A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom by Brittany K. Barnett

It is midnight, and like countless other nights before it, Brittany K. Barnett is standing in her jail cell, feeling helpless, hopeless and forgotten. She is facing a life sentence for a robbery she claims innocence of and all she can do is wait for justice, or lack thereof. Little does she know, she will become the unexpected hero of her own story as one knock at midnight changes everything.

A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice and Freedom is the inspiring true account of Barnett’s fight for justice and her ultimate freedom. The narrative is a captivating journey through the broken justice system, highlighting issues such as mass incarceration, income inequality and racial injustice. Barnett was once a promising student with a promising future when she faced a life sentence due to the many flaws of our justice system.

In her memoir, Barnett chronicles her journey from a desperate plea for justice to a relentless pursuit for change. When faced with insurmountable odds, she refused to accept the injustice and began an unlikely mission to overturn her own conviction and advocate for criminal justice reform. In the process, Barnett became an unstoppable force for good, using the power of her story to support other federal inmates through her nonprofit organization The Buried Alive Project.

The emotional tale of Barnett’s life-altering journey is illustrated through riveting accounts of justice denied and hope found in the form of unlikelys allies. With the support of superstar rappers J. Cole and Yo Gotti, Barnett successfully lobbied President Obama to consider her clemency petition. He commuted her sentence after eight long years and she was reunited with her family.

Barnett’s remarkable story of defeat, adversity and triumphant victory offers readers a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and its vast inequalities. A Knock at Midnight does far more than recount her own story, it serves as a cautionary tale to spread awareness of how our justice system fails many, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Barnett is an advocate for criminal justice reform and continues to lead reform efforts through the Buried Alive Project, which provides resources and support to those currently experiencing overlong prison sentences.

A Knock At Midnight is an engaging, inspiring and hopeful story of justice, redemption, and freedom. Barnett’s turn of events serves as a reminder that even when the odds seem insurmountable, never give up hope. With her personal story of advocating for change, she provides a roadmap for us all to make a difference in the criminal justice system, bringing a sense of hope to a world in need.