BOOK REVIEW

SWEET FREEDOM

The American "Injustice" System This New Book Unveils the Untold Story Behind a Wrongful Conviction That Captured International Media Attention

(Chicago, IL) An African-American prisoner and a White middle-class journalist defied color barriers to form a powerful friendship. After Maurice Carter sought the help of Doug Tjapkes (pronounced Chap-kes) to get out of prison for a crime he did not commit, their story made international headlines. Yet, behind the media frenzy surrounding this case, an unyielding brotherhood between these two men developed. Now, in his new book, Sweet Freedom: Breaking the Bondage of Maurice Carter (Faith Walk Publishing 2006), Tjapkes takes readers through a vivid and heartwarming account of an interracial friendship that transpired in the face of outrageous injustice.

"This is a powerful, moving tale, one from which we can all learn. It is a story of crossing boundaries, of reaching out beyond the familiar, and of fighting for what is right and just," said Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here. "Tjapkes' passion proved to be contagious," said David Protess, Director of the Medill Innocence Project.

"Every prisoner needs a Doug Tjapkes in his life," said Dr. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, activist and former middleweight boxer.

For 29 years, Carter barely survived behind bars in the place of a criminal who freely walked the streets. While Tjapkes worked tirelessly for ten years to help Carter redeem his freedom, he still suffered injustice. Readers will share in the unmerited and emotional moments that inspired Tjapkes and stirred the country, such as:

The "snitch" that dug Carter's ditch-Despite false testimony, no evidence, motive, weapon, or fingerprints, Carter was still convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Carter's downhill spiral-For eight years, prison physicians did not disclose to Carter that he'd contracted Hepatitis C. After collapsing, he was finally informed of his bout with liver disease which was in its end stage.

The exhale-Nearly ten years of building a bonded friendship with a man behind bars, Tjapkes was overwhelmed when he joined Carter as he walked unshackled from prison a free man.

"Our friendship evolved into something rich, deep, and intimate. I've never experienced anything quite like it. He called me the brother he never had, and I did the same," said Tjapkes. "He was my hero."

 

About the author: Doug Tjapkes is a former broadcast journalist, radio station owner and founding director of INNOCENT!, a non-profit prison activist organization. He is winner of the prestigious Advancement of Justice Award presented by the State Bar of Michigan.

Product Information:

Sweet Freedom by Doug Tjapkes Price: $12.99

ISBN: 1932902562 In-Store Date: March 2006

 

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