Book cover of Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women

Book description

One woman's remarkable odyssey from tragedy to prison to recovery'and recognition as a leading figure in the national justice reform movement. Susan Burton's world changed in an instant when her five-year-old son was killed by a van on their street in South Los Angeles. Consumed by grief and without access…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Becoming Ms. Burton as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

For me, this is a powerful memoir that chronicles her remarkable journey from a life marked by trauma and incarceration to one of empowerment and activism. After experiencing profound loss and systemic injustices, Susan transforms her pain into purpose, advocating for the rights of women affected by the criminal justice system.

Through resilience and determination, she not only rebuilds her own life but also inspires countless others to break free from cycles of despair. This inspirational narrative highlights the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, reminding us that change is possible, even in the face…

From Keith's list on rewriting your story.

I met Susan at the beginning of her career. Even that first day, seeing her give a talk in the living room of the very first home she established for women coming out of prison, I thought she was so significant as a person. I knew she was a leader and found her the first grant funding for her housing and support project, A New Way of Life.

I witnessed the growth that she writes about in her autobiography, how she found purpose in helping others after she spent years losing herself in addiction and prison after too many personal…

If you love Becoming Ms. Burton...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Becoming Ms. Burton?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 93 books like Becoming Ms. Burton.

Browse books like Becoming Ms. Burton

Book cover of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Book cover of The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Book cover of The Color Purple

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Becoming Ms. Burton, you might also like...

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Lane and the Inventor

Lane and the Inventor by Amy Q. Barker,

A grumpy-sunshine, slow-burn, sweet-and-steamy romance set in wild and beautiful small-town Colorado. Lane Gravers is a wanderer, adventurer, yoga instructor, and social butterfly when she meets reserved, quiet, pensive Logan Hickory, a loner inventor with a painful past.

Dive into this small-town, steamy romance between two opposites who find love…

5 book lists we think you will like!