Reading Challenge

“We are all broken by something. We have all hurt someone and have been hurt. We all share the condition of brokenness, even if our brokenness is not equivalent… We all have our reasons. Sometimes we’re fractured by the choices we make; sometimes we’re shattered by things we never would have chosen. But our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity, the basis for our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing. Our shared vulnerability and imperfection nurtures and sustains our capacity for compassion. We have a choice. We can embrace our humanness, which means embracing our broken natures and the compassion that remains our best hope for healing. Or we can deny our brokenness, forswear compassion, and, as a result, deny our own humanity.” (Stevenson 289)

In the above quotation from Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson draws a connection between brokenness, compassion, and humanity. In an art or writing piece of any genre, explore the connection between brokenness, compassion, and humanity. Do you agree with Stevenson that “...our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity”?

A response could be a written piece, a choreographed dance, a piece of digital art, or any other creative work.

You will also need to submit a 150-word “Statement of Intent” that shows your knowledge of the book and how your response relates. Your statement should be written in thoughtful, grammatically correct sentences.

Participate in an extension learning activity related to Just Mercy. Some ideas for extension learning include: shadowing a lawyer for a day; researching policies around prison libraries; looking into organizations that help a cause you’re passionate about and getting involved with that organization; and participating in a community service project. This is not an exhaustive list! Extend your learning in a way that suits you. Follow the thread of your curiosity.

Create a video or podcast of at least five minutes that shows what you learned and demonstrates the connection to Just Mercy. You will also need to submit a 150-word “Statement of Intent” that shows your knowledge of the book you read and how your extension learning relates to it. Your statement should be written in thoughtful, grammatically correct sentences.

At the beginning of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson shares with the reader information about his family and background. He talks about his grandmother and her influence on him. He writes, “...it made me happy to be wrapped in her formidable arms. She never tired of pulling me to her. ‘You can’t understand most of the important things from a distance, Bryan. You have to get close,’ she told me all the time” (Stevenson 14).

Write a letter to someone who has influenced you and shaped your worldview. What have you gotten “close to” as a result of this person’s impact on your life? If possible, share your letter with the person to whom it’s written and also share it with us.

You will also need to submit a 150-word “Statement of Impact” that reflects on what this letter-writing experience was like for you. How did you feel when you were composing it? What did you think about and consider? If you shared the letter and received a response, please discuss that as well. Your statement should be written in thoughtful, grammatically correct sentences.