Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2022 *Starred Review* Acclaimed nonfiction author Fleming (The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh, 2020) brings her usual lucid writing and meticulous research to this account of the lives and notorious crimes of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, as well as the groundbreaking legal defense mounted by Clarence Darrow that saved them from execution. In a propulsive narrative, Fleming begins with the immediate lead-up to the murder they so carefully plotted before digging back into their troubled childhoods, intense friendship, and increasingly violent crimes. She wisely steers clear of sensationalizing the actual murder of Bobby Franks, relying instead on quotes from Leopold and Loeb’s own testimonies to describe the event and routinely reminding readers of the emotional fallout of Franks’ death on his family and community. The second half of the book focuses primarily on the police investigation and how Darrow built his case, particularly his impassioned belief in the immorality of capital punishment—an argument that ultimately convinced the judge to give each defendant a life sentence. Thoughtful asides about some of the common discriminatory attitudes at the time (homophobia, antisemitism, etc.) offer helpful context. The engrossing true-crime narrative style and high-interest subject will likely make this a very popular pick among teen readers, while the comprehensive look at Darrow’s defense strategy gives it lots of heft. Thought-provoking reading sure to spark further conversations about crime and punishment. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2022 Gr 8 Up—A true crime story from 1924 Chicago in which two college students plan and carry out a kidnapping and murder as a way of demonstrating their superior intelligence. Both from wealthy families, best friends Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb excelled at academics, skipped grades in school, and saw themselves as above the rest of society yet lacked interpersonal skills and compassion. They believed, due to their superior intellect, any crime they planned and committed would be unsolvable, so they decided to carry out the ultimate crime. They plotted for months, kidnapped, and killed a 14-year-old neighbor, then attempted to collect a ransom from the victim's family. Within days of the murder, they were caught and quickly confessed, despite the corrupt and inept Chicago police at the time. The crime quickly gained national attention and was hailed as the crime of the century. Their families hired the renowned lawyer Clarence Darrow, a staunch opponent of the death penalty. Using groundbreaking defense techniques analyzing the mental condition of the young men, Darrow brilliantly fought to save them from the death penalty. Fleming breathlessly accounts the crime, trial, and the public discourse surrounding it. Equally fascinating, she explores the disturbing, psychological life of the murderers, including their unusual upbringings, codependent relationship, and manipulative relationships with the media and prison guards to gain public favor. Includes numerous black-and-white photos and extensive back matter. VERDICT A chilling page-turner with compelling psychoanalytic aspects not often seen in young adult nonfiction. Highly recommended.—Karen T. Bilton - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.