I Am Maroon, Russell Shoatz
I Am Maroon, Russell Shoatz
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

I Am Maroon
The True Story of an American Political Prisoner

Author: Russell Shoatz, Kanya D'Almeida

Narrator: Avery Kidd Waddell, Kanya D'Almeida

Unabridged: 13 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/03/2024


Synopsis

In this cinematic memoir, follow one man's journey from gang member to Black liberation leader to political prisoner–and the justice and redemption he fought for along the way.

Inspired by Malcolm X, Russell Shoatz became a lifelong crusader for justice, a soldier in the most militant units of the Black Liberation Army. Shoatz was convicted to life in prison following a coordinated attack on a park police station that left one guard dead.The prison walls, however, could not deter Shoatz’s battle for personal and collective freedom. He escaped state prisons twice, making him a living legend, and endowed him with the moniker “Maroon,” once used to honor runaway slaves from plantations. He survived 22 years in solitary confinement, prompting an international campaign for his freedom.

I Am Maroon charts a life of dizzying intrigue and a long struggle for liberation. With an unforgettable voice, Maroon reminds us that we too are capable of radical change, leaving us a blueprint for how we might dedicate our lives and minds to the ongoing fight for freedom.    

Reviews

Goodreads review by Keon on January 14, 2025

As close as a book can read to an action movie revolved around the life of a soldier committed to and fueled by the struggle for Black liberation. The book begins with the early life of Russell “Maroon” Shoatz and his involvement in gangs in the Philadelphia area, transitions to his leadership roles......more

Goodreads review by Anna on February 19, 2025

I Am Maroon was an exciting and educational read for me. Learning about the Black Liberation Movement, the Black Panthers, and other revolutionary groups was fascinating, and Maroon’s prison escape attempts, both the wild successes and near misses, kept me hooked. The shifting timelines were a bit c......more

Goodreads review by eliana on March 10, 2025

Absolutely fucking incredible......more

Goodreads review by LiteraryMarie on August 11, 2024

Russell Melvin Shoatz II was a gang member in Philly starting at age 11. At 23 years old, his life changed after hearing Malcolm X speak. He became a soldier in the most militant unit of the Black Liberation Army and a community organizer. Shoatz was convicted to life in prison following a coordinat......more

Goodreads review by Gracie on March 05, 2025

4.5 ⭐️ not sure what I needed to boost this to a 5 but I also can't pinpoint why I can't give it that last .5 incredible story that reads like a movie and some of Shoatz's life was absolutely unbelievable wasn't expecting him to reflect on how much of a role women influenced him at the end and it was......more