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Bending the Arc: My Journey from Prison to Politics
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.
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.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 12, 2022
I first heard about Keeda Hayes about a month before the primary in 2020 when the Davidson County election booklet came in the mail. After only a few minutes on her website I knew I would be voting for her and I've been glad I did every day since regardless of the outcome.
This book gets all the stars from me not only because of the content - her story, the look at how the system really works and the reminder of our shared humanity - but because Keeda is such a gifted writer. I could not put this down!
Thank you to Jessica for my first 5 star read of 2022.
This book gets all the stars from me not only because of the content - her story, the look at how the system really works and the reminder of our shared humanity - but because Keeda is such a gifted writer. I could not put this down!
Thank you to Jessica for my first 5 star read of 2022.
January 10, 2022
Intellectually, I know of systemic racism, social injustice, and the corrupt systems in which we live, including the criminal justice system, but emotionally, I experienced the affects of all of this and more through Keeda's phenomenal personal story.
I cried so much reading this book. For hope, for courage, for change, for despondency, for frustration, for everything Keeda experienced and how tirelessly she worked to overcome the obstacles in her way, including her journey to pave a better future for those she served, both as a defense attorney and later in her political campaign.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind and my heart that Keeda's work and the extent of her change has just begun.
I cried so much reading this book. For hope, for courage, for change, for despondency, for frustration, for everything Keeda experienced and how tirelessly she worked to overcome the obstacles in her way, including her journey to pave a better future for those she served, both as a defense attorney and later in her political campaign.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind and my heart that Keeda's work and the extent of her change has just begun.
November 21, 2021
Bending The Arc is a story about determination and second chances - even when you are innocent. From girl scout to inmate, for a crime she did not commit, the author fought back and turned her life around once released. Now she fights for those wrongly accused! This story is so important and needs to be heard! The flaws in our justice system will slap you in the face. Amazing story and a must read! Highly recommend!
January 8, 2022
Wonderful book. Keeda gives the injustices of the justice system a face. Her book outlines the egregious injustice of mandatory minimums especially against black and brown people. Thank you, Keeda. You are inspiration to many.
March 4, 2022
This is a truly astonishing book. Several points when I was reading it I thought author had gone too far into incredulity, then remembered it’s a biography and all true. A law abiding woman gets caught up in a nightmare and finds herself in jail. The systemic racism of the US courts - even though it’s fairly well known - is shocking when told in first person in such detail.
But Ms Haynes didn’t get bitter or turn away from the law and the system. She trained as a lawyer and got stuck in to help people like her who suffered injustices.
"I knew from my own experiences, and by hearing the stories of so many others, that the disadvantage was more than a corrupt cop or prosecutor or judge. That it was more than even the limits of the law itself. The entire criminal legal system was built on a foundation of systemic racism. As a Black woman in the South - especially since my arrest - I had lived and seen firsthand just how much the system depended on that foundation."
"What I was slowly learning was that the system hadn’t actually failed me - because it was never designed for my success in the first place."
Ms Haynes is a tremendous spokesperson and deserves to be heard. She needs to be at the centre of change and I admire her for seeing the problem and trying to find solutions rather than just burying her head and ignoring the injustice. I hope she succeeds politically and brings new ideas and energy to rebuild that foundation.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
But Ms Haynes didn’t get bitter or turn away from the law and the system. She trained as a lawyer and got stuck in to help people like her who suffered injustices.
"I knew from my own experiences, and by hearing the stories of so many others, that the disadvantage was more than a corrupt cop or prosecutor or judge. That it was more than even the limits of the law itself. The entire criminal legal system was built on a foundation of systemic racism. As a Black woman in the South - especially since my arrest - I had lived and seen firsthand just how much the system depended on that foundation."
"What I was slowly learning was that the system hadn’t actually failed me - because it was never designed for my success in the first place."
Ms Haynes is a tremendous spokesperson and deserves to be heard. She needs to be at the centre of change and I admire her for seeing the problem and trying to find solutions rather than just burying her head and ignoring the injustice. I hope she succeeds politically and brings new ideas and energy to rebuild that foundation.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
August 22, 2025
Keeda Haynes starts by telling the story of her upbringing, her pursuit of an education in the legal field, how she met a man in her late teens who seemed to be her perfect match, and ended up getting caught up, unknowingly, in a marijuana operation. After her arrest and subsequent prison sentence upon being arrested for receiving packages containing marijuana, Keeda fought along with her lawyer to appeal her case, while continuing to pursue a law degree, now with the hopes of becoming a public defender after her release. An inspiring life story of perseverance and the fight against systemic racism and other injustices in the legal system and beyond.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 29, 2021
As with all personal books that are written to tell a real life story, I felt all the emotions of the author!
I love the storyline that gives the reader an insight into why and how someone is convicted wrongly. It’s also amazing to hear how resilience and strength of character enables a person to strive for their dreams and live a better life! A truly emotional journey with an inspirational message!
Thank you to Perseus Books, Keeda J Haynes and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the storyline that gives the reader an insight into why and how someone is convicted wrongly. It’s also amazing to hear how resilience and strength of character enables a person to strive for their dreams and live a better life! A truly emotional journey with an inspirational message!
Thank you to Perseus Books, Keeda J Haynes and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2022
This is an incredible book! With her shocking first-hand experience inside and outside of the criminal justice system, Keeda Haynes offers much-needed perspective on how this system really works. Her story is equal parts eye-opening and inspiring, and her writing is powerful. The book reads like a companion to Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy, mixing the personal and institutional in an engaging and page-turning way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the U.S. criminal justice system or civil rights, or just be inspired to take on a seemingly insurmountable fight. And I look forward to following whatever Keeda Haynes does or writes next!
May 30, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Keedas writing style is very nice to read, and helps you understand everythings that happened. You don't get lost in it and it's very smooth. Overall the pace of her telling her story was very nice to me, though once in a while it would seem a bit slow. Keedas story is very inspiring. She shows that even if bad things happen to you, you can overcome them and be successful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about what can happen in our justice system.
January 3, 2022
Keeda Haynes detailed account of her lived experiences through adversity, abuse at the hands of the “justice” system, slavery as a prisoner and ultimately, her fortitude to blaze a new path is a must read. Keeda set out knowing what she wanted from life and hasn’t stopped fighting for that. Beyond herself, she is a voice for the underrepresented and a voice of change. I have no doubt that Keeda Haynes will be a household name in the near future.
April 4, 2022
An interesting, important story that illustrates a whole list of problems with our current legal system. My main struggle with this book is that sometimes it becomes clear the author knows her story is important and so tries to fluff it up even more. I wish she could have relaxed and just told her story for what it is. None the less, it was a fairly quick read with a lot of value packed into it.
February 9, 2022
Heartbreaking to read but wow, what an inspiring woman!
So many things throughout this memoir would have broken my spirit and it's amazing to see someone go through so much and emerge with a good heart and a plan to help. This was eye opening in many ways.
So many things throughout this memoir would have broken my spirit and it's amazing to see someone go through so much and emerge with a good heart and a plan to help. This was eye opening in many ways.
February 20, 2022
Excellent first-hand report of the injustices in our "justice" system and the war on drugs, including the systemic racism inherent in the system.
August 19, 2022
What an interesting read and very eye opening! It is inspiring to read how Keeda has conquered SO much even though the odds were stacked against her. I recommend reading this book!
March 21, 2023
Brilliant. A must read.
June 16, 2024
Keeda’s story is incredible and scratches the surface of the injustices of the criminal justice system. I work in the judiciary and this book was incredibly informative, educational and thought provoking. I truly feel as though reading stories like Keeda’s are imperative for lawyers, law students, judges, etc.
May 6, 2024
Such an underrated memoir! A gripping, insightful, thought-provoking look into the “War on Drugs” implications for marginalized groups, specifically Black people. I now fully understand the importance of prison reform, and just how seriously f***ed up our justice system is. Keeda has worked so hard and belongs in Congress. Here’s hoping she runs again!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews