"Through powerful case stud-ies, Vartkessian illustrates that violence is not an inherent trait. Rather, it is seeded in early development by trauma, abuse or neglect . . . Connection is harder to conjure than vengeance or detachment, but The Deserving makes it clear that a safe and functional society relies on people's ability to do that hard work." --BookPage, starred review

"Real justice begins with listening. This book shows us what that looks like." --Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull, co-authors of THE JAILHOUSE LAWYER

"A new, courageous vision for a society with less violence and more mercy, through an honest reckoning with how we fail the least among us." --Maurice Chammah, author of LET THE LORD SORT THEM

"Vartkessian pulls back the curtain on capital punishment and cruelty, American execution chambers, and the country's criminal and juvenile justice systems." --Professor John Bessler, author of THE DEATH PENALTY'S DENIAL OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS