I read No Choirboy: Murder, Violence and Teenagers on Death Row by Susan Kulkan.
Non-fiction, of course, a short but truly unforgettable read. The title pretty much sums up the book, prisoners sentenced to death as teenagers telling their story.
The book was divided into five stories, two convicted teens, currently serving time and two families directly affected by the death penalty, both powerful stories, and t the attorney who fights for Death row prisoner’s rights. The teens currently serving could not speak specifically about their cases, in case of an appeal. However, their stories were graphic and raw. They talked about their lives as they are now in prison, their thoughts about being there, and how they got there. I almost felt sorry for them.
The story that touched me the most was the last story, the family members of a teenager killed by another teenager in a robbery, gone bad. The victim’s parent advised the prosecution not to seek the death penalty for their son’s murderers. The dad said he felt like another parent should NOT a son, like they did. The victim’s brother wanted to meet with the murderer and let him know he forgives him. After all he has to live with the fact he took a young innocent’s boy life. Wow.
When I thought of death row, I always imaged hardened lifelong criminals, who probably deserved to be there. I am actually not pro-Death Penalty, I am not and if I were on the fence after reading No Choirboy, I am definitely not for it.
2 comments:
Yes, it's a completely powerful book, isn't it?
I can't help but wonder what people who support the death penalty would say about this book. To be, the prisoners, the families, everyone seems so human despite what they did. And then reading their take on their fellow death row inmates humanized everyone else. The images of the whole prison screaming/creating a ruckus everytime someone was executed was simultaneously disturbing and sad.
Like I said, I'd love to hear what death penalty supporters would say about this book. Or rather, I'd love to hear the conversation that unfolds. Not that this book would necessarily convince anyone to think one way or another, but again...just the discussion
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