Recent Arrivals chronicles the books that have made their way onto the Today, I Read… bookshelf. Here’s the latest arrival: The Autobiography of an Execution by David R. Dow

First line: If you knew at precisely what time on exactly what day you [...]

Initial thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book.

When it comes to the legal system, I have quite an interest. When it comes to capital punishment, I tend to lean toward the "don’t do it" camp…then I hear about some grisly and heinous act and I think "maybe just this once."

The other reason I have reservations about this book is because I tend to be rather empathetic while reading. The mere thought of getting up close and personal with someone sitting on Death Row waiting for the minutes to shuffle by so that someone can declare him dead just made my head spin.

But (isn’t there always a but?) I’m intrigued. What actually goes on? How many lives are affected? Think about the butterfly effect…

I’ve already read the first few pages and I have two thoughts: 1) the writing style will take some getting used to; and 2) this isn’t going to be light reading.

Book description:

As a lawyer, David R. Dow has represented over 100 death row cases. Many of his clients have died. Most were guilty. Some might have been innocent. The Autobiography of an Execution is his deeply personal story about justice, death penalty, and a lawyer’s life.

It is a chronicle of a life lived at paradoxical extremes: Witnessing executions and then coming home to the loving embrace of his wife and young son, who inquire about his day. Waging moral battles on behalf of people who have committed abhorrent crimes. Fighting for life in America’s death penalty capital, within a criminal justice system full of indifferent and ineffectual judges. Racing against time on behalf of clients who have no more time.

Book Details: 288 pages; Twelve; Pub. February 3, 2010

Learn more:

• official website