Judith L. (jlautner) reviewed Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin on + 105 more book reviews
The subtitle actually does tell the story: "A parents' story of love, injustice, and the birth of a movement".
The story is told in chapters alternating between Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Trayvon's parents. The writing is clear and easy to read, and takes us from the first phone calls, telling of what happened to Trayvon, through the memorial service, many appearances at organization meetings and gatherings of friends and other supporters, through to the trial of the killer and beyond.
From the start, the parents knew they needed to get attention to their child's murder, because the police were not interested in pursuing an investigation. Therefore, they found lawyers who were happy to work with them at no cost, who advised them and set up speaking engagements, and spoke themselves on television and radio, all to keep the focus on this case. The continued pressure finally did lead to an investigation and to the charging of his killer and the trial.
The description of the trial was detailed, more detailed than I felt I needed, but I understand the need for such focus: it revealed where the defense was successful and the prosecution less so.
I can't help but think that if George Zimmerman had not gotten out of his car and followed Trayvon, nobody would be dead. The entire episode is on Zimmerman. It was his doing. It is hard for me to comprehend how the jurors could have seen him as a victim fighting for his life, but again, the defense did a remarkable job of planting seeds.
To this day the parents are fighting for the repeal of "stand your ground" laws and have not yet changed Florida's. They are also, through the Trayvon Martin Foundation, helping other parents of victims to help each other, and finding ways to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
The parents relied heavily on their belief in God and in prayer. I'm not there with them but can understand their need for it.
I appreciated being able to hear the story from the point of view of the parents and to read of the many steps they took and continue to take to seek a better future for other Trayvons.
The story is told in chapters alternating between Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Trayvon's parents. The writing is clear and easy to read, and takes us from the first phone calls, telling of what happened to Trayvon, through the memorial service, many appearances at organization meetings and gatherings of friends and other supporters, through to the trial of the killer and beyond.
From the start, the parents knew they needed to get attention to their child's murder, because the police were not interested in pursuing an investigation. Therefore, they found lawyers who were happy to work with them at no cost, who advised them and set up speaking engagements, and spoke themselves on television and radio, all to keep the focus on this case. The continued pressure finally did lead to an investigation and to the charging of his killer and the trial.
The description of the trial was detailed, more detailed than I felt I needed, but I understand the need for such focus: it revealed where the defense was successful and the prosecution less so.
I can't help but think that if George Zimmerman had not gotten out of his car and followed Trayvon, nobody would be dead. The entire episode is on Zimmerman. It was his doing. It is hard for me to comprehend how the jurors could have seen him as a victim fighting for his life, but again, the defense did a remarkable job of planting seeds.
To this day the parents are fighting for the repeal of "stand your ground" laws and have not yet changed Florida's. They are also, through the Trayvon Martin Foundation, helping other parents of victims to help each other, and finding ways to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
The parents relied heavily on their belief in God and in prayer. I'm not there with them but can understand their need for it.
I appreciated being able to hear the story from the point of view of the parents and to read of the many steps they took and continue to take to seek a better future for other Trayvons.
