Overview

This riveting memoir recounts the author Efrem Sigel's experience on a jury in a murder trial and his subsequent investigation of the conditions in East Harlem that led young people to be involved in drug-selling and criminal activity. Besides the trial itself, the book is the story of the failures in NYCHA housing projects, the schools and the criminal justice system, and the efforts of a handful of educators, nonprofit leaders and criminal justice reformers to find pathways to success for these young people. Sigel's quest for the real meaning of the trial took two years of visits to housing projects, police precincts, schools and social service agencies. In the words of the author, ""Quite naturally, I had thought that our jury's vote at the conclusion of the trial would be the end of the story. But I was mistaken. For me the jury verdict was only the beginning.""

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9781732425521

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Reviews

""Sigel writes with compassion. If this were a real-life Twelve Angry Men, he'd be cast in the Henry Fonda role. The trial takes up the first half of the compact, engrossing work. The second half of the timely book is devoted to Sigel's 'search for why.' He skillfully puts a human face on the denizens of run-down housing projects, overwhelmed schools, and the police. There is hope in the vivid success stories of nonprofit organizations trying to break the cycle of recidivism. An absorbing account that will especially speak to advocates of social and criminal justice reform."" Kirkus Reviews, July 2020 ""Engrossing and engaging and so well written. It's such a gift that you show the humanity of the men who were caught up in the trial."" Wendy Kopp, founder, Teach for America ""Truly compelling, impossible to put down. A powerful, powerful piece of writing."" Max Byrd, acclaimed historical novelist ""This riveting story is far more than a courtroom drama; it challenges all of us to ask hard questions about our individual and institutional roles in influencing changes that can save and improve lives."" Joseph Johnson, University Provost, San Diego State University and founder, National Center for Urban School Transformation ""Compelling and insightful, Juror Number 2 mesmerizes as it explores the intimate relationship between education and violent crime in New York's housing projects. Not to be missed."" -John Lescroart, bestselling author of 30 legal and crime thrillers including ""The 13th Juror"" ""From his unique vantage point as a juror in a murder trial, Sigel brings us face to face with the lives of young men in East Harlem─their fractured families, lack of economic security and access to quality education─who turn to gangs and crime. Yet his visits to housing projects, the NYPD, the schools, and social agencies show that success, if rare, is possible. Juror Number 2 is a clarion call to action."" Patty Machir, executive director, Futures and Options

Sigel writes with compassion. If this were a real-life Twelve Angry Men, he'd be cast in the Henry Fonda role. The trial takes up the first half of the compact, engrossing work. The second half of the timely book is devoted to Sigel's 'search for why.' He skillfully puts a human face on the denizens of run-down housing projects, overwhelmed schools, and the police. There is hope in the vivid success stories of nonprofit organizations trying to break the cycle of recidivism. An absorbing account that will especially speak to advocates of social and criminal justice reform. Kirkus Reviews, July 2020 Engrossing and engaging and so well written. It's such a gift that you show the humanity of the men who were caught up in the trial. Wendy Kopp, founder, Teach for America Truly compelling, impossible to put down. A powerful, powerful piece of writing. Max Byrd, acclaimed historical novelist This riveting story is far more than a courtroom drama; it challenges all of us to ask hard questions about our individual and institutional roles in influencing changes that can save and improve lives. Joseph Johnson, University Provost, San Diego State University and founder, National Center for Urban School Transformation Compelling and insightful, Juror Number 2 mesmerizes as it explores the intimate relationship between education and violent crime in New York's housing projects. Not to be missed. -John Lescroart, bestselling author of 30 legal and crime thrillers including The 13th Juror From his unique vantage point as a juror in a murder trial, Sigel brings us face to face with the lives of young men in East Harlem their fractured families, lack of economic security and access to quality education who turn to gangs and crime. Yet his visits to housing projects, the NYPD, the schools, and social agencies show that success, if rare, is possible. Juror Number 2 is a clarion call to action. Patty Machir, executive director, Futures and Options

Author Information

Sigel is the author of two published novels and more than 30 published short stories and memoirs. Of his most recent novel, ""The Disappearance,"" Booklist said: ""The story takes place over the course of about a year and it is gripping, emotional, and tender. Sigel is clearly a talented storyteller, and the novel has a deep emotional core that will resonate with any reader."" Publishers Weekly called ""The Disappearance"" ""Powerful and elegantly crafted."" People Magazine gave it 3 and 1/2 stars. Sigel is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School; was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ivory Coast; and started and ran two business information companies. He lives in New York, where he helps direct pro bono consulting projects to nonprofits in the field of education, through the Harvard Business School Club of NY. He is on the board of Futures and Options, a nonprofit devoted to career development and education for urban youth.

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