Rehoboth Reads to host ‘Just Mercy’ discussion March 15

Due to popular demand, Rehoboth Reads will host a second session to discuss its 2019 book selection “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 15, upstairs at Nicola Pizza, 71 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Rehoboth Reads is a new project that involves the city-wide reading and discussion of a single book. 

“Just Mercy,” a powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem people, should provide plenty of stimulus for discussion. Author Bryan Stevenson was born in Milton. After graduating from Cape Henlopen High School, he went on to Harvard Law School and later became founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala.

Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated and the condemned. He has received 29 honorary doctoral degrees from institutions including Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Oxford universities. The critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller “Just Mercy” was named by Time Magazine as one of the 10 Best Books of Nonfiction for 2014, and has been awarded several honors including the Carnegie Medal by the American Library Association for the best nonfiction book of 2014, and a 2015 NAACP Image Award.

“We thought this book was a great choice because it not only has a local connection, but also deals with an important, thought-provoking topic,” said Susan Kehoe, chair of the Rehoboth Reads committee. “Are we more than the worst thing we’ve ever done? That is the question at the heart of this book.”

“Just Mercy” is the unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of justice.

The discussion will be moderated by writer and legal expert Judy Catterton, who now writes and publishes essays describing her work with death row inmates.

 This event is free (donations will be accepted), but space is limited, and reservations are required.

The event will start at 6 p.m. with a brief introduction and discussion. Then, attendees will break into smaller groups to discuss their reactions to the book and the topics it raises, using prompts provided to each table. The evening will end at 8 p.m. with a short general discussion. Participants will be able to order food and beverages throughout the event, but attendees may want to come early to get seated and have their orders taken. Nicola is donating 15 percent of the proceeds to Rehoboth Reads.

To reserve a space, go to www.eventbrite.com. For more information, go to www.rehobothreads.com.