The Autobiography of an Execution

The Autobiography of an Execution by David R. Dow
2010
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Method of Disposal: Gave away to brunch buddy...

I admit that I bought The Autobiography of an Execution at a discount bookstore about a week ago.  I glanced over and thought is might be worth a look, but it had no price tag so I was going to walk away.  My wife asked how much it would cost and was told $6.50.  I decided to buy it and was charged $4.50.  That was an incredibly good use of $4.50.

I was smitten with this book.  I felt like I could strangely empathize with the author, despite the fact that my life and career in no way compares to his, and was completely caught up in his point of view.  I was drawn into the stories of the death row prisoners he described and, while my heart was breaking into a million pieces, I was developing incredible amounts of respect for the death row defense lawyers.  I finished the book around 4:30 am the second night of reading it, and I was absolutely bawling beside my peacefully sleeping partner.  

I highly recommend it.  

And I hope many many more people read it and realize we need to seriously make some changes in our criminal justice system. 

Troy Davis

Amnesty International Report 2003

Weight: 1.9 lbs

Method of Disposal: Donating or given away, though dated it is still contains a lot of relevant information

After Troy Davis has been on death row for 19 years, his fourth death warrant has been signed.  He could be executed as early as September 21^st, despite the fact that 7 of 9 witnesses have recanted testimony against him and some have described being strongly encouraged by law officials to incriminate him.  There was never any physical evidence to link him to the murder of a police officer, and there is another possible suspect.  There are several large groups involved in the fight to save Troy Davis’ life, including Amnesty International and the NAACP.  His story has been reported for years and yet here we are, all these years later, and he is scheduled to be executed this month.  If you have not already signed petitions, told your family/friends, donated money to ad campaigns, attended rallies/protests, now is your chance.  It is not too late.  He has a clemency hearing on the 19^th.  It is particularly important that the people of Georgia take a stand, as this is happening in their own state.  If anyone would care to join me, I will be attending the march and rally at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Friday, September 16^th.  This is his last chance.

http://blog.amnestyusa.org/deathpenalty/days-of-solidarity-with-troy-davis/

A Handbook on Hanging

A Handbook on Hanging: Being a Short Introduction to the Fine Art of Execution by Charles Duff
1999
Weight: 7 oz
Method of Disposal: Donate or give away

This book appeared after Vallan left for Chicago so I think it was initially part of her collection. I read it and thought it was okay. I do not have strong feelings one way or the other. It is a satirical book about capital punishment. The author dedicates the book to, “The Hangmen of England and to similar Constitutional Bulwarks everywhere.”

It is the end of August. The months just fly by.

A Lesson Before Dying

A Lesson Before Dying by Earnest J. Gaines
1993
Weight:
Method of Disposal: Donating or giving it to you if you want it

I just Finished A Lesson Before Dying and was not all that impressed. The last 10-15 pages were probably the best in the whole book, which is unusual. In my experience people have far more trouble ending a story than starting one. I, personally, have that problem. In the last pages, I cried when the inevitable happens, but it is hard not to when you are reading about an execution.

The majority of the book is not emotionally charged. At least, not through the writing, which is somewhat repetitive and basic. The story itself is great, but it gets lost in all the non-descript words and in the lack of plot development. I could never really believe in the relationship between the man sentenced to death and the teacher who visits him. I needed so much more in the character development arena. The poor prisoner, he is really never given fair treatment by the author. I do not get the feeling that he was much liked by Gaines. Maybe he got so caught up in trying to make Jefferson look a certain way that he forgot to allow him any independence, thought, or respect. I know we are seeing the perception of someone change from a “pig” to a “man,” but I think it could have been achieved in a less elementary way.

I do not think this is an awful book, but I would not suggest it to anyone. It just does not do execution, racism, its own characters, segregation any justice.

P.S. Day 4 has been great! Why can't they all be this good?