The Unitarian Universalist Association announced today that this year’s “Common Read” is Just Mercy, A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson.

According to a biographical note on the UUA website, Stevenson “has dedicated his legal career to defending those who are trapped by an often capricious, political, and willfully unjust criminal justice system – poor people, people of color, children, and others over whom the system has run roughshod.”

The book’s selection as this year’s Common Read “speaks to justice, mercy, and compassion, themes of concern to us as Unitarian Universalists and as human beings. It follows on recent Common Reads, such as The New Jim Crow and Reclaiming Prophetic Witness, and responds to recent statements passed by the delegates to the UUA General Assembly.”

A discussion guide will be available by the beginning of October, with plans for one or three sessions of a discussion group. The UUA Bookstore will offer a bulk-purchase discount on five or more books.