Description
What they say about Juror Number 2
“Novelist Sigel turns his sharp eye for detail to a beautifully written hybrid of true crime and memoir. After serving as a juror on a 2017 Manhattan murder trial, The People v. Abraham Cucuta, Sigel was moved to examine the societal ills that cause underprivileged youth in New York City to turn to selling drugs and joining gangs. True crime buffs and fans of memoirs will be enthralled by Sigel’s irresistible mix of clear reporting, empathy, and thoughtful examination of the link between poverty and violence. BookLife, October 28, 2020; Publishers Weekly, Dec. 21, 2020
“Sigel writes with compassion. The trial takes up the first half of the compact, engrossing work. [In] the second half. . . he skillfully puts a human face on the denizens of run-down housing projects, overwhelmed schools, and the police. An absorbing account that will especially speak to advocates of social and criminal justice reform.” —Kirkus Reviews, July 2020
“Truly compelling. Impossible to put down. A powerful piece of writing.” —novelist Max Byrd
“Engrossing, engaging and so well written. Such a gift to show the humanity of the men who were caught up in this.” —Wendy Kopp, founder, Teach for America
“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
“Riveting. Far more than a courtroom drama; it challenges all of us to ask hard questions about our individual roles in promoting changes that can save and improve lives.” —Joseph Johnson, Provost, San Diego State University; founder, National Center for Urban School Transformation
“Powerful. Exceptionally well written. From his unique vantage point as a juror in a murder trial, Sigel’s memoir brings us face to face with the young men in East Harlem who turn to gangs and crime—their fractured families, their economic deprivation, their lack of access to quality education. Juror Number 2 is a call to action.” —Patty Machir, executive director, Futures and Options
Ofra Bloch (verified owner) –
“I’m not prone to superlatives, but ‘Juror Number 2’ is FANTASTIC! I read it in one day simply because I couldn’t put it down. And afterward, I regretted that I finished it and was left with a taste and yearning for more. It’s written like a detective story of the best kind and I find your genuine care and diligent research compelling and inspiring. Thank you for writing this book. I have a lot of respect and admiration for you for taking this on. BRAVO!” Ofra Bloch, clinical social worker/therapist; writer and director of the acclaimed indie film, “Afterward.”
Judith Kunreuther –
“ ‘Juror Number 2’ is a remarkable book. I tried not to read it late at night as I couldn’t put it down. The description of the neighborhood, relationships, depressing life experiences of these boys/men is truly compelling. I think the book should be required reading for our public officials. Really a great read—congratulations! “ Judith Kunreuther, attorney
Leo Corbett –
“Your writing so effectively captured the immersion and emotion of being on a big trial. Thanks for creating such vivid pictures. I loved the scenes of you in the housing projects. Your tour of the neighborhood schools was so informative. And your interactions with the cops and lawyers put such a light on their work. Your book is a perfect fit for this moment of uprising about the inequality in this country.” Leo Corbett, co-chair, Social Enterprise, Harvard Business School Club of NY
Irene B –
“Bravo. Just finished your excellent book. The story of the trial was fascinating. Your sympathetic exploration of what was behind these sad and destructive lives was touching. I particularly liked your discussion of the different educational systems in East Harlem—those providing students with real opportunities and those providing none. What an undertaking! What a masterful job!”
Irene B, retired professor
Phil Pechukas –
“Finally started reading ‘Juror Number 2’ this afternoon. And finished reading ‘Juror Number 2’ this afternoon, couldn’t put it down. ‘Riveting’ is the appropriate adjective. And I was in awe of the investigative reporting you did after the trial, especially Chapter 11 on the schools. Thanks for the pleasure.” Phil Pechukas, retired chemistry professor and former chairman, Chemistry Dept., Columbia University
Evan Harrel –
“Efrem Sigel has written a compelling book, fascinating to read, with a compassionate, realistic and optimistic assessment of what could be done if we had the will to uplevel our society.” Evan Harrel, chief operating officer, Center for Compassionate Leadership.
RALPH LAWRENCE (verified owner) –
Juror Number 2 is two books in one, nicely woven together magnifying the impact of each. First it is a fast moving drama as Sigel relates the intrigue of a murder trial. The lucky reader is then swept into the organizations and personalities that succeed and fail as they attempt to save at least some of the youth drawn, pushed, pulled into the world of drugs. The book is at first exciting; then informative, thought provoking, and sobering.
Louise Gray –
“Compelling. The story would be interesting solely on the basis of the trial as recounted from the perspective of the juror. Add to that the compulsion to then explore how and why society may have contributed to the creation of criminality and the book reaches a new level. Wonderfully written.” Louise Gray, NetGalley reviewer
Caroline Craig David –
“Such an interesting and well-written look into a juror’s observance of a trial. the retelling of the trial and a juror so moved by what happened that he needed to know more and do more. It was super enlightening and a timely read.” Caroline Craig David, NetGalley reviewer, Instagram book blogger