was. It’s sad to see that you can’t even trust a lawyer. The lawyers are put in place to make sure you have fair trial when they fail you where do you turn? There’s no one out there for you; there’s no one out there on your side you might as well just rot in jail. I’m glad Brian got off and I’m glad that someone was there to have his back and understand that he was an innocent man! It’s sad to see that he missed school but it worked out in the end. I really like this book and I feel no one should skip it I think everyone should read it.

[Sheri S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Exasperating...an inadequate yet accurate word to describe the legal system and how it handled Banks' case. This book points out yet another legal case where one individual was wrongfully convicted of a horrendous crime that he did not commit and was forced to serve several years in prison because no one really took the time to look through the particulars of the case. Banks was a promising football athlete with big dreams to attend college at USC. He had never had any previous contact with the law, but that didn't seem to matter to those who thought he was guilty upon hearing of the accusations against him. Banks' story is emotional and moving and truly emphasizes the need for change in the legal system, especially in those cases where there are legitimate questions regarding wrongful conviction.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good. Infuriating frequently for what Brian went through. Also because the accuser is out there somewhere and needs to pay for what she's done to this man. I, however, am really unhappy with his afterword, for saying that if you don't believe in God, don't read the bible, and don't fear punishment from God, that you lie with ease..... that is accusatory and absolutely false!

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I listened to the audiobook and heard the passion in Brian’s voice as he told his story. Love how he turned to God but could’ve done without the bad language throughout. Inspirational to keep seeking your dreams even when life beats you down.

[Blake]

Review of What Set Me Free by Brian Banks

This autobiography is about Brian Banks and his unbelievable story. He was just a normal high school kid but not a normal high school athlete. He was a very good football player and had had many D1 offers and could make it to the NFL if he puts his mind to it. But something happens and the police comes to his house and bring him to the station. He loses all of his offers and it feels like his life is over. This story shows us how he was affected and how he changed from these events.
I really liked this book because it shows how these type of things can happen to anyone. I can take this book personally as well and how I can live a normal life now. It shows me that you can’t take anything for granted and you need to be careful when you have everything to lose. When you are a big target and have a lot to lose, you need to be smart with your actions.
An athlete should read this book who is in a similar position as Brian Banks. They can learn from his choices, not saying that anything he did was bad, but you can be more careful to make sure that it could never happen. Someone who likes a suspenseful book, because it seems like everything is going down the drain, until he figures out he can change for the better and learn a lesson.

[Lilyann]

This book is so emotional! I felt all his emotions from anger to frustration and the sadness of losing his life I couldn't put the book down! I feel for him after he was accused of raping a girl, it angered me as I kept reading picturing in my head the conditions he was kept in as he kept getting transferred from didn't holding places. I wanted nothing more than throw the book across the room yelling at how she destroyed his life yet wanted to become friends not giving a second thought at what she did to him is nerve racking. Yet he manages to keep calm and peace something I could never grasp in his situation, a situation I have never been into, yet, I give him my full sympathy. This book is a true emotional roller coaster ride that'll have you gripping the edge of your seat not wanting to put the book down as you get lost in the pages and embark on his journey like your sitting next to him. Even wanting to throw the book across the room at the emotional tension cause it's that's good.

[Martha Wanjala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always supported the principle that when a woman discloses abuse, she should be believed. Brian Banks' deeply moving memoir also emphasizes that statistics show that the overwhelming majority of such allegations, particularly those of a sexual nature, are true. Yet, his narrative also reveals the depths of malevolence to which humanity can sink.

Brian Banks' ‘What Set Me Free' is a remarkable memoir that offers an in-depth examination of the flaws within the American justice system. It is a poignant tribute to the power of resilience, the journey of self-discovery, and the deliberate choice of self-empowerment over self-pity.

While I was seething about the great injustice detailed in the book, I found myself captivated by the stories of perseverance, Mr. Banks' fervent advocacy for social justice and the great nuggets of wisdom. I particularly loved his final argument, emphasizing that the issue should not revolve around whether we believe the accusers. Rather, the justice system—globally, not just in America—should operate in a manner that ‘belief’ is removed from the equation.

This is one book that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who reads it.

[Emma Klarsfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine getting wrongly accused of something and having to be punished for it? That's what Brian Banks had to do. At 16 years old with a dream to play for the NFL, he was wrongly accused of sexually assaulting his classmate. He was sent to jail with a bail of 1 million dollars and had to stay for 5 years. Based on a true story, Brian Banks put his whole career on the line to save himself and his family. Banks contacted the California Innocence Project and they figured out a way for him to be freed. Dagostino portrays the characters very well and he makes you feel so deeply for everyone in the book. If you love biographies, stories about wrongful convictions, and suspense, this book is perfect for you. Dagostino is an amazing author and will make you feel for Brian’s pain.

[Autumn Stars · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the emotional rollercoasters Brian went on, I went on them with him while reading this book. It is unbelievable how someone can change the trajectory of your life and make you have to dig in places within your being to survive. That girl rolled a flagrant lie off her tongue, gets paid money from a lawsuit and then disappears. Unbelievable!! When she contacted Brian through Facebook she acted like she had done absolutely nothing! She wanted to let Bygones be Bygones!! I almost threw my phone! (I was reading on the kindle app on my phone)
She is what you call a Malignant Narcissist. This type of people is dangerous for real! Now that I have read the book I am going to get his movie on iTunes.

[Jennifer England · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an entire review typed out and the system timed out when I submitted it. I poured my heart out but it is too exhausting to think about rewriting it. Darn. Please read this. It should be required reading in High School. Shame, shame, shame on the judicial system. All the evidence was there to prove that Brian was not guilty. I think each and every person involved in the wrongful conviction of anyone should be sent to jail for no less than six months. This would NOT be a wrongful conviction. It would be so right because they are very guilty of PERJURY! Lies. I do not know how anyone who knew the truth can sleep at night. Thank you Brian for telling us your story. I decided I must have the movie too. God bless you. And also God bless Tom Shadyak.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was excellent. I decided to read this after seeing the movie and am astounded at Banks' resiliency and grace through the whole ordeal. While the cynic in me wants to look at most of these types of memoirs as a PR play, I don't think that's the case here. His final recommendations at the end of the book about working to reform the system and educate others were very powerful. He lived a nightmare that hopefully none of us ever has to experience and he overcame terrible circumstances with a never-ending commitment to positivity and self-discipline. Brian is an excellent role model for young men (or women) who struggle with who they are and where they fit in society.

[Parveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the Manchester Diversity and Inclusion book club. It was a powerful true story as told by Brian Banks of his wrongful conviction and the impact it had on him psychologically and on all levels including his dreams and his family life. This was a book that conveyed the corruption within the justice system and the racial inequities. Time and time again, as a reader I was a witness of the sufferings of Brian Banks and the repetitive wrongs. As an individual, Brian Banks finds his way towards speaking to truth and fairness. The book was clear and concise in language and was a quick read as well. I would highly recommend it.

[Sandra Dionisopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The injustice of criminal justice

The experience of Mr Brooks in the criminal justice system is criminal. The system acts like a bulldozer; once in motion where innocence is no defense, you will suffer the consequence of being in its crosshairs. A system where prosecution rates not the truth can become the goal.
I found the book revealing about how young and poor can trap you into a nightmare where justice does not exist. Most disturbing. It literarily took me over two months to finish this book; the criminal justice system’s treatment of this young man is distressing.

We can do better!!