I quite enjoy memoir style books, and when I saw Death Row by Michelle Lyons, I was intrigued by the idea of the book. I read it in pretty much two sittings as I found it that fascinating.
Below you can read my review of it.
Death Row: The Final Minutes by Michelle Lyons
Blurb from The Back Cover
In twelve years, Michelle Lyons witnessed over 300 executions.
As a reporter and then spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Michelle was a frequent visitor to Huntsville’s Walls Unit, where she recorded the final moments of death row inmates’ lives before they were put to death by the state.
Michelle witnessed some of the most notorious criminals, including serial killers, child murderers and rapists, speak their last words on earth, while a cocktail of lethal drugs surged through the veins.
Misgivings began to set in as the execution numbers mounted. She came to know and like some of the condemned people she saw die, and started to query the seemingly arbitrary nature of the death penalty.
Do executions actually make victims of us all?
My Thoughts on The Book
I really enjoyed Michelle’s insights on herself and how her reaction and attitude to the death penalty and witnessing executions changed over time. I also really enjoyed taking an inside look at what really goes on on death row and at executions.
The book isn’t preachy one way or the other as to whether the death penalty is a just punishment which I liked. It’s written in an easy to understand style and there’s something about it that just pulls you in and makes you want to learn more.
It covers the side of the execution we don’t often consider; the human side, and it’s a unique look at the whole death penalty.
Conclusion and Rating
Whether you agree or disagree with the death penalty, this book will make you think. Personally I think as long as there’s no doubt as to someone’s guilt, then the likes of serial killers, rapists and anyone who hurts children deserve this punishment. But the book still made me question those beliefs. It made me ask the question of who the death penalty really punishes, and the answer to that rather surprised me. 5/5.
You can get your copy here.
Have you read Death Row? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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I’ve read this – thought it was well written too
This sounds like a fascinating book to read, especially as my country is trying to come to terms with differing death penalties based by state. #AnythingGoes
It must be so confusing in the US where each state has different laws
Haven’t read the book, but it sounds like a balanced and interesting read.
I enjoyed it 🙂
The book sounds like one that everyone should read, no matter what your views are on the death penalty. I will add it to my TBR list. Thanks for the review. My state is currently on a death penalty moratorium. As long as the current givernor is in office, no inmates will be executed.
It’s a fascinating read and I found myself being able to see it from both sides.
It really is hard to fathom why this eye for an eye mentality persists … sounds like a fascinating read. #AnythingGoes
I think it’s just human nature to some extent, but the law is supposed to be above emotional responses. It was a great read, very eye opening.
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I really don’t think I’d want to read this book, the whole death penalty thing makes me shudder and I’d hate to watch people die in that way no matter what they had done. But it does sound like a very interesting account of how a person can change perspective after being in this situation over a long period of time. One of those, I don’t want to know but I really am interested kind of dilemmas.
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I like anything to do with true crime and criminal justice really. Watch a lot of TV shows on this topic. Also did Criminal related topics for 3 years at university. Dad was a policeman for years so maybe it all stems from there.
This looks fascinating and oddly I am reading a book on other aspects of death this week.
Any huge thing like execution or crime has such ripple effects so not just the perpetrator or the victim are caught up in the consequences – food for thought! #BloggerClubUK
This book sounds so interesting! I’ve not heard of it before but I’m definitely going to add it to my list.
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Laura
It’s really interesting!
It sounds very interesting but I’m not sure if it would be for me. It sounds like the sort of thing that would keep me awake at night. I have a weak stomach for this sort of stuff! #bloggerclubuk
It’s not scary or anything but there are a few parts that could be upsetting
Ooh how interesting. I love to hear a point of view that’s not normally known. I think i will put this on my list to read!
It’s a great read 🙂
This sounds very interesting. I’m with you Debbie that I believe that someone who hurts children, serial killers and rapists should be put to death (I’m more in favor of child killers and child rapists) but I have also watched a few documentaries on those put to death who were later proved innocent. It really makes me question so much. I don’t want to see an innocent person die because our legal system has so many loop holes.
This is a book I would be interested in reading. I like having my eyes opened to new perspectives. Thanks for hosting #AnythingGoes
Yeah it’s scary to think the system could get it wrong and execute someone innocent. The book is definitely eye opening and it does make you question things.
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