Bobby Bostic and MPL

A Teenager Sentenced to 241 Years in Prison?

Dear Friends,

Happy February! January for me was a month to slowly exhale the tension of the last four years and to reorient toward all the good that is possible. What a wonderful feeling of relief.

But (unfortunately) that doesn’t mean that all is right in the world. If “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” then I have a doozer of a story for you. Bobby Bostic was sentenced to 241 years in prison for two robberies he committed — when he was just sixteen years old. Even the judge who imposed that sentence has now joined the fight for his release. Please be sure to read my latest blog post about his story and let me know what you think.

When I think back on the biggest influences in my life, I have to give a shout-out to my local public library, which I visited every week without fail. The librarians fostered my love of reading — and writing — and I am forever in their debt. I felt a real sense of “coming home” when I had the chance to speak with the Montclair Public Library’s “Check Us Out” podcast about Smoke but No Fire and my favorite places in Montclair. Hands down, MPL is the best!

I continue to look forward to when we can finally reconnect in person. Until then, I hope you and your families are safe and well. Thank you for all that you do.

Take good care,
Jessica

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