The Autobiography Of An Execution (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I enjoyed this book because it made me think about the death penalty and its repercussions on society. I felt that the author wrote honestly and I appreciated his point of view. Mr. Dow has definitely dedicated his career to a group of inmates who are sometimes hard to like but once in awhile you find one that touches your heart. I admire him for continuing to fight with passion for what he believes in.As an advocate in a women's domestic violence shelter, I can see the world in which the prisoners on death row may have been subjected to as children so I also have some compassion for them. If you can be open minded and willing to learn about this subject matter, this is a good read. The author does like to use legal terms a bit too much for me, but it is worth the time. I was in Huntsville when the death penalty made its comeback (yep, in the 1980s) and saw the differing side arguing dividing by not only their viewpoints but a police barricade. I never have truly known where I stood, although I have a tendency to be more liberal in my ideaology. After reading Dow's book, however, I recognize no matter which side one takes on the death penalty debate, killing an innocent man is not a risk pro or con should accept. This book explores just that question. How often do we get the killer and distribute justice to determine later that we killed an innocent? For anyone wanting to explore the legal system and the perceived appeals process that protects the innocent, this is the book.
What do You think about The Autobiography Of An Execution (2010)?
Unbelievably sad. Even more against he death penalty than I was before.
—John
A fantastic book about the real story of an innocent man on death row.
—VanZhan
Nicely written... thought provoking... often disturbing.
—lovyah
