Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Reimagining the Revolution by Paula Lehman-Ewing is a thought-provoking exploration of prison abolition through four in-depth profiles of contemporary social justice groups. Centering on artists and creatives, Lehman-Ewing provides a compelling argument for viewing incarcerated individuals as full, complex people beyond their incarceration. The book’s core mission is to shed light on the inhumane conditions within American prisons and the profound risks incarcerated people face when challenging the prison system.

Lehman-Ewing skillfully deconstructs the exploitation inherent in the prison-industrial complex, highlighting the connection between poverty and criminalization. She traces the evolution of antebellum policies into today's criminal justice system, insisting that no reform can eradicate the inherent racism embedded in its foundation: “Racism infiltrates law enforcement and criminal legal proceedings because America’s original sins - colonialism, genocide, and slavery - have been solidified and carried forth in the country’s foundational legal documents.

The book’s profiles amplify the voices of those impacted by incarceration, documenting the creative and powerful advocacy work done from behind bars and after release. For example, the profile on Critical Resistance, founded by Angela Davis and Ruth Wilson Gilmore, demonstrates the importance of community-led change. The organization’s approach of facilitating the change that communities want, rather than imposing preconceived notions of needed changes, is a recurring theme.

However, not all profiles resonate equally. The chapter on Black-owned Greenwood Bank, founded by rapper Killer Mike, falls flat due to ideological differences with the concept of “compassionate capitalism.” While this approach aims to provide economic empowerment, it contrasts with the book’s overarching critique of systems that intertwine morality and wealth, where successful people are deemed right, and others are seen as broken or criminal.

Lehman-Ewing also touches on the climate crisis, demonstrating how prisons contribute to environmental degradation and create economic chokeholds on towns and cities. She provides a comprehensive look at how prisons perpetuate systemic injustices, arguing that abolition is necessary for true justice and safety: “Organizers do not think of abolition as a destructive practice. Rather, prison dismantlement is a means to opening up space - both physical space and in states’ budgets - to build something new.”

Overall, Reimagining the Revolution is a compelling introduction to abolitionist thought, offering strategies for moving towards a reimagined society. While some chapters may not align with all readers' ideologies, the book remains a valuable resource for those interested in understanding and challenging the prison-industrial complex.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for Prison Abolition, Social Justice Activists, Readers Interested in Criminal Justice Reform, Fans of Nonfiction Highlighting Marginalized Voices, Those Who Appreciate Detailed Profiles of Grassroots Movements.

🔑 Key Themes: Prison Abolition, Incarceration and Humanity, Intersection of Poverty and Criminalization, Racial Injustice, Creative Advocacy, Historical Continuity of Oppression.