'Picking Cotton' by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton - Book Questions

Picking Cotton is the true story of Ronald Cotton's wrongful conviction, imprisonment, release and eventual friendship with the woman who picked him out in a line-up. Use these book club discussion questions on Picking Cotton to lead your reading group in a conversation about the book.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions on Picking Cotton reveal important details about the story. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Were you surprised by how easily Ronald Cotton was convicted? How convincing do you think Jennifer's testimony was?

2. Were you surprised to learn that memories can actually be corrupted, such that Jennifer actually saw Ronald's face in her memory even after she knew he was not really the rapist?

3. How much of an issue, if any, do you think race played in Ronald's wrongful conviction?

4. Did Picking Cotton change any opinions you held about the criminal justice system?

5. Why do you think Ronald and Jennifer were able to become such good friends? Did that surprise you?

6. What sustained Ronald while he was in prison?

7. Did you think the book was well written?

8. Rate Picking Cotton on a scale of 1 to 5.