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Because I am not a student parts of the book were hard for me to read. Overall though it is still worth the money. The author argues that the criminal justice system is a massive failure. His book provides a ton of evidence and is fair.
I best like the way the author builds his argument from chapter to chapter. And the book is not written from an "expert" approach. He sounds like a normal person using normal language. Anyone who votes should read this book.
Similar but much better than other great books such as The Politics of Injustice, What's Wrong with the Criminal Justice System, and The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison. If you like these books, you'll love Robinson's critical criminal justice text.
What sets this book aside from the rest is the author's detailed analysis of virtually every aspect of today's justice system. Robinson concludes that the justice system fails to do justice and reduce crime; he tells why and then goes beyond this and offers concrete suggestions for reform.
This book must have taken a long time to write! I am so glad I read it.
While the story gives an excellent account of the "Dream Center", the real story is God's desire of the change in people through Christ Jesus reflected in those in the book. From the God inspired vision of Pastor Tommy Barnett to the thriving and impactful church it has become under Pastor Matthew Barnett's leadership, the equally compelling part of this account is the change in Pastor Matthew Barnett himself. Pastor Matthew goes from a young man from the Phoenix area, to a seasoned Pastor who meets every heart wrenching challenge imaginable in the inner city streets of L.A.
Within you will find story after story of God's restoration and effectiveness through those willing to make a difference, the summary of the Gospel manifested in a dark and cynical world. Without question this book will challenge your comfort in a church "routine" and effectiveness for the Kingdom of God, not the things many of us waste time debating.
For those like myself who have actually served at the "Dream Center", it details the story of the L.A. International Church; from a small mission to a powerful, live-risking outreach that it is today. What this place has become from people who volunteer their very lives for the self less purpose of reaching others, is in itself inspiring.
You will not be the same when you allow yourself to be a part of what is recounted in this book. A book that through God's spirit challenges the reader to consider what really is important in this short life. Simply an excellent book!