What Set Me Free (The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture Brian Banks)

A True Story of Wrongful Conviction, a Dream Deferred, and a Man Redeemed

By: Brian Banks

Narrated by: Brian Banks

*The story that inspired the film Brian Banks*

Discover the unforgettable and inspiring true story of a young man who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager and imprisoned for more than five years, only to emerge with his spirit unbroken and determined to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

At age sixteen, Brian Banks was a nationally recruited All-American Football player, ranked eleventh in the nation as a linebacker. Before his seventeenth birthday, he was in jail, awaiting trial for a heinous crime he did not commit.

Although Brian was innocent, his attorney advised him that as a young black man accused of rape, he stood no chance of winning his case at trial. Especially since he would be tried as an adult. Facing a possible sentence of forty-one years to life, Brian agreed to take a plea deal—and a judge sentenced him to six years in prison.

At first, Brian was filled with fear, rage, and anger as he reflected on the direction his life had turned and the unjust system that had imprisoned him. Brian was surrounded by darkness, until he had epiphany that would change his life forever. From that moment on, he made the choice to shed the bitterness and anger he felt, and focus only on the things he had the power to control. He approached his remaining years in prison with a newfound resolve, studying spirituality, improving his social and writing skills, and taking giant leaps on his journey toward enlightenment.

When Brian emerged from prison with five years of parole still in front of him, he was determined to rebuild his life and finally prove his innocence. Three months before his parole was set to expire, armed with a shocking recantation from his accuser and the help of the California Innocence Project, the truth about his unjust incarceration came out and he was exonerated. Finally free, Brian sought to recapture a dream once stripped away: to play for the NFL. And at age twenty-eight, he made that dream come true.

Perfect for fans of Just Mercy, I Beat the Odds, and Infinite Hope, this powerful memoir is a deep dive into the injustices of the American justice system, a soul-stirring celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, and an inspiring call to hold fast to our dreams.

What a story

This is an amazing book of true freedom forgiveness and are just system and how injustices are seen every day. A must-read!

A hero’s journey

Brian was able to honestly, and vividly, convey this story with humility and grace. It was articulated so well, so engaging, you felt like you were hearing it in person. So heartfelt and proud of this man while at the same time so heartbroken about the injustices that, while not said by brian, the world knows is heavily race related. You’re amazing, Brian, and the world is infinitely better because you’re in it. Much love

Powerful Stuff

Thank you to Brian Banks for sharing his story of injustice within our supposed justice system. America should not be satisfied with even one innocent person convicted unjustly.

Amazing Story and Production

Loved it. A phenomenal story that all should here. I really enjoyed the author reading his own words

inspiring

this book was incredible the strength a d determination was truly amazing I thuraly enjoyed this book definitely moving and inspirational