Juror Number 2: The Story of a Murder, the Agony of a Neighborhood: The Story of a Murder, the Agony of a Neighborhood

Review\n"Novelist Sigel (The Kermanshah Transfer) turns his sharp eye for detail to a beautifully written hybrid of true crime and memoir. . . Sigel's gift for choosing evocative details immediately captivates readers. He adeptly recounts the events of the murder, making clear the gravity of the crime without resorting to sensationalism. Rather than dissect details from a lofty perch, Sigel shows empathy to everyone. Any reader will relish Sigel's gripping and enlightening work. Takeaway: 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, Oct. 28, 2020; Publishers Weekly, Dec. 21, 2020
"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\n"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\n"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, New York City "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 saveat least some of the youth drawn, pushed, pulled into the world of drugs.The book is at first exciting; then informative, thought provoking, andsobering." Ralph Lawrence, Highlands Ranch, CO\n"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, Montauk, NY"Bravo. Excellent book. The story of the trial was fascinating. Your sympathetic exploration ofwhat 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, New York City"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, New York City\n"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, Great Barrington, MA" '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. Real