The New Jim Crow

by Michelle Alexander
The New Jim Crow cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical:
  • ID: 702
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780141990682
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2019-06-06
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander is a groundbreaking work that challenges the notion that the United States has moved past racial discrimination. Alexander, a lawyer and activist, argues that the American criminal justice system has created a new caste system, targeting black men through the War on Drugs and relegating millions to a permanent second-class status. This system, she contends, adheres to the principle of colorblindness on the surface but effectively maintains racial control./n/nThe book is not just a critique but also a call to action, urging everyone concerned with social justice to recognize and challenge this system. It has been hailed as a 'Bible of a social movement' and is considered one of the most important books about race in the 21st century. Alexander's work is a searing indictment of the injustices within the criminal justice system and a powerful argument for reform.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2021-01-10
informative 4.25

The book is noted for its wealth of statistics and data that challenge preconceived notions about racial bias in the judicial system.

The reviewer highlights the book's extensive use of statistics and data, which they found eye-opening. They appreciate how the book effectively breaks down complex issues and challenges preconceived notions about racial bias in the judicial system. The reviewer believes the book is a valuable resource for understanding the systemic issues at play. They also mention that the book's arguments are compelling and well-supported by evidence.

Quick quotes

    It had a lot of great statistics, data, and facts that I wasn't aware of.

    The book helped break down my preconceived notions about racial bias in the judicial system.

    It's a valuable resource for understanding the systemic issues at play.

Gates Notes · 2020-12-08
enlightening 4.00

The book is praised for its clear explanation of the history and data behind mass incarceration. It challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of the prison system.

The reviewer commends the book for its comprehensive explanation of the history and statistics related to mass incarceration. They found the data compelling and believe it effectively challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of the prison system. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make complex issues accessible and understandable. They also highlight how the book's arguments are well-supported by evidence, making it a powerful tool for understanding systemic racism.

Quick quotes

    The book is good at explaining the history and the numbers behind mass incarceration.

    It challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of the prison system.

    The arguments are well-supported by evidence, making it a powerful tool for understanding systemic racism.

The New Yorker · 2020-01-17
impactful 4.50

The book's impact is evident in its longevity on best-seller lists, highlighting its significance in the discourse on racial injustice. The reviewer notes its enduring relevance and the way it challenges societal norms.

This review reflects on the book's lasting impact and its ability to remain relevant in the conversation about racial injustice. The reviewer points out that the book's presence on best-seller lists for nearly 250 weeks is a testament to its importance. They also discuss how the book challenges societal norms and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the criminal justice system. The reviewer acknowledges the book's role in shaping public opinion and its contribution to the ongoing fight for racial equality.

Quick quotes

    The book wound up spending nearly 250 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.

    It considers not only the enormity and cruelty of the American prison system but also the way the war on drugs and.

    The injustice of this moment is not an 'aberration'.

The Guardian · 2019-07-23
harrowing 4.50

The book is distressing but offers important lessons for all societies claiming to be colourblind. It highlights the persistent racial disparities within the judicial system.

The reviewer finds the book deeply troubling yet essential reading. They believe it provides crucial insights into the racial biases that persist within the judicial system, even as society claims to be colourblind. The book's examination of mass incarceration is seen as a wake-up call for societal reflection and change. They appreciate the thorough analysis and the stark presentation of facts, which make the book both impactful and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This distressing book offers important lessons for all societies that claim colourblindness.

    The book provides a stark and necessary examination of the racial biases within the judicial system.

    It highlights the persistent racial disparities that continue to plague the judicial system.

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