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Love and Justice: A Story of Triumph on Two Different Courts
In the tradition of Just Mercy, an inspirational memoir by WNBA star Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, who she helped free from a wrongful conviction. A journey for justice turned into a love story when Maya Moore, one of the WNBA's brightest stars, married the man she helped free from prison, Jonathan Irons. Jonathan was only 16 when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit. Maya Moore's family met Jonathan through a prison ministry program in 1999 and over time developed a close bond with him. Maya met Jonathan in 2007, shortly before her freshman year at the University of Connecticut, where she became one of the most heralded women's basketball players in collegiate history. She visited him often throughout the years, as well as sending him letters and books as he fought for his freedom; ultimately, she became a strong voice for prosecutorial changes. She stunned the sports world when she announced in February 2019 that she would step away from her career in women's basketball, in part so she could help Jonathan in what they hoped would be his final appeal. In March 2020, his conviction was overturned by a state judge in Jefferson City, Mo. In this inspiring memoir, the couple will explore their unwavering faith, their deep connection, and how Maya stepped away from basketball to pursue justice both to prove Jonathan's innocence and inspire activism in others. Just like Maya and Jonathan asked themselves, readers will ask themselves one of the most important questions they can after reading this "Am I living out my purpose?"
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
83 people are currently reading
4068 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
February 4, 2023
Love and Justice is the absolutely incredible story of how Maya Moore, one of the best WNBA players of all time, formed a bond that eventually blossomed into love with a friend of the family who had been wrongfully imprisoned since 1997. Jonathan had been locked up since he was only sixteen years old for a crime he couldn't possibly have committed. While imprisoned, he became a devout Christian and spent his years trying to better himself as he struggled for his mere survival. Through his hard work studying the law and his case, trying to find a way to get his sentence overturned, and through the public awareness Maya and her celebrity status could give the situation, Jonathan, at long last, was freed from prison in 2020.
This is that story. The story of justice being found at long last. A love story, albeit a beautifully unconventional one. If you were moved by Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, you'll want to read this.
This is that story. The story of justice being found at long last. A love story, albeit a beautifully unconventional one. If you were moved by Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, you'll want to read this.
January 28, 2023
If you are a fan of Just Mercy and The Sun Does Shine, follow WNBA basketball, or are a Christian, you will enjoy this book. I fall into the first category and was again appalled to read about an innocent man who spent so long in prison. While I wasn't as into Maya's story, it was interesting to learn about her career. Faith is very central to their stories. I did get a little bored at the end reading their mushy love letters to each other. 🤣 But it is beautiful that they found each other and had a happy ending.
Favorite quote:
"We discover our true identity in the desert seasons of our life."
I also appreciated the note to the reader at the end:
"It's only a victory story if people look, care, and act."
"Transformation takes time. It takes being a better neighbor, and becoming someone who learns about a person who is different than you. It takes not frantically guarding your own comfort and privilege, but rather using the power and privilege you have to empower others."
Favorite quote:
"We discover our true identity in the desert seasons of our life."
I also appreciated the note to the reader at the end:
"It's only a victory story if people look, care, and act."
"Transformation takes time. It takes being a better neighbor, and becoming someone who learns about a person who is different than you. It takes not frantically guarding your own comfort and privilege, but rather using the power and privilege you have to empower others."
March 2, 2023
Wait a second I didn’t even know this book existed and it just skyrocketed to the top of my 2023 list.
**Edit after reading: deeply emotional and worth waiting for from the library 🥹
**Edit after reading: deeply emotional and worth waiting for from the library 🥹
November 4, 2025
How had I never read this book?! I have loved Maya Moore for years. Watching her be so dominant on the court while also being so vocal about her faith was beautiful.
Her husband’s story is heartbreaking and praise God for justice in his case. I loved reading both of their stories and how the Lord brought them together. Jonathan’s faith in the face of such uncertainty and injustice was so convicting and encouraging to read. This will be a favorite book of the year.
Her husband’s story is heartbreaking and praise God for justice in his case. I loved reading both of their stories and how the Lord brought them together. Jonathan’s faith in the face of such uncertainty and injustice was so convicting and encouraging to read. This will be a favorite book of the year.
January 20, 2023
Wow. This book — just wow. 👏
LOVE & JUSTICE is an inspiring, thought-provoking story. I couldn’t stop thinking about it + kept counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again.
— WHAT I LOVED —
🖊️ the foreword is written by Bryan Stevenson, author of JUST MERCY
👩🏾❤️👨🏿 told from alternating perspectives, Maya and Jonathan detail their individual experiences from childhood up until Jonathan’s conviction was overturned
📝 the writing is beautiful I loved the pictures they included in each chapter
💪🏿 Reading about what Jonathan endured was heartbreaking and infuriating, but his strength and faith while being wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years was truly inspiring
🏀 it was so interesting learning about Maya’s basketball career. She was a force on the court and remained humble during her highly successful college and professional careers.
Maya and Jonathan grew up under different circumstances, but faith and love brought them together. I loved reading about how they met and how their relationship progressed from their foundation of friendship. Their story of love and the fight for Justice is one I won’t forget.
LOVE & JUSTICE is an inspiring, thought-provoking story. I couldn’t stop thinking about it + kept counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again.
— WHAT I LOVED —
🖊️ the foreword is written by Bryan Stevenson, author of JUST MERCY
👩🏾❤️👨🏿 told from alternating perspectives, Maya and Jonathan detail their individual experiences from childhood up until Jonathan’s conviction was overturned
📝 the writing is beautiful I loved the pictures they included in each chapter
💪🏿 Reading about what Jonathan endured was heartbreaking and infuriating, but his strength and faith while being wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years was truly inspiring
🏀 it was so interesting learning about Maya’s basketball career. She was a force on the court and remained humble during her highly successful college and professional careers.
Maya and Jonathan grew up under different circumstances, but faith and love brought them together. I loved reading about how they met and how their relationship progressed from their foundation of friendship. Their story of love and the fight for Justice is one I won’t forget.
May 5, 2024
Maya Moore is a real one, it’s a shame that the Caitlyn Clark effect is what introduced her to me but I really enjoyed this story and everything she continues to do with her foundation.
June 30, 2023
Incredible story! Definitely recommend!
February 12, 2025
I am not a huge basketball fan so I had never heard of Maya Moore until a casual conversation with my friend last week. He mentioned that she had married someone who had been in jail. He then googled her and we watched a brief interview with the couple. In that interview they mentioned this memoir. I was intrigued and knew I wanted to read it.
I chose to listen to the audiobook which I loved. It is narrated in alternating chapters by both Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons. Hearing the story in their own voices made it all the more powerful.
Maya was a phenom basketball player who through her family was introduced to a man who had been in jail since he was 16 years old. At the time he was sentenced to 65 years. He insisted that he was innocent. They developed a friendship which became a romance. This book discusses her life as a pro basketball player running parallel to his life in a maximum-security prison for a crime he did not commit.
The book details his years of fighting to prove his innocence and her eventual help until he was finally freed after 23 years behind bars. Both are very devout Christians. The book is very heavy on religion which could be a turnoff for some readers.
This book was an emotional experience for me. I was angry as I listened to the shenanigans of the people who are supposed to uphold the law. Even when it's clear there is an injustice there was no real motivation to correct it. The need for criminal justice reform is so clear in accounts like this. Even if he had been guilty, 23 years would have been a long sentence for a 16-year-old kid. I just think that this person has spent more than half of his life incarcerated. Years of his life that he will never be able to recover. I cannot imagine all that he endured for no reason other than being poor and not having the means to fight for himself.
There was also so much joy in the final outcome. The fact that love was able to triumph, that justice triumphed was uplifting. I found myself rooting for him, for her, for their family, for love, for truth and justice.
There was also so much sadness because you can imagine how many other people (especially poor people) who are wrongly imprisoned but they don't have anyone on the outside who cares enough to fight for or with them.
I listened to the final hour on my ride to work this morning and I cried the entire time. I literally had to stop and pull myself together before I went into my class. This was one of several times where anecdotes in this story moved me to tears.
Overall, this is an engaging, emotional story. I am so glad I was introduced to this couple and so glad I decided to listen to them tell their story. This story helps to restore faith in humanity and the power of faith, love and support.
4.5 stars rounded up.
I chose to listen to the audiobook which I loved. It is narrated in alternating chapters by both Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons. Hearing the story in their own voices made it all the more powerful.
Maya was a phenom basketball player who through her family was introduced to a man who had been in jail since he was 16 years old. At the time he was sentenced to 65 years. He insisted that he was innocent. They developed a friendship which became a romance. This book discusses her life as a pro basketball player running parallel to his life in a maximum-security prison for a crime he did not commit.
The book details his years of fighting to prove his innocence and her eventual help until he was finally freed after 23 years behind bars. Both are very devout Christians. The book is very heavy on religion which could be a turnoff for some readers.
This book was an emotional experience for me. I was angry as I listened to the shenanigans of the people who are supposed to uphold the law. Even when it's clear there is an injustice there was no real motivation to correct it. The need for criminal justice reform is so clear in accounts like this. Even if he had been guilty, 23 years would have been a long sentence for a 16-year-old kid. I just think that this person has spent more than half of his life incarcerated. Years of his life that he will never be able to recover. I cannot imagine all that he endured for no reason other than being poor and not having the means to fight for himself.
There was also so much joy in the final outcome. The fact that love was able to triumph, that justice triumphed was uplifting. I found myself rooting for him, for her, for their family, for love, for truth and justice.
There was also so much sadness because you can imagine how many other people (especially poor people) who are wrongly imprisoned but they don't have anyone on the outside who cares enough to fight for or with them.
I listened to the final hour on my ride to work this morning and I cried the entire time. I literally had to stop and pull myself together before I went into my class. This was one of several times where anecdotes in this story moved me to tears.
Overall, this is an engaging, emotional story. I am so glad I was introduced to this couple and so glad I decided to listen to them tell their story. This story helps to restore faith in humanity and the power of faith, love and support.
4.5 stars rounded up.
February 24, 2023
The sobering and hopeful true story of a talented WNBA basketball player and a young man who got lots of bad breaks in life. Each of them tells their own story in alternating chapters. Faith and love are found in the most unlikely places.
March 10, 2023
This book evoked a myriad of emotions—joy, hope, anger, anguish. This is the story of Jonathan & Maya Moore Irons. Maya is one of the most decorated women’s basketball players through college (UConn), the USA Olympic team, and the WNBA (Minnesota Lynx). She is, arguably, one of the best women’s basketball players of all time.
As an 18 year old, family friends got connected with Jonathan and his story of injustice. At the age of 18, he was wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Maya and this family worked through legal channels to have him exonerated. After 34 years in prison, Jonathan’s sentence and case were overturned. In the midst of years of communication while Jonathan was imprisoned and Maya was playing in the NBA, the two fell in love and were married shortly after his release.
This incredible story is beautifully summarized by the book’s title, Love and Justice. The happy ending does happen, but I was overwhelmed by the data shared about people of color, especially men, who will be imprisoned in their lifetime (1 in 3). Bryan Stevenson (Just Mercy) writes the preface to the book, and the need for reform in the criminal justice system is recurringly stated and glaringly obvious. How many other men, like Jonathan, are stuck in prison for a crime they did not commit? Injustice continues. May we be advocates for justice where we are. This is the closing epilogue Maya encourages.
Jonathan and Maya are both committed followers of Jesus, and the book unwaveringly records how God was present with them throughout this journey. I was encouraged by their faith and devotion to God in the midst of radical injustice. Multiple sections of the book recount prayers that they prayed individually throughout the process of their relationship and the process of seeking exoneration. I am also a follower of Jesus, and their steadfast faith was instructive and encouraging to me. I wholeheartedly commend this book to you!
As an 18 year old, family friends got connected with Jonathan and his story of injustice. At the age of 18, he was wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Maya and this family worked through legal channels to have him exonerated. After 34 years in prison, Jonathan’s sentence and case were overturned. In the midst of years of communication while Jonathan was imprisoned and Maya was playing in the NBA, the two fell in love and were married shortly after his release.
This incredible story is beautifully summarized by the book’s title, Love and Justice. The happy ending does happen, but I was overwhelmed by the data shared about people of color, especially men, who will be imprisoned in their lifetime (1 in 3). Bryan Stevenson (Just Mercy) writes the preface to the book, and the need for reform in the criminal justice system is recurringly stated and glaringly obvious. How many other men, like Jonathan, are stuck in prison for a crime they did not commit? Injustice continues. May we be advocates for justice where we are. This is the closing epilogue Maya encourages.
Jonathan and Maya are both committed followers of Jesus, and the book unwaveringly records how God was present with them throughout this journey. I was encouraged by their faith and devotion to God in the midst of radical injustice. Multiple sections of the book recount prayers that they prayed individually throughout the process of their relationship and the process of seeking exoneration. I am also a follower of Jesus, and their steadfast faith was instructive and encouraging to me. I wholeheartedly commend this book to you!
Read
February 3, 2025I don’t think I have enough words to describe how beautiful this story is.
The way God protected Jonathan while he was imprisoned and the hope that he gave him to carry on in such awful circumstances is absolutely incredible. I remember when maya retired and stepped into this activist space. I have loved getting insight on the story. I have so much respect for Maya to put the game she loves aside and to pursue a calling God gave her.
Love can be found in the unlikely list of places. The depth of the faith of Maya and Jonathan is inspiring. The injustices of systems in our country are deeply disturbing. However Gods hand was over all of it and wrongs were righted. As He does.
I wish more people would hear this story
The way God protected Jonathan while he was imprisoned and the hope that he gave him to carry on in such awful circumstances is absolutely incredible. I remember when maya retired and stepped into this activist space. I have loved getting insight on the story. I have so much respect for Maya to put the game she loves aside and to pursue a calling God gave her.
Love can be found in the unlikely list of places. The depth of the faith of Maya and Jonathan is inspiring. The injustices of systems in our country are deeply disturbing. However Gods hand was over all of it and wrongs were righted. As He does.
I wish more people would hear this story
May 31, 2024
I have been a UCONN fan of Maya’s since I was in college so I was eager to read this book of hers. WOW! It was powerful, moving, captivating, gut wrenching, and worshipful! The story within their story is a miracle that only God could write.
I learned a lot about the horrors of the judicial system and am moved to pray, learn and grow in bringing about prison reform.
Thank you Irons family for sharing your story!
I learned a lot about the horrors of the judicial system and am moved to pray, learn and grow in bringing about prison reform.
Thank you Irons family for sharing your story!
March 1, 2023
5+++! Incredible story of ultimate injustice, faith in God, power of prayer, strength, love, and redemption - be prepared to feel all the emotions. Highly recommend the audio version as Jonathan and Maya read it themselves, making it that much more impactful .. I could not stop listening! (Uconn/Maya Moore/WNBA fans will appreciate the basketball aspect, too.)
January 17, 2024
So great to hear both of these perspectives in ways I haven't before. It's so terrible, what happened to Jonathan Irons. I'd recommend this one to most everyone.
Read
January 23, 2023This is my top pick for the last 12 months. The book reads like a novel but is a remarkable true story. May Moore and Jonathan Irons had totally different lives. Her life led her to be a star athlete in the WNBA while Jonathan's life led him to imprisonment at the age of 16 for a crime he did not commit. Their journey is complicated, sad, and beautiful. As you read this book it is hard to believe that the story is real - but it is. The reality of a broken system and the brutality of prison is up front and personal. The love, perseverance and story of the people that believed in him and worked tirelessly for his release in the face of incredible odds gave me hope. And Maya's journey to give up being what she had worked for all her life to advocate for Jonathan's release is a love story for the ages. I could not put it down
April 23, 2023
Being a CT native, Maya Moore has always been a household legend in my eyes. I grew up watching her play for UConn and idolized how she carried herself both off and on the court. But this part of her story - is truly WILD! Reading Jonathan’s portions of the story made me feel so horrible, sad, and angry. It really opened my eyes to how corrupt and unjust parts of our justice system are. The reality is, if not for Maya Moore, it’s unlikely that Jonathan would have been freed despite all the clear evidence proving his innocence. Yet out of everything, it’s so amazing how God carried Jonathan through his 23 years of incarceration, protected and shaped him into such an amazing person. This couples story is just getting started.
May 13, 2023
I loved this book! As a big fan of UConn women’s basketball, I wanted to learn more about Maya Moore’s journey after she met Jonathan Irons, got involved with helping him be freed from being wrongly accused and imprisoned for a murder. Learning more about her UConn experience and subsequent professional career was very special also. The faith in God Maya, her family, and Jonathan lived every day has inspired me to strengthen my faith. This book is both inspiring and often difficult to read due to the trial’s Jonathan endured for so many years of his youth. I would highly recommend it as an uplifting story.
April 1, 2023
I was so excited to read this book as Maya has been one of my favorite players for a long time. However, I found myself skimming over sections and overall just underwhelmed with her story specifically. I felt like she presented everything in such a perfectly wrapped up bow and cookie cutter fashion, meanwhile, Jonathan’s story was much more interesting and gave more vulnerability. Cool couple, great story, but just an okay book.
June 14, 2023
Life changing, life giving. A true story of what it means to walk in faith. A true testament of what perseverances and hope in the darkest of days looks like. Absolutely incredible read, I could not put it down. I found my self wanting to just know more from the very opening pages. A beautiful love story. If I could give a million stars I would.
April 19, 2023
3.5 rounded up — I’ve heard bits of this story over the years, so really enjoyed learning the details from start to finish. I preferred Jonathan’s sections. His writing was strong, interesting, and full of reflection/depth.
March 11, 2023
Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Our criminal justice system is broken and ineffective. Definitely worth reading and humbling.
May 1, 2023
Too much Jesus talk
August 21, 2023
A great story about love, patience and persistence. Their story will definitely open your eyes regarding the legal system and prison reform
October 19, 2023
I saw this story on espn and thought it was a beautiful story of faith and love! So glad Jonathan was exonerated and so glad they are able to live out their lives together!
February 3, 2023
First and formost, Praise be to God!
In reading this masterpiece, of triumphant love and glorious justice, I had noticed a few bible scriptures but noticed one you missed. The one that helped me move forward in faith upon being homeless and in extreme poverty, with 3 kids the eldest med disabled from birth, with two more high risk babies. If God is for me, who can be against me? Romans 8:31
You see much like Jonathan (my eldest son's name born 5 wks early with Vater Syndrome -now 22yo) I was often asked as an unwed mom of three, in extreme poverty, having been catapulted to marry a malignant narc (the Jekyll and Hyde leader) and now, divorced in '13 left bankrupt, homeless, and LT unemployed to this day - Weren't you mad, didn't you want to get even, why did the system fail us all so miserably? If there's a God why am I here in this situation?
We often can't see God working & must stay in faith because we know God didn't create to vegetate. We are created with a purpose and doing our purpose in serving others and the Lord is our purpose!
Maya Moore - You are a woman of strength, power, and determination. With a will of iron/steel forged by beauty and the truths to seek justice.
I cannot process being arrested at 16 ( a baby) and then tossed into the walls of "Castle Grayskull" as Jonathan Irons stated. To fight for survival is something I can relate too by being in poverty since 2010 when I was tossed out like yesterday's trash wilst my utilties were turned off forcing me out of our home even with an active protection order. However, I cannot in this context with hungry wolves circling trying to rape and or kill you every single day.
* To have to live this horror is something I hope the state repays/compensates your family for in every regard.
Your story is the reason why so many of us speak out against injustices. It's why I've fought family courts here in the corruption capital of Pennsylvania -the Valley with a Heart - which has anything but heart in today's times. We're known for the Kids for Cash scandal and believe me that's only the tip of it!
Love and Justice has shown what it means to believe in a higher power. To trust in the process of building a relationship with a strong foundation of support. It's opened the world's eye to the changes we must make both racially and within our criminal justice system.
As an auntie to multi-racial children I must tell you that our system is seen as black and white & that's part of the problem as we're diverse, multi-cultural , and wise beyond our years.
The dumbing down of society, the societal norms to accept this as the norm, the fact we need to train our courtroom workers, and allow legal ramifications against prosecutors in accountability must be fixed!
As a Points of Light recipient (George H.W. Bush) I can attest that there's so much pain in our world especially for victims of abuse, trauma, and the reformation of our criminal justice system.
What gives me hope is people like yourself and Jonathan who refuse to give up and continue to fight the good fight.
So, I'll close with this real life situation: As a former minister of hospitality -(a late 40 white female amongst all older white male ushers) I had found myself having a collection basket ripped out of my hand before I knew what happened while serving as usher for collection. I was serving my Lord as I always had done w/o ever a complaint as a 20 yr volunteer being given the highest award our nation honors from our 41st President of USA and here I was being frightened to death in Sunday morning mass by these so called religious Catholic men. I was told by the Vicar that these men, " Need time to come around to this new line of thinking."
Maya I cannot imagine in today's day and age that we can be so far behind in our times that we continue to allow injustices to happen. I can write an entire book alone on what I've experienced here in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania in Luzerne County.
I'll save that for another day because this is about your story and I'm so honored & blessed to have been given this Goodreads Giveaway copy.
I received this on January 28th and I waited till today to read it for one reason. I wanted to devote the time, attention, and care this book deserved.
You're both such a shining example of perseverance, sacrifice, commitment, love, justice, and faith in the face of insurmounable odds! The leadership presented in Jonathan to become a better person through his own education and workmanship behind bars while striving to set himself free in being able to love another through it all is just remarkable. The love that was shown between you both in your writings between each other jumps off the page and grabs your soul!
For you to have ended your career at the peak of your prime in WNBA and beyond is remarkable. I know because I did the same for my spouse & twenty years later cannot re-enter the workforce having raised three kids solo from my own 11 year union.
For you to have fought so hard when others may have doubted you is the epitamy of selflessness. God will see you through!
God bless your family and may he keep you in his prayers!
Thank you for this hardcover copy in exchange for this honest review.
In reading this masterpiece, of triumphant love and glorious justice, I had noticed a few bible scriptures but noticed one you missed. The one that helped me move forward in faith upon being homeless and in extreme poverty, with 3 kids the eldest med disabled from birth, with two more high risk babies. If God is for me, who can be against me? Romans 8:31
You see much like Jonathan (my eldest son's name born 5 wks early with Vater Syndrome -now 22yo) I was often asked as an unwed mom of three, in extreme poverty, having been catapulted to marry a malignant narc (the Jekyll and Hyde leader) and now, divorced in '13 left bankrupt, homeless, and LT unemployed to this day - Weren't you mad, didn't you want to get even, why did the system fail us all so miserably? If there's a God why am I here in this situation?
We often can't see God working & must stay in faith because we know God didn't create to vegetate. We are created with a purpose and doing our purpose in serving others and the Lord is our purpose!
Maya Moore - You are a woman of strength, power, and determination. With a will of iron/steel forged by beauty and the truths to seek justice.
I cannot process being arrested at 16 ( a baby) and then tossed into the walls of "Castle Grayskull" as Jonathan Irons stated. To fight for survival is something I can relate too by being in poverty since 2010 when I was tossed out like yesterday's trash wilst my utilties were turned off forcing me out of our home even with an active protection order. However, I cannot in this context with hungry wolves circling trying to rape and or kill you every single day.
* To have to live this horror is something I hope the state repays/compensates your family for in every regard.
Your story is the reason why so many of us speak out against injustices. It's why I've fought family courts here in the corruption capital of Pennsylvania -the Valley with a Heart - which has anything but heart in today's times. We're known for the Kids for Cash scandal and believe me that's only the tip of it!
Love and Justice has shown what it means to believe in a higher power. To trust in the process of building a relationship with a strong foundation of support. It's opened the world's eye to the changes we must make both racially and within our criminal justice system.
As an auntie to multi-racial children I must tell you that our system is seen as black and white & that's part of the problem as we're diverse, multi-cultural , and wise beyond our years.
The dumbing down of society, the societal norms to accept this as the norm, the fact we need to train our courtroom workers, and allow legal ramifications against prosecutors in accountability must be fixed!
As a Points of Light recipient (George H.W. Bush) I can attest that there's so much pain in our world especially for victims of abuse, trauma, and the reformation of our criminal justice system.
What gives me hope is people like yourself and Jonathan who refuse to give up and continue to fight the good fight.
So, I'll close with this real life situation: As a former minister of hospitality -(a late 40 white female amongst all older white male ushers) I had found myself having a collection basket ripped out of my hand before I knew what happened while serving as usher for collection. I was serving my Lord as I always had done w/o ever a complaint as a 20 yr volunteer being given the highest award our nation honors from our 41st President of USA and here I was being frightened to death in Sunday morning mass by these so called religious Catholic men. I was told by the Vicar that these men, " Need time to come around to this new line of thinking."
Maya I cannot imagine in today's day and age that we can be so far behind in our times that we continue to allow injustices to happen. I can write an entire book alone on what I've experienced here in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania in Luzerne County.
I'll save that for another day because this is about your story and I'm so honored & blessed to have been given this Goodreads Giveaway copy.
I received this on January 28th and I waited till today to read it for one reason. I wanted to devote the time, attention, and care this book deserved.
You're both such a shining example of perseverance, sacrifice, commitment, love, justice, and faith in the face of insurmounable odds! The leadership presented in Jonathan to become a better person through his own education and workmanship behind bars while striving to set himself free in being able to love another through it all is just remarkable. The love that was shown between you both in your writings between each other jumps off the page and grabs your soul!
For you to have ended your career at the peak of your prime in WNBA and beyond is remarkable. I know because I did the same for my spouse & twenty years later cannot re-enter the workforce having raised three kids solo from my own 11 year union.
For you to have fought so hard when others may have doubted you is the epitamy of selflessness. God will see you through!
God bless your family and may he keep you in his prayers!
Thank you for this hardcover copy in exchange for this honest review.
May 30, 2025
My daughter recommended this book and I didn’t think I’d appreciate it as much as I did, but it’s quite a profound story. It was the audio version that I “read.”
I’ve read other books that would toss terms around as if to appeal to Christians, but this was not like them. If ever there was a book that built a case for reforming the criminal justice system, it’s this one. I understand why people might be distrustful of the police and the legal system, especially within the black community.
There’s no excuse for treating people in the manner in which Jonathan was treated and there should be consequences to those malevolent people. The system needs reforming, but I would argue at the heart of reformation is God. He uses men and women to change other individuals.
The change of Jonathan by God is singularly the reason this book should be promoted. God is always at work - to transform the individual into his image. Jonathan & Maya exhibit a humility which testifies to the work of God in their lives.
I’ve read other books that would toss terms around as if to appeal to Christians, but this was not like them. If ever there was a book that built a case for reforming the criminal justice system, it’s this one. I understand why people might be distrustful of the police and the legal system, especially within the black community.
There’s no excuse for treating people in the manner in which Jonathan was treated and there should be consequences to those malevolent people. The system needs reforming, but I would argue at the heart of reformation is God. He uses men and women to change other individuals.
The change of Jonathan by God is singularly the reason this book should be promoted. God is always at work - to transform the individual into his image. Jonathan & Maya exhibit a humility which testifies to the work of God in their lives.
November 18, 2023
I appreciated this story being told because too often black men get incarcerated unjustly and not too many people fight for them. For this ex-basketball player to resign from playing professional basketball and put her whole heart into working on a man’s case to secure his release from jail, is admirable. Maya and Jonathan’s journey from their two separate lives to their intertwined lives, due to this unjust incarceration, was beautifully laid out in this book. I appreciated the dual point of view storytelling; however, Jonathan’s point of view storytelling resonated more with me than Maya’s. I know that a large part of her story is going to be about basketball but unfortunately, my eyes glaze over when there is a lot of basketball talk. I did perk up when she recounted her involvement in getting Jonathan’s freedom secured. I empathize with Jonathan. He had been in jail since being a teenager and was a fully grown man upon his release. It could have made him bitter but he expressed being better because of it all. Great book!
June 24, 2024
Wow. I have so many emotions after reading this book. This is an incredible story of faith, purpose, and never giving up. The studiousness of Jonathan to learn the law in the face of the hole and corrupt COs; the bravery of Maya to walk away from basketball at the height of her game to work on exonerating one man. It’s powerful.
It’s also maddening. The ease at which we throw Black boys in prison for life, the difficulty of proving your innocence once you’ve been sentenced, the horrors of life on the inside. Our criminal justice system is broken and it needs to be addressed. From the power of prosecutors to the lack of care, especially mental health care, for inmates to justice only being for a select few, there is significant work that needs to be done. And that is on all of us as a society.
It’s also maddening. The ease at which we throw Black boys in prison for life, the difficulty of proving your innocence once you’ve been sentenced, the horrors of life on the inside. Our criminal justice system is broken and it needs to be addressed. From the power of prosecutors to the lack of care, especially mental health care, for inmates to justice only being for a select few, there is significant work that needs to be done. And that is on all of us as a society.
July 25, 2025
This was a fantastic listen for anyone who cares about social justice. The story of a boy wrongfully convicted and how he grows into a man of integrity in prison. How he meets good mentors and learns about his case and how to get free, and the work he does over 23 years to finally do so. It is also a story about injustice in the courts, racism and prejudice and prosecutorial misconduct that is not easily corrected. about a system that wants someone to blame, no matter if that person is actually guilty. A system that wants to be seen as tough on crime without looking at all the factors that affect who is accused and how sentencing is carried out. Read this book!
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