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Book Review of Chasing Justice: My Story of Freeing Myself After Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn't Commit

sirius-mama avatar reviewed on + 37 more book reviews


Engrossing and very well written book; highly recommend. While certain parts of the book are difficult to read (the brutalities Kerry endured in prison, the outrageous prosecutorial misconduct)other parts read like a best-selling thriller. The text sucked me in and I found myself losing time. I had very strong emotional reactions to the book - esp anger towards the corruption centered in Smith County, TX and the city of Tyler, TX. Amazingly, Kerry is not at all bitter and reveals his story using facts - he doesn't need to use strong adjectives when calling out those involved in the malfeasance because their own words and actions say everything. The end of the book ends on a high note. I feel totally inspired by the advocacy goals and achievements Kerry has accomplished to date since gaining his freedom. Interesting to note: Kerry's story is one of several featured in the theater production "The Exonerated" which played Off-Broadway; the play was adapted into a film which ran on CourtTV in 2005. If you are a proponent for the death penalty, you should really read this book for a unique perspective on the whole legal process. If you are against the death penalty, you should really read this book to become a more effective advocate. This is one of those books/stories which will stick in my head for a very long time.