When Doug Hood volunteered to do a riding class at the York penitentiary for women he had no idea how much it would affect his life, nor how he would come to affect the lives of others. This book is about how the judicial system tramples on the innocent and ignorant, how they can interview a minor without her parents present and get away with it not only that when the corner thinks he’s the real life Quincy that should’ve been a big red flag and when they pulled the minor and her dad over the fact that he had to harass her dad before arresting his 17-year-old daughter is just one of the many things that made me angry about this book. Reading all that was worth it though the ending of this book was so great and so satisfying. This is truly a thought-provoking True Crime story that should be mandatory reading material for future lawyers and police officers. There really should be a reformation of people who work in the civil department they seem to have unwarranted egos and a need to mess with those who need their help and or get their attention. I highly recommend this book it is a definite five star read an a great True Crime story. I received this book from NetGalleyShelf and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

17-year-old Panna finds herself pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend. She can't tell anyone, especially not her parents who are very traditional Cambodian immigrants who survived the Khmer Rouge. Panna knows that she cannot bring shame to her struggling family and that she is the one they count on to make a better life in America. Approached by teachers, a school nurse and a counselor, Panna denies that she is pregnant and truly believes that if she just wishes for it not to be real, it will go away on it's own. Unfortunately, that mindset does nothing to stop her giving birth in the bathroom at home. In a panic, Panna drowns the infant girl in the toilet and hides the body in her closet. When the bleeding won't stop, she is taken to the hospital where the examining physician asks her, "Where is the baby?" She denies the pregnancy yet again. When law enforcement gets involved, Panna is swiftly convicted of manslaughter and sent to prison for 18 years. When Doug Hood hears of her story, he researches other girls who committed similar crimes as teens and finds that Panna received a much longer sentence than the rest. Exploring the reasons why, language barriers, cultural issues, PTSD and bias from the D.A.'s office Mr. Wood sets out to be an advocate for Panna and try to get her sentence reduced. A fascinating story of how family expectations, family history, teenage pressures and culture all come together to lead this young girl to the only solution that occurred to her and its ramifications. A look inside a women's prison, the judicial system and how faith and family can sustain one in the darkest hours of one's life.

This was an interesting read and I found it hard to put down, the author does a great job telling us all about this crime and case and the inconsistencies that have occurred in laying charges. I enjoyed learning about about the traditions for Thai and Cambodian families and the atrocities they endured , I was not aware of all that occurred. It’s terrible that this crime occurred but also that these crimes are not always tried with similar results,it’s a bit of an eye opener for those who read it.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own

I think this book would be a great one for a book club discussion