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A review by labunnywtf
Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate by Helen Prejean
5.0
I've had this book for some time now, hesitant to read it because it's written by a nun. Nine years of Catholic school can mess a person up when it comes to nuns.
But then the Troy Davis execution happened, and my anger and frustration was too much for me. So I picked up the book.
I'm extraordinarily wishy-washy when it comes to the death penalty. A great part of me doesn't think 12 people have the right to decide the death of another human being. And considering how much we frown on executions in other countries, hiding behind our "cruel and unusual" excuse is just not good enough.
However. I look at my niece, and my godchildren. And I think of something happening to me. And then I realize that I would want to pull the switch myself.
This book didn't exactly change my view on the death penalty, but it gave me a very real perspective on what happens to murderers in this state when they wait their deaths. It also shows, in a non confrontational, sincere way, how someone who is against the death penalty views things.
Sister Prejean writes with such sincerity and gentleness. Not judgmental, but she doesn't make these men sound like angels, either. I have endless amounts of respect for her, and the work she's done and still does.
But then the Troy Davis execution happened, and my anger and frustration was too much for me. So I picked up the book.
I'm extraordinarily wishy-washy when it comes to the death penalty. A great part of me doesn't think 12 people have the right to decide the death of another human being. And considering how much we frown on executions in other countries, hiding behind our "cruel and unusual" excuse is just not good enough.
However. I look at my niece, and my godchildren. And I think of something happening to me. And then I realize that I would want to pull the switch myself.
This book didn't exactly change my view on the death penalty, but it gave me a very real perspective on what happens to murderers in this state when they wait their deaths. It also shows, in a non confrontational, sincere way, how someone who is against the death penalty views things.
Sister Prejean writes with such sincerity and gentleness. Not judgmental, but she doesn't make these men sound like angels, either. I have endless amounts of respect for her, and the work she's done and still does.