Oprah's Book Club Summer 2018 Selection - The Sun Does Shine

If you are on the fence about the necessity of the death penalty I suggest you read The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton. If you believe in the need for a death sentence, I also suggest you read it with open eyes and ears. Actually, everyone should read Hinton’s memoir, because it is in my opinion a necessary read on how broken the US justice system really is. And more: it is the story of how an innocent man spent nearly 30 years on Death Row in Alabama, and continued to fight for freedom when most people would have given up. Hinton is a true hero, a man who lived through hell year after year after year, and still manages to see so much positive in everything.

Anthony Ray Hinton, Ray, was arrested and convicted of a crime he could not have committed, by a prejudiced judge, jury, and court-appointed attorney. The details of the case are abhorrent: no jury should EVER have deemed this man guilty of the crimes the police said he had committed. On top of this, his appeals were continuously thrown out, the state of Alabama obviously not interested in admitting that they had sentenced an innocent man to death. It wasn’t until Bryan Stevenson started to work with Ray that things started to look up, but even then it took many more years for Ray’s conviction to be thrown out the court and for him to be released.

The Sun Does Shine is a memoir of 30 lost years, of absolute darkness, but it is also ultimately a story of hope, of love, of friendship and of forgiveness. Hinton’s innate need to care for others is absolutely uplifting, and his ability to navigate through darkness to see the light in everything is remarkable. I don’t believe that we have the right to sentence anyone to death, no matter the crime, and The Sun Does Shine has me all the more convinced that we need to fight so much harder to get it removed.

As Ray mentions at the end of the book, we should assume that every 10th person currently on death row is innocent. Should we be able to live with that?

I have been a proponent of the death penalty my entire liberal Democrat life. I just feel some crimes are so heinous that there is no coming back from them and the criminal has no right to be on this earth with us. I still feel that to be true. But after reading Ray's story (Mr. Hinton requests that all his friends call him Ray. After reading his story, I feel like he is a friend.), my feelings about the use of the death penalty are a bit different. This is the true, very true, story of a young man who was completely innocent of a crime. He should never ever have even gone to trial. But as a result of inherent racism and economic bigotry, Ray was sentenced to death. I'd love to scream "not in America" but the only person who doesn't know by now that this country isn't equal and fair is someone who hasn't heard of the USA. "What does capital punishment mean?" "It means a guy without capital gets punished." And if I didn't know it before, recent incidents have made it all the more clearer. When I read that 10% of all people on death row are innocent, and I know that a greater proportion of men in our prisons are minorities and are receiving heavier penalties for the same crimes than white people, I can not support the death penalty in its current form. Until equality is brought into the justice system and racism is removed, no man should be put to death. (getting off my soapbox) BUT, even more than an inside look at death row in our prisons was the story of a man who would rather die than admit to a crime he didn't do. It was the story of a man who went through the darkness of going to prison but then turned around and became a light that brightened the world of those around him, guilty or innocent. So while the message is strong, Ray's spirit was stronger!

I am an opponent of the Death Penalty. I've read too many stories of how our broken justice system unfairly imposes punishment. Besides, what can be worse than taking away someone's freedom? Every day that goes by is a reminder to that individual of what they have lost. There is, however, one penalty that is worse than anything a judge or jury can impose, and that is to be put away for a crime you did not commit. That is what happened to Anthony Ray Hinton.

I first heard about Anthony Ray Hinton in the excellent book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Just Mercy is a detailed look at the death penalty and how race and money play a role in who gets the death penalty and who does not. Anthony's story was just one of several stories of wrongful convictions. What makes this book so compelling is that you see the death penalty issue from the inside out.

There have been other books written by the victims of wrongful convictions. One that comes to mind is Getting Life by Michael Morton. The details of how the wrongful convictions occurred may be different, but the tragic, life-altering effects of that error are the same. One thing that stood out in my mind after reading both stories was how both men managed to survive their unimaginable circumstances thanks to books. Reading allowed these men to escape their confinement.

The case against Ray Hinton relied almost exclusively on evidence that a gun used in three separate crimes belonged to Ray Hinton. Police found the gun in the house of Ray's mother. The problem with that evidence is that the gun police used to convict Ray had not been fired in over twenty years. Ray went through multiple lawyers and appeals but could not get an expert to dispute the evidence due to a lack of money. When he finally got some help, the state went out of their way to prevent Ray from presenting his new evidence. By this time Ray had been on death row for sixteen years. The state of Alabama's response was that too much time had passed and that it would be a waste of time and money to hear Ray's claims of innocence.

Everyone failed Ray. His court-appointed lawyers. His ballistics expert. The prosecutor. The Attorney General. Judges. Juries. The appeals process. In almost all wrongful convictions, the justice system does everything possible to impede, block, and prevent the truth from coming out. No one did anything to help Ray until Bryan Stevenson came along. Had it not been for Bryan Stevenson, the state of Alabama would have been guilty of murder.

There are people in society who deserve to be locked away. They have committed heinous crimes and would do so again if given a chance. But the death penalty serves no purpose. It is not a deterrent. Ray introduces readers to the men on death row. He describes poignantly how each person is more than their worst act.

There is no place for capital punishment in a civilized society. Every criminal started life the same. We will never be able to prevent lazy lawyers, ambivalent prosecutors, disinterested judges, and inept detectives. But we can stop them from putting innocent people to death.

This review is based on a pre-release copy of the book provided by NetGalley.

"The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice, but justice needs help. Justice only happens when good people take a stand against injustice. The moral arc of the universe needs people to support it as it bends. And yes, it also needs people to pick a side."

Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. He spent 30 years on death row in Alabama. The prime of his life was stolen away by a broken system that is quick to convict and slow to find true justice--if it ever does at all.

The Sun Does Shine is a story of the immeasurable harm that racism still inflicts on the United States. It's a story of the dogged pursuit of justice in the face of a hopeless amount of obstacles. It's a story of hope, of friendship, and of unbelievable forgiveness.

Through gut-wrenching prose and exceptional empathy, Hinton relays the tale of his life and suffering on death row in a way that is both captivating and rage-inducing, forcing readers to realize this is all being done in our name. He leaves us with a final challenge: "The death penalty is broken, and you are either part of the death squad or you are banging on the bars. Choose."

The Sun Does Shine is a powerful and important memoir, showing a discouraging side of our legal system and an incredible testament of stamina and hope.

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was convicted of murder in Alabama and sentenced to the electric chair. He was a 29 year old, poor, black man who had a job, a happy disposition and was a devoted son to his loving mother. The judicial system did not protect Hinton as it should have and he chose not speak for the first 3 years of his incarceration. Rebelling in silence as he wavered between anger and despair, he anticipated being put to death in the electric chair, knowing he was innocent but unable to prove it, despite every bit of evidence indicating the truth.

As time went on, and the legal system repeatedly failed him, Hinton decided to speak up, fight for justice, and he found a way to survive death row…for almost 30 years. Visitation with his mother and best friend, Lester kept his spirits up. He learned to exercise his imagination and transport himself to different times and places. Finding comfort in this, he wanted to share the pleasure of escaping with his fellow inmates and he started a book club. He researched the law while spending his allotted “free” time in the prison library. He sought out an attorney who had his best interests in mind and the drive to prove innocence. He befriended the most unlikely alleged criminals and created a supportive and caring family for himself; sadly 54 of them were executed during his incarceration.

With joy and appreciation for his relentless attorney, the unwavering love and friendship of him mother and Lester, and genuine forgiveness in his heart, Anthony Ray Hinton was released in his late 50s, in 2015.

This memoir was upsetting and joyful at the same time. The judicial system, race relations, prison conditions, and the death penalty all need to be reviewed, discussed, examined and improved so innocent people are not sent to jail, and people in jail are treated humanely. We are not meant to live in a 5 x 7 cell for any amount of time and these conditions with little human contact can contribute to negativity, violence and hopelessness. Putting people to death is barbaric and a poor precedent for a government of a free country to support. Anthony Ray Hinton had incredible strength of character and faith to be able to re-enter life outside prison and find joy and purpose. I admire his immense fortitude and ability to forgive.

I highly recommend this book.

Living a nightmare for 30 years and having the courage to share his story with the world, Anthony Ray Hinton lived through the dark days, the feared moments and encounters and waited thirty long and hard year to watch the darkness unfold the fog and mist lift and realize and see that The Sun Does Shine.
Telling it in the first person narrative we hear Anthony’s voice as he tells about his friendship with Lester, his family and his allegiance and love for his mother. When working hard he wants a car and the end result leads him down the wrong path.
Start from the beginning where we hear the prosecutor’s voice and the judge ‘s sentence. We hear his mother’s hopeful words and we get to know Anthony when he takes the stand. But first we learn about John Davidson’s murder the assistant manager of a restaurant and then the shooting of the manager of another one both forced inside the restaurants cooler and shot after the robbery: Thomas Wayne Vason victim number 2 and Sidney Smotherman the third the assistant manager of Quincy’s Steak House who survived his injuries but identified Hinton as the shooter.
Hinton had no idea why he was arrested and even passes the polygraph test but no one cared. Meeting with a cop and questioned it was clear he had no chance. Telling him there were five reasons he’d lose: one he’s black, two a white man going to say you shot him, three white district attorney, four white judge and a white jury. Even the four appointed Lawyer seemed unsure about his guilt or innocence.
Racism, prejudice and they had their suspect so why look further and his road to freedom closed with a bang,
Even his lawyer did not seem to care and even though he was getting a nominal fee you were there to defend this man.
As the reader gets to know Anthony in depth you realize that his conviction was a total fabrication created and orchestrated by either the police or a powerful prosecutor.
The gun they say used in the murders hadn’t been fired for over 25 years and belonged to his mother so who put the bullets in it? The testimony of Reginald White a supposedly good friend was a web of well constructed lies made to have the court believe that Anthony was the killer when in reality he had just started a new job in a place with a guard and no way to escape or leave. He even told his lawyer to drive the distance from work to Quincy’s restaurant and realize the impossibilities. But, his lawyer was incompetent and did not refute anything said and a huge miscarriage of justice followed yet this man never list faith, prayed for each member present in the courtroom and thought to himself that he’d be better acting as his own lawyer who knows how that might have played out.
A ballistics expert confirmed that the bullets were not from his gun and did not match and a prosecutor that took it all down and away. The jury that finds him guilty in two hours and lies, betrayals and deceptions and his fate sealed. No one heard the truth and no one cared except him, his mother and Lester. Death sentence no chances left but Anthony Hinton would not cower or give up.
Placed on death row and smelling the flesh of those executed would fill his heart, mind and soul for eternity. The vivid description and the fear that he might be next clouded his days. When his lawyer was removed and told him to hire someone at a huge fee his desperation rate was high and his hopes diminished. But miracles happen and someone showed up because Bryan Stevenson would be his guardian angel but it would take years to accomplish the goals.
The guards were rude and could care less about the humanitarian rites of the prisoner and each day Anthony needed strength and hope but at times the tears cane down long and hard.
When Alan Black wanted money Ray fires him and Bryan Stevenson took his case. With the energy, faith and fortitude to move it in a positive direction I’ve never felt so shaken and appalled at the unjustified way the courts treated him. As each prisoner was executed the tears fell from my eyes and each time I heard their final words I prayed for their souls. As Bryan found experts to prove he was innocent and that his mother’s gun did not fire the shots to kill or harm anyone, the judge refused to admit that the state of Alabama did not make a grave error nor would he yield to admit it. Ray was taught not to hate and believe that hating white people or anyone was wrong. His mother didn’t raise a quitter or a hater but how do you hang on and keep your sanity and faith?
The state did not defend that Bryan found worksheets that Higgins and Yates and McGregor had not turned over to Perhacs his first Lawyer. Reading that they did not know what markings were on the bullets, and they certainly didn’t show the bullets from the victims matched the test bullets from his mother’s gun. They didn’t defend any of it. “I don’t think proof of innocence should be disregarded. Who are we if we allow that?” The empty chairs that were left for the 6 members of his book club where these men wanted to read and learn more about literature and then it all went downhill when they were executed yet before the final book is closed Ray definitely made a big difference in the lives of so many and when you read the pages you will understand the compassion, kindness and depth of this amazing man who holds no grudges and just wants to wake up each morning and live his life free.
How does he hang on when it appears they just want him dead? Judge Garrett was retiring but would keep his case and they waited for his ruling on. Rule 32 hearing didn’t seem to be happening as no answer was forthcoming and Bryan Stevenson was more than hopeful and I’ve never heard of anyone more vigilant and dedicated to freeing an innocent man.
The final scenes and the call that changed it all gave Anthony Hinton the freedom he finally deserved. How can a judge hate so vehemently? Why would he write such lies and untruths? Hearing how he lives and telling his story to the world and his friendship with Lester you know Anthony you might have spent those dark 30 years on death row but the sun might not have shined on you directly with its radiant reheat rays but it was there every time Lester, your mom and a Bryan entered your prison letting you know never to give up on you or them. How can he be so understanding and forgive those who wrongly accused him? Fighting to eliminate the death and praying for those who will meet there’s too soon. There are so many lessons to be learned but one that stands out so true racism hate prejudice is wrong and teaching it breeds what happened to this innocent man. When admitting your wrong causes a man 30 years of his life we all need to look in the mirror and ask why?
The world is blessed to have you in it and from now on wherever you are and whoever you’re with the light will glow and you will know that the sun does shine on you now and forever. I am honored to help tell your story.

Some of the books I read have a story behind how I even came to read them... this is one such book.

Last year a coworker of mine was imploring me to read "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. He said it was required (or recommended) reading for Harvard Law students and it is a fantastic book. I read it, loved it. It's about an African American law student that dedicated his life to aiding prisoners--primarily on death row--in the south.

Fast forward to a couple of months ago and my mother is telling me about a book titled "The Sun Does Shine" written by a man who'd spent 30 years on death row in Alabama and finally was freed. The words Alabama, death row, and freed all sounded familiar so I asked was the man's attorney named Bryan Stevenson? She answered yes so I knew I had to read this book.

I knew I would like the book and I did. What's not to like about a man that is able to find justice even if it was after 30 years. Now, this is not me saying that this is proof that the justice system works, no. If anything it proves the opposite. Putting that aside, the book is Anthony Ray Hinton giving an account of what occurred to land him in prison, what life was like in prison, and the years of waiting through one disappointment after another before finally being set free.

He talks about those people important to him, his faith and bout with faithlessness, and his overall attitude throughout his ordeal. He had a choice of being bitter and angry--which he had every right to be--or positive and upbeat. He chose the latter because he didn't want the state of Alabama to have two victories (locking him up and breaking his spirit). It's an incredible story of forbearance, positivity and redemption. I couldn't even imagine remaining sane through a false accusation, a death sentence, and repeated rejections to prove my innocence. Though it is sad, depressing, and infuriating at times this is still a happily-ever-after story. Truth prevailed in the end and the sun does shine.

This is the story of blatant and intentional racism and discrimination. Anthony Ray Hinton was charged with murder because of the color of his skin and his inability to hire a competent defense attorney.

"You know, I don't care whether you did or didn't do it. In fact, I believe that you didn't do it. But it doesn't matter. If you didn't do it, one of your brothers did. And you're going to take the rap." Lieutenant Acker of Birmingham Police Department

Mr. Hinton was found guilty of murder by a jury and given a life sentence in prison. A judge overruled the jury and changed the sentence to death by electrocution.

The author spent his first three years on death row in silence. He was a Christian man and could not understand how God could allow something like this to happen. His heart was full of anger and revenge toward the people who had sent an innocent man to death row.

The beautiful thing about this story is how the author eventually became a shining light of hope for the other prisoners on death row. Mr. Hinton started reaching out to other prisoners. He got permission to start a book club and prisoners were allowed to read and discuss books. He tried to keep a positive attitude despite many discouraging years of fighting for freedom in the legal system.

"I forgive because not to forgive would only hurt me." Anthony Ray Hinton

The author credits his faith in God, his mother's unconditional love, the loyalty of his best friend and an excellent attorney from the Equal Justice Initiative for his eventual exoneration and release from death row.

Anthony Ray Hinton was the 152nd person exonerated from death row in the United States since 1973 and the sixth in the state of Alabama. He is now a poster boy for all that is broken in our criminal justice system.

Our pledge of allegiance..."one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That should be our vision for the future.

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

The Sun Does Shine—How I found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton is the sad, true, but inspirational story of his life. He was wrongfully convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. This book shows his journey of appeals and his imprisonment. It made me more appreciative of my freedom and certainly made me more aware of the injustices that happen in our nation. It is an emotional read, making me feel both sadness and anger. I even cried at one point when he received news that his mother had died. He lost 30 years of his life because of prejudice and he’s not the only one! This is horrible! Statistically, one out of every ten sentenced to death is innocent. This was a shocking statistic to me and one that should put an end to the death penalty.

This was hard to read because it is a true story of injustice but I’m glad I read it. It speaks to the issue of capital punishment and I think it’s good that people be made aware of how inhumane life on death row is. It was sort of funny how Ray kept his sanity and sense of humor while locked up wrongly all those years by using his imagination. I recommend adults and teens read this book.

In 1985 Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with the death of two men in Birmingham, Alabama. Hinton was certain that because of his rock-solid alibi, everything would be cleared up and he would soon be released. But due to an ineffective and unmotivated defense attorney and a criminal justice system indifferent to the plight of a poor, black man, Hinton was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 30 years behind bars.

Written by Hinton with the help of Lara Love Hardin, The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to power of rising above hate and enduring hardship with dignity. Hinton stoically served as a source of hope to those around him on death row, even befriending and changing the beliefs of Henry Hays, a KKK member on death row for lynching a black man in Mobile.

As we read of Hinton’s ordeal we are left infuriated with a system that consistently turned a deaf ear to his appeals. But with the help of a relentless civil rights attorney, Hinton was eventually freed in 2015.

The are usually two or three books each year that I would recommend as must reads. And this inspiring memoir will certainly be among them. The Sun Does Shine (St. Martin’s Press, digital galley) is a powerful story that will serve as inspiration to anyone looking to live a life filled with grace and love.

Wow, this was such a heartbreaking read.

It also had my blood boiling. Who are these people elected in to play God? The State of Alabama should be so embarrassed.

This was such an interesting and touching story. I read a lot of it with (I'm sure) a shocked look on my face when I could not believe all the imbecile moves being played behind the scenes with Hinton's life.

I really found the part about Henry very interesting, as well.

Good luck on any and all future endeavors Mr. Hinton. You deserve it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

In 1985, 29 year-old Anthony Ray Hinton was wrongly accused of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to death. He was just a poor, innocent black man in Alabama. Accused basically based off of the color of his skin, he would fight for his innocence and freedom before he was released 30 years later in 2015. He speaks about his life, his trial, his time on the row, and his release. And though it is very difficult to read, it allows for there to be an understanding of what it means to be poor and black within a system that allows for racism to still exist unjustly. Thirty years of this man's life was gone to him. However, through it all, he fought. He fought, not just for his freedom, but for his innocence. He wanted to prove his innocence. He prayed for everyone involved. The ones that he put away, and the ones that stood by him since day one. It is a story about how in one instance, your life can literally change forever. I recommend this book to everyone.

Anthony Ray Hinton’s story takes place in a dark realm that most of us in white, middle class America have little to do with and think little about. This is the realm of criminal justice, courts, and prisons – specifically Holman Prison’s Death Row in Alabama.

Hinton was convicted of murder and sentenced to death at age twenty-nine, by a sloppy and flawed system that passes for justice in the State of Alabama. That system is driven to convict someone – anyone – of a capital crime, in order to portray to the public an image of swift justice and tough punishment. That system is fraught with corruption and racism, and thus is particularly harsh on those who are black, or poor, or both. Once Hinton’s guilty verdict was reached and his death sentence passed, the State stubbornly resisted subsequent appeals based on accusations of error and misconduct at trial or discovery of new evidence. The State of Alabama showed little interest in guilt or innocence; the important thing was to convict someone and then stand by it.

Hinton was twenty-nine when he entered Holman and fifty-nine when all charges against him were finally dropped and he was set free. In the time it takes us to read The Sun Does Shine, we get from him a fair sense of what it’s like to spend thirty years on Death Row, living in bitterness and despair and occasional slim hope, riding the rollercoaster of a justice system more interested in following process than in determining actual guilt or innocence, and watching more than fifty fellow inmates marched by prison guards to “Yellow Mama,” Holman Prison’s electric chair. Hinton’s 5-by-7-foot cell was thirty feet from the execution chamber. He and other prisoners could hear and smell each electrocution.

That is how Anthony Ray Hinton spent thirty years on Death Row. Fortunately for him, though, Bryan Stevenson, attorney and founder of Equal Justice Initiative, learned of his case and went to bat for him. Even then, it took nearly seventeen more years for Stevenson and EJI to get Hinton off Death Row.

By the way, Anthony Ray Hinton was innocent – a minor detail in the eyes of the State of Alabama. Of the fifty-plus inmates who were executed during Hinton’s tenure on Death Row, many were guilty, some were innocent. Statistically across the nation, one in ten prisoners on Death Row is innocent. Hard to justify the death penalty with an error rate of that magnitude.

Anthony Ray Hinton is a good man, and stronger than most of us have ever been called upon to be. He was sustained through thirty years on death row by the love of his mother and of his best friend Lester, who visited him regularly at Holman and stood by him the entire time. He formed new friendships among other inmates condemned to die, including a white man named Henry in the next cell, who belonged to the KKK and had tortured, killed, and lynched a young black boy, because Henry’s racist father had taught him to hate. Hinton was also sustained by his friendship with Bryan Stevenson, another black man who proved to be more than just “God’s best lawyer.”

Hinton was sustained by love, hope, a sense of humor he never allowed himself to lose, and a capacity for forgiveness beyond anything I can imagine.

Upon leaving Death Row in April 2015, Anthony Ray Hinton was finally given the opportunity to begin his life at age fifty-nine. He now works part-time at Equal Justice Initiative, speaks on prison reform, and has dedicated his life to ending the death penalty.

Everyone should read this book to become aware of the damage that a flawed criminal justice system, mass incarceration, and the death penalty are wreaking still on our society and its moral foundation.

I received a free e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. The story of a man who spent 30 years on death row in an Alabama state prison convicted of crimes he didn’t commit mostly because his skin was black and he was poor. Prejudice and discrimination are both a huge black mark against the human race and still exist in this country. This is a story that needs to be told and is extremely important for all of us to read. Anthony Ray Hinton is a great storyteller. Because of Bryan Stevenson’s years of working with the courts in the justice system Anthony Ray Hinton is a free man today. This was a terrible injustice and this is a book that everyone should read. ‘The Sun Does Shine’ doesn’t pull any punches and is an extremely well-written account of a man’s life on death row as he works to prove that he is unjustly imprisoned for crimes that he didn’t commit.

Anthony Ray Hinton served 30 years on Alabama's death row for a crime he didn't commit. Initially angry and frustrated over his treatment by his alleged defense team, Mr Hinton held on to the life lesson his mama taught him-love don't hate. His case was presented to the Supreme Court and his conviction was overturned. The most amazing thing is that despite his struggles, his frustration and disappointments mr Hinton never lost his capacity for faith hope and love. If I were a school administrator I'd make this mandatory reading. Just incredible

Put into words a system many of us know to exist. Money and social status, along with the color of your skin buys a whole different justice system. Ray never gave up, that voice inside him brought him back from the brink, time after time when lesser human beings would have thrown in the towel. He was determined to only be free by being innocent and the state admitting the errors and incompetent defense he had been rendered. 30 years is a long time to live in a 5 x 5 cell with only "hope" as his companion.

Lester and Sylvia (and Bryan too) give new meaning to the word "friendship".

A truly great read especially for those of us that think the scales of justice are balanced.

The State of Alabama owes Ray for the 30 years it took from him.

A powerful memoir from a wrongfully-convicted black man who spent 30 years on Alabama's death row before finally being exonerated in 2015 by the efforts of appeals lawyer Bryan Stevenson. As with Stevenson's own book Just Mercy, it's an indictment of capital punishment itself and an intensely personal story of how easily an innocent life can be caught up and ruined by injustices in the justice system. Author Anthony Ray Hinton writes movingly of the struggle to keep his faith while awaiting execution, as well as the difficulties he's faced adjusting to a modern world of internet and GPS after three decades behind bars. His story puts an all-too-human face on capital punishment and should be required reading for anyone who still supports such measures.

I have to say this is one of the most engrossing and passionate stories I've read in quite some time. Anthony Ray Hinton tells the story of his life and how never lost hope despite so many set backs. His story of his trial is one that stirs outrage for so many reasons not the least of which was that in their zeal to convict him the real murderer went on to commit more crimes. His engrossing tale of how the poor are guilty almost from the moment they are arrested and how the overtaxed system is failing. His story of life on death row is one so filled with both sadness as well as finding an element of happiness is engrossing. Lastly his story of ultimate freedom is exhilarating but also a bit sad for seeing what he's lost.

This is a great story of innocence being proven! A must read.

We listened to this book on Audible on a recent road trip.

The book is uplifting and depressing. The book makes your spirit soar to new heights and brings you into despair.

Ray Hinton was convicted of a crime that he did not commit. The evidence against him was essentially non-existent. He was poor and black and he ran into an Alabama system (one cannot refer to it as a 'justice system') that decided someone had to pay for a string of crimes and it might as well be him. He ended up spending close to 30 years on death row. The Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision overturned his conviction and, to this day, Alabama will not admit its error.

The book chronicles both his fight for justice in a system that was biased against him. His legal representation for many years was indifferent to him. He survived cruelty in prison; the literal smell of death of inmates fried in an electric chair feet from him, and rediscovering his faith and making a life for himself under harsh conditions. There were times I wanted to stop listening----my level of despair and anger was so great but Mr. Hinton's unwavering fight for justice, his personal goodness and integrity, and relentless hope kept me captivated.

This is a great book and an amazing story. I was moved by the emotion of the story, the person Ray Hinton is, and the relationships that he forged. This is a must read for everyone. As others have said, it rides like a fiction novel, but it is a true story. I listened to the audio version and it was outstanding. Ray Hinton is an exceptional person - I'm not sure there are very many of us who could go through what he did and come out as such a kind and noble person. He deserves years of peace, freedom, and a life well-lived. I was truly moved by his story and will not forget it. Thanks Oprah for highlighting this book.

What a read! The Sun Does Shine is a book that everyone should read. It will fill you with anger, sadness, hope, and gratitude. Telling the story of Anthony Ray Hinton, who was wrongly imprisoned on Death Row for thirty years (!!!), The Sun Does Shine does not shy away from making you think about prison reform and the death penalty. I got interested in reading books like this after I read Just Mercy last year, and when I saw a NetGalley email that this book was available to read, I jumped at the chance to read Hinton’s story. And what a tale it is! I knew from the synopsis that he was eventually released, but my word, I was filled with sadness and despair for Hinton (and his friends and family), and was on the edge of my seat the entire read. Once I started this, I could not put it down, and Hinton does an excellent job of telling his story and making you feel not only his pain, but also his hopefulness.
The inadequacy of the legal system will shock and anger you. No, not just anger you, but outrage you. And it should! Hinton strives and succeeds here in bringing forth the humanity of the inmates, and even though many of them here are guilty of their terrible crimes, Hinton really makes the reader think about a lot of issues.
I loved the scenes between Hinton and his mother, and also Hinton and his best friend Lester. I enjoyed the scenes where Hinton decides to create a book club for a few inmates on Death Row, and hearing them all discuss various reads was enlightening. There are also a lot of very intense and emotional scenes, as many are executed throughout the years.
When I read, I write notes on my phone, and when I started this book my phone typed out The Sun DOES Shine as the title, and I think that is such a fitting statement here. This book will break your heart, heal it again, and make you think. It’s a must read, and so far it’s my favorite read of the year.
***I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. This review first posted on my blog, luvtoread.***

5 out of 5 stars

As I write this review, I am wiping tears from my face -- tears that flowed more than once as I was reading this amazing book. It is hard to describe the gamut of emotions I felt as I followed Anthony Ray Hinton’s incredible story of having to spend 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Disgusted, appalled, angry, outraged – none of these words seem to be sufficient in relaying my feelings towards the blatant miscarriage of justice that was described in this book as well as towards a broken criminal justice system that goes out of its way to protect corrupt, prejudiced officials who have no qualms about convicting and putting innocent people to death not based on hard evidence, but rather based on the color of their skin. Facing a system that treats “the rich and guilty better than the poor and innocent,” Hinton fought for decades to prove his innocence, encountering one setback after another, until finally, with the help of his attorney Bryan Stevenson, they were able to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the original conviction and grant him a new trial, after which the local district attorney in Alabama decided to drop the charges. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Hinton was sustained by his faith in God, which helped him maintain hope, but most importantly, he was blessed with the unconditional love of his mother -- a remarkable woman who was the center of his universe and also his most steadfast cheerleader – as well as the unwavering support of his best friend Lester Bailey, who, for 30 years, never missed a single visit, driving 7 hours every Friday down to the prison to sit with Hinton and make sure he had everything he needed and also helping to take care of his beloved mother. Channeling the love he received from his family and friends, his own unique sense of humor, and also everything his mother taught him about life, Hinton was able to develop true friendships with his fellow inmates and even with some of the guards at the prison.

Hinton’s ability to forgive those who wronged him and, despite the circumstances, try to better the lives of his fellow inmates through humor and genuine compassion were nothing short of extraordinary. Most people in his situation would not have found the will to survive, but Hinton was different – his strong resolve and unbreakable spirit were essential in helping him survive the misery of his situation. Also, it must be said that I have nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for Hinton’s attorney Bryan Stevenson – an extraordinary man who has dedicated his entire life to fighting for justice and equality for those who are poor, underprivileged, marginalized. In Hinton’s case, Stevenson fought the courts tirelessly for 16 years, never giving up even when one court after another refused to admit the evidence that would exonerate Hinton, never backing down even in the face of blatant bias from the judges and prosecutors. Even now, as Stevenson continues to battle with the State of Alabama to get compensation for Hinton, it continues to be a struggle, this time with semantics, as the same inherently prejudiced bureaucratic system maintains that Hinton should not get compensated because the charges being “dropped” is not the same as an official declaration of innocence.

This is one of the most powerful memoirs I’ve read in a long time. Hinton’s story is unforgettable, inspirational, and is one that I know will stay with me for a long time to come. Since his release, Hinton has become a motivational speaker and works with Bryan Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative traveling around the world, going wherever he is invited to share his story, bringing awareness and also pushing for changes in this country’s justice system in the hopes that this doesn’t happen again to anyone. One of the saddest moments in the book was when Hinton’s mother passed away from cancer in 2002 – this was a woman who had been his rock throughout his ordeal, the love of his life, someone who meant more to him than life itself, the one person who, from the moment her son was arrested, never wavered in her belief that her most beloved baby boy would return home. A bittersweet reunion in the end, as Hinton walked out of the jailhouse finally a free man, grateful that Lester and his family were there to greet him, but also knowing that the mother he adored did not live to see that moment. Despite what Hinton went through and knowing the deeply ingrained societal struggles with racial bias in that state, Hinton still chooses to live in Alabama, in the same house that his mother worked hard her entire life in order to buy so that he would have a home to go back to. Hinton’s special bond with his remarkable mother was one part of his story that moved me deeply.

Remarkable, inspiring, eye-opening, and ultimately uplifting, this is a memoir that EVERYONE needs to read, and urgently, given what is happening in our country currently. Bryan Stevenson puts it best in the Forward to this book where he writes: “Reading [Hinton’s] story is difficult but necessary. We need to learn things about our criminal justice system, about the legacy of racial bias in America and the way it can blind us to just and fair treatment of people. We need to understand the dangers posed by the politics of fear and anger that create systems like our capital punishment system and the political dynamics that have made some courts and officials act so irresponsibly. We also need to learn about human dignity, about human worth and value. We need to think about the fact that we are all more than the worst thing we have done.”

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley

'Justice' is a funny word. We like to talk about it. We like to claim we have an entire system geared toward it. But justice itself is an arbitrary, often subjective thing. Is it justice to take one life in exchange for another? Can we claim a system of justice exists when death row consists of mostly poor men, while wealthy killers get high-priced lawyers and rarely see a death chamber? And what about the innocent who are steamrolled by the very "justice" system meant to protect them?

Anthony Ray Hinton is a man who was caught in the labyrinth of a system that doesn't let go once it decides you're guilty. From day one, he had a solid alibi. But he was poor and he was black, and that alone greatly diminished his rights and his power to defend himself.

This is a story of a broken system. It's a story of corruption and persecution. It's also a story of hope, friendship, and love.

Hinton writes with honesty. He doesn't try to portray himself as anything other than what he is-what we all are-flawed. He puts us right there with him, so we feel what it's like to have our choices taken away, to be wrongly and harshly judged, to be locked up like a rabid animal, to be forgotten, to be killed.

This story is personal and profound, and it should be read by every single person. Hinton's story is not unique in that he is not the first innocent person to spend decades locked away, to barely escape being murdered by a system claiming to work for us, and he won't be the last. This will only stop when enough of us decide to pay attention, and that we've had enough.

On a side note, if you haven't read Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, you definitely need to. Without Stevenson, Hinton would have been executed. His work as a death row advocate is unequaled.

*I received an ebook copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*

If you are on the fence about the necessity of the death penalty I suggest you read The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton. If you believe in the need for a death sentence, I also suggest you read it with open eyes and ears. Actually, everyone should read Hinton’s memoir, because it is in my opinion a necessary read on how broken the US justice system really is. And more: it is the story of how an innocent man spent nearly 30 years on Death Row in Alabama, and continued to fight for freedom when most people would have given up. Hinton is a true hero, a man who lived through hell year after year after year, and still manages to see so much positive in everything.

Anthony Ray Hinton, Ray, was arrested and convicted of a crime he could not have committed, by a prejudiced judge, jury, and court-appointed attorney. The details of the case are abhorrent: no jury should EVER have deemed this man guilty of the crimes the police said he had committed. On top of this, his appeals were continuously thrown out, the state of Alabama obviously not interested in admitting that they had sentenced an innocent man to death. It wasn’t until Bryan Stevenson started to work with Ray that things started to look up, but even then it took many more years for Ray’s conviction to be thrown out the court and for him to be released.

The Sun Does Shine is a memoir of 30 lost years, of absolute darkness, but it is also ultimately a story of hope, of love, of friendship and of forgiveness. Hinton’s innate need to care for others is absolutely uplifting, and his ability to navigate through darkness to see the light in everything is remarkable. I don’t believe that we have the right to sentence anyone to death, no matter the crime, and The Sun Does Shine has me all the more convinced that we need to fight so much harder to get it removed.

As Ray mentions at the end of the book, we should assume that every 10th person currently on death row is innocent. Should we be able to live with that?

I have been a proponent of the death penalty my entire liberal Democrat life. I just feel some crimes are so heinous that there is no coming back from them and the criminal has no right to be on this earth with us. I still feel that to be true. But after reading Ray's story (Mr. Hinton requests that all his friends call him Ray. After reading his story, I feel like he is a friend.), my feelings about the use of the death penalty are a bit different. This is the true, very true, story of a young man who was completely innocent of a crime. He should never ever have even gone to trial. But as a result of inherent racism and economic bigotry, Ray was sentenced to death. I'd love to scream "not in America" but the only person who doesn't know by now that this country isn't equal and fair is someone who hasn't heard of the USA. "What does capital punishment mean?" "It means a guy without capital gets punished." And if I didn't know it before, recent incidents have made it all the more clearer. When I read that 10% of all people on death row are innocent, and I know that a greater proportion of men in our prisons are minorities and are receiving heavier penalties for the same crimes than white people, I can not support the death penalty in its current form. Until equality is brought into the justice system and racism is removed, no man should be put to death. (getting off my soapbox) BUT, even more than an inside look at death row in our prisons was the story of a man who would rather die than admit to a crime he didn't do. It was the story of a man who went through the darkness of going to prison but then turned around and became a light that brightened the world of those around him, guilty or innocent. So while the message is strong, Ray's spirit was stronger!

I am an opponent of the Death Penalty. I've read too many stories of how our broken justice system unfairly imposes punishment. Besides, what can be worse than taking away someone's freedom? Every day that goes by is a reminder to that individual of what they have lost. There is, however, one penalty that is worse than anything a judge or jury can impose, and that is to be put away for a crime you did not commit. That is what happened to Anthony Ray Hinton.

I first heard about Anthony Ray Hinton in the excellent book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Just Mercy is a detailed look at the death penalty and how race and money play a role in who gets the death penalty and who does not. Anthony's story was just one of several stories of wrongful convictions. What makes this book so compelling is that you see the death penalty issue from the inside out.

There have been other books written by the victims of wrongful convictions. One that comes to mind is Getting Life by Michael Morton. The details of how the wrongful convictions occurred may be different, but the tragic, life-altering effects of that error are the same. One thing that stood out in my mind after reading both stories was how both men managed to survive their unimaginable circumstances thanks to books. Reading allowed these men to escape their confinement.

The case against Ray Hinton relied almost exclusively on evidence that a gun used in three separate crimes belonged to Ray Hinton. Police found the gun in the house of Ray's mother. The problem with that evidence is that the gun police used to convict Ray had not been fired in over twenty years. Ray went through multiple lawyers and appeals but could not get an expert to dispute the evidence due to a lack of money. When he finally got some help, the state went out of their way to prevent Ray from presenting his new evidence. By this time Ray had been on death row for sixteen years. The state of Alabama's response was that too much time had passed and that it would be a waste of time and money to hear Ray's claims of innocence.

Everyone failed Ray. His court-appointed lawyers. His ballistics expert. The prosecutor. The Attorney General. Judges. Juries. The appeals process. In almost all wrongful convictions, the justice system does everything possible to impede, block, and prevent the truth from coming out. No one did anything to help Ray until Bryan Stevenson came along. Had it not been for Bryan Stevenson, the state of Alabama would have been guilty of murder.

There are people in society who deserve to be locked away. They have committed heinous crimes and would do so again if given a chance. But the death penalty serves no purpose. It is not a deterrent. Ray introduces readers to the men on death row. He describes poignantly how each person is more than their worst act.

There is no place for capital punishment in a civilized society. Every criminal started life the same. We will never be able to prevent lazy lawyers, ambivalent prosecutors, disinterested judges, and inept detectives. But we can stop them from putting innocent people to death.

This review is based on a pre-release copy of the book provided by NetGalley.

"The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice, but justice needs help. Justice only happens when good people take a stand against injustice. The moral arc of the universe needs people to support it as it bends. And yes, it also needs people to pick a side."

Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. He spent 30 years on death row in Alabama. The prime of his life was stolen away by a broken system that is quick to convict and slow to find true justice--if it ever does at all.

The Sun Does Shine is a story of the immeasurable harm that racism still inflicts on the United States. It's a story of the dogged pursuit of justice in the face of a hopeless amount of obstacles. It's a story of hope, of friendship, and of unbelievable forgiveness.

Through gut-wrenching prose and exceptional empathy, Hinton relays the tale of his life and suffering on death row in a way that is both captivating and rage-inducing, forcing readers to realize this is all being done in our name. He leaves us with a final challenge: "The death penalty is broken, and you are either part of the death squad or you are banging on the bars. Choose."

The Sun Does Shine is a powerful and important memoir, showing a discouraging side of our legal system and an incredible testament of stamina and hope.

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was convicted of murder in Alabama and sentenced to the electric chair. He was a 29 year old, poor, black man who had a job, a happy disposition and was a devoted son to his loving mother. The judicial system did not protect Hinton as it should have and he chose not speak for the first 3 years of his incarceration. Rebelling in silence as he wavered between anger and despair, he anticipated being put to death in the electric chair, knowing he was innocent but unable to prove it, despite every bit of evidence indicating the truth.

As time went on, and the legal system repeatedly failed him, Hinton decided to speak up, fight for justice, and he found a way to survive death row…for almost 30 years. Visitation with his mother and best friend, Lester kept his spirits up. He learned to exercise his imagination and transport himself to different times and places. Finding comfort in this, he wanted to share the pleasure of escaping with his fellow inmates and he started a book club. He researched the law while spending his allotted “free” time in the prison library. He sought out an attorney who had his best interests in mind and the drive to prove innocence. He befriended the most unlikely alleged criminals and created a supportive and caring family for himself; sadly 54 of them were executed during his incarceration.

With joy and appreciation for his relentless attorney, the unwavering love and friendship of him mother and Lester, and genuine forgiveness in his heart, Anthony Ray Hinton was released in his late 50s, in 2015.

This memoir was upsetting and joyful at the same time. The judicial system, race relations, prison conditions, and the death penalty all need to be reviewed, discussed, examined and improved so innocent people are not sent to jail, and people in jail are treated humanely. We are not meant to live in a 5 x 7 cell for any amount of time and these conditions with little human contact can contribute to negativity, violence and hopelessness. Putting people to death is barbaric and a poor precedent for a government of a free country to support. Anthony Ray Hinton had incredible strength of character and faith to be able to re-enter life outside prison and find joy and purpose. I admire his immense fortitude and ability to forgive.

I highly recommend this book.

Living a nightmare for 30 years and having the courage to share his story with the world, Anthony Ray Hinton lived through the dark days, the feared moments and encounters and waited thirty long and hard year to watch the darkness unfold the fog and mist lift and realize and see that The Sun Does Shine.
Telling it in the first person narrative we hear Anthony’s voice as he tells about his friendship with Lester, his family and his allegiance and love for his mother. When working hard he wants a car and the end result leads him down the wrong path.
Start from the beginning where we hear the prosecutor’s voice and the judge ‘s sentence. We hear his mother’s hopeful words and we get to know Anthony when he takes the stand. But first we learn about John Davidson’s murder the assistant manager of a restaurant and then the shooting of the manager of another one both forced inside the restaurants cooler and shot after the robbery: Thomas Wayne Vason victim number 2 and Sidney Smotherman the third the assistant manager of Quincy’s Steak House who survived his injuries but identified Hinton as the shooter.
Hinton had no idea why he was arrested and even passes the polygraph test but no one cared. Meeting with a cop and questioned it was clear he had no chance. Telling him there were five reasons he’d lose: one he’s black, two a white man going to say you shot him, three white district attorney, four white judge and a white jury. Even the four appointed Lawyer seemed unsure about his guilt or innocence.
Racism, prejudice and they had their suspect so why look further and his road to freedom closed with a bang,
Even his lawyer did not seem to care and even though he was getting a nominal fee you were there to defend this man.
As the reader gets to know Anthony in depth you realize that his conviction was a total fabrication created and orchestrated by either the police or a powerful prosecutor.
The gun they say used in the murders hadn’t been fired for over 25 years and belonged to his mother so who put the bullets in it? The testimony of Reginald White a supposedly good friend was a web of well constructed lies made to have the court believe that Anthony was the killer when in reality he had just started a new job in a place with a guard and no way to escape or leave. He even told his lawyer to drive the distance from work to Quincy’s restaurant and realize the impossibilities. But, his lawyer was incompetent and did not refute anything said and a huge miscarriage of justice followed yet this man never list faith, prayed for each member present in the courtroom and thought to himself that he’d be better acting as his own lawyer who knows how that might have played out.
A ballistics expert confirmed that the bullets were not from his gun and did not match and a prosecutor that took it all down and away. The jury that finds him guilty in two hours and lies, betrayals and deceptions and his fate sealed. No one heard the truth and no one cared except him, his mother and Lester. Death sentence no chances left but Anthony Hinton would not cower or give up.
Placed on death row and smelling the flesh of those executed would fill his heart, mind and soul for eternity. The vivid description and the fear that he might be next clouded his days. When his lawyer was removed and told him to hire someone at a huge fee his desperation rate was high and his hopes diminished. But miracles happen and someone showed up because Bryan Stevenson would be his guardian angel but it would take years to accomplish the goals.
The guards were rude and could care less about the humanitarian rites of the prisoner and each day Anthony needed strength and hope but at times the tears cane down long and hard.
When Alan Black wanted money Ray fires him and Bryan Stevenson took his case. With the energy, faith and fortitude to move it in a positive direction I’ve never felt so shaken and appalled at the unjustified way the courts treated him. As each prisoner was executed the tears fell from my eyes and each time I heard their final words I prayed for their souls. As Bryan found experts to prove he was innocent and that his mother’s gun did not fire the shots to kill or harm anyone, the judge refused to admit that the state of Alabama did not make a grave error nor would he yield to admit it. Ray was taught not to hate and believe that hating white people or anyone was wrong. His mother didn’t raise a quitter or a hater but how do you hang on and keep your sanity and faith?
The state did not defend that Bryan found worksheets that Higgins and Yates and McGregor had not turned over to Perhacs his first Lawyer. Reading that they did not know what markings were on the bullets, and they certainly didn’t show the bullets from the victims matched the test bullets from his mother’s gun. They didn’t defend any of it. “I don’t think proof of innocence should be disregarded. Who are we if we allow that?” The empty chairs that were left for the 6 members of his book club where these men wanted to read and learn more about literature and then it all went downhill when they were executed yet before the final book is closed Ray definitely made a big difference in the lives of so many and when you read the pages you will understand the compassion, kindness and depth of this amazing man who holds no grudges and just wants to wake up each morning and live his life free.
How does he hang on when it appears they just want him dead? Judge Garrett was retiring but would keep his case and they waited for his ruling on. Rule 32 hearing didn’t seem to be happening as no answer was forthcoming and Bryan Stevenson was more than hopeful and I’ve never heard of anyone more vigilant and dedicated to freeing an innocent man.
The final scenes and the call that changed it all gave Anthony Hinton the freedom he finally deserved. How can a judge hate so vehemently? Why would he write such lies and untruths? Hearing how he lives and telling his story to the world and his friendship with Lester you know Anthony you might have spent those dark 30 years on death row but the sun might not have shined on you directly with its radiant reheat rays but it was there every time Lester, your mom and a Bryan entered your prison letting you know never to give up on you or them. How can he be so understanding and forgive those who wrongly accused him? Fighting to eliminate the death and praying for those who will meet there’s too soon. There are so many lessons to be learned but one that stands out so true racism hate prejudice is wrong and teaching it breeds what happened to this innocent man. When admitting your wrong causes a man 30 years of his life we all need to look in the mirror and ask why?
The world is blessed to have you in it and from now on wherever you are and whoever you’re with the light will glow and you will know that the sun does shine on you now and forever. I am honored to help tell your story.

Some of the books I read have a story behind how I even came to read them... this is one such book.

Last year a coworker of mine was imploring me to read "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. He said it was required (or recommended) reading for Harvard Law students and it is a fantastic book. I read it, loved it. It's about an African American law student that dedicated his life to aiding prisoners--primarily on death row--in the south.

Fast forward to a couple of months ago and my mother is telling me about a book titled "The Sun Does Shine" written by a man who'd spent 30 years on death row in Alabama and finally was freed. The words Alabama, death row, and freed all sounded familiar so I asked was the man's attorney named Bryan Stevenson? She answered yes so I knew I had to read this book.

I knew I would like the book and I did. What's not to like about a man that is able to find justice even if it was after 30 years. Now, this is not me saying that this is proof that the justice system works, no. If anything it proves the opposite. Putting that aside, the book is Anthony Ray Hinton giving an account of what occurred to land him in prison, what life was like in prison, and the years of waiting through one disappointment after another before finally being set free.

He talks about those people important to him, his faith and bout with faithlessness, and his overall attitude throughout his ordeal. He had a choice of being bitter and angry--which he had every right to be--or positive and upbeat. He chose the latter because he didn't want the state of Alabama to have two victories (locking him up and breaking his spirit). It's an incredible story of forbearance, positivity and redemption. I couldn't even imagine remaining sane through a false accusation, a death sentence, and repeated rejections to prove my innocence. Though it is sad, depressing, and infuriating at times this is still a happily-ever-after story. Truth prevailed in the end and the sun does shine.

This is the story of blatant and intentional racism and discrimination. Anthony Ray Hinton was charged with murder because of the color of his skin and his inability to hire a competent defense attorney.

"You know, I don't care whether you did or didn't do it. In fact, I believe that you didn't do it. But it doesn't matter. If you didn't do it, one of your brothers did. And you're going to take the rap." Lieutenant Acker of Birmingham Police Department

Mr. Hinton was found guilty of murder by a jury and given a life sentence in prison. A judge overruled the jury and changed the sentence to death by electrocution.

The author spent his first three years on death row in silence. He was a Christian man and could not understand how God could allow something like this to happen. His heart was full of anger and revenge toward the people who had sent an innocent man to death row.

The beautiful thing about this story is how the author eventually became a shining light of hope for the other prisoners on death row. Mr. Hinton started reaching out to other prisoners. He got permission to start a book club and prisoners were allowed to read and discuss books. He tried to keep a positive attitude despite many discouraging years of fighting for freedom in the legal system.

"I forgive because not to forgive would only hurt me." Anthony Ray Hinton

The author credits his faith in God, his mother's unconditional love, the loyalty of his best friend and an excellent attorney from the Equal Justice Initiative for his eventual exoneration and release from death row.

Anthony Ray Hinton was the 152nd person exonerated from death row in the United States since 1973 and the sixth in the state of Alabama. He is now a poster boy for all that is broken in our criminal justice system.

Our pledge of allegiance..."one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That should be our vision for the future.

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

The Sun Does Shine—How I found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton is the sad, true, but inspirational story of his life. He was wrongfully convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. This book shows his journey of appeals and his imprisonment. It made me more appreciative of my freedom and certainly made me more aware of the injustices that happen in our nation. It is an emotional read, making me feel both sadness and anger. I even cried at one point when he received news that his mother had died. He lost 30 years of his life because of prejudice and he’s not the only one! This is horrible! Statistically, one out of every ten sentenced to death is innocent. This was a shocking statistic to me and one that should put an end to the death penalty.

This was hard to read because it is a true story of injustice but I’m glad I read it. It speaks to the issue of capital punishment and I think it’s good that people be made aware of how inhumane life on death row is. It was sort of funny how Ray kept his sanity and sense of humor while locked up wrongly all those years by using his imagination. I recommend adults and teens read this book.

In 1985 Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with the death of two men in Birmingham, Alabama. Hinton was certain that because of his rock-solid alibi, everything would be cleared up and he would soon be released. But due to an ineffective and unmotivated defense attorney and a criminal justice system indifferent to the plight of a poor, black man, Hinton was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 30 years behind bars.

Written by Hinton with the help of Lara Love Hardin, The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to power of rising above hate and enduring hardship with dignity. Hinton stoically served as a source of hope to those around him on death row, even befriending and changing the beliefs of Henry Hays, a KKK member on death row for lynching a black man in Mobile.

As we read of Hinton’s ordeal we are left infuriated with a system that consistently turned a deaf ear to his appeals. But with the help of a relentless civil rights attorney, Hinton was eventually freed in 2015.

The are usually two or three books each year that I would recommend as must reads. And this inspiring memoir will certainly be among them. The Sun Does Shine (St. Martin’s Press, digital galley) is a powerful story that will serve as inspiration to anyone looking to live a life filled with grace and love.

Anthony Ray Hinton conviction was simply put - legal lynching! His only crime was that he was black and born in Alabama. I am so grateful for having read this book, and i believe that if we are to end injustices such as this, books such as The Sun Does Shine, needs to be core reading material in classrooms. Not just in the US but in the UK where I am from. This book is a tough read, not only because of the huge injustice that Mr Hinton experienced, but because you get to know an amazingly strong and kind man. How could anyone believe that he could be capable of such a crime! I first read this book in May 2018, as it came highly recommended by a friend of mine who was kind enough to lend me his copy. Today i bought my own audible version, and i cannot wait to listen to Anthony Ray Hinton book again. I wish i could buy 1000s of copies so that i could help Mr Anthony Ray Hinton.

Anthony Ray Hinton- I wish you all the happiness and healing in the world. Thank you for sharing your story!xxx

Wow, this was such a heartbreaking read.

It also had my blood boiling. Who are these people elected in to play God? The State of Alabama should be so embarrassed.

This was such an interesting and touching story. I read a lot of it with (I'm sure) a shocked look on my face when I could not believe all the imbecile moves being played behind the scenes with Hinton's life.

I really found the part about Henry very interesting, as well.

Good luck on any and all future endeavors Mr. Hinton. You deserve it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

In 1985, 29 year-old Anthony Ray Hinton was wrongly accused of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to death. He was just a poor, innocent black man in Alabama. Accused basically based off of the color of his skin, he would fight for his innocence and freedom before he was released 30 years later in 2015. He speaks about his life, his trial, his time on the row, and his release. And though it is very difficult to read, it allows for there to be an understanding of what it means to be poor and black within a system that allows for racism to still exist unjustly. Thirty years of this man's life was gone to him. However, through it all, he fought. He fought, not just for his freedom, but for his innocence. He wanted to prove his innocence. He prayed for everyone involved. The ones that he put away, and the ones that stood by him since day one. It is a story about how in one instance, your life can literally change forever. I recommend this book to everyone.

Anthony Ray Hinton’s story takes place in a dark realm that most of us in white, middle class America have little to do with and think little about. This is the realm of criminal justice, courts, and prisons – specifically Holman Prison’s Death Row in Alabama.

Hinton was convicted of murder and sentenced to death at age twenty-nine, by a sloppy and flawed system that passes for justice in the State of Alabama. That system is driven to convict someone – anyone – of a capital crime, in order to portray to the public an image of swift justice and tough punishment. That system is fraught with corruption and racism, and thus is particularly harsh on those who are black, or poor, or both. Once Hinton’s guilty verdict was reached and his death sentence passed, the State stubbornly resisted subsequent appeals based on accusations of error and misconduct at trial or discovery of new evidence. The State of Alabama showed little interest in guilt or innocence; the important thing was to convict someone and then stand by it.

Hinton was twenty-nine when he entered Holman and fifty-nine when all charges against him were finally dropped and he was set free. In the time it takes us to read The Sun Does Shine, we get from him a fair sense of what it’s like to spend thirty years on Death Row, living in bitterness and despair and occasional slim hope, riding the rollercoaster of a justice system more interested in following process than in determining actual guilt or innocence, and watching more than fifty fellow inmates marched by prison guards to “Yellow Mama,” Holman Prison’s electric chair. Hinton’s 5-by-7-foot cell was thirty feet from the execution chamber. He and other prisoners could hear and smell each electrocution.

That is how Anthony Ray Hinton spent thirty years on Death Row. Fortunately for him, though, Bryan Stevenson, attorney and founder of Equal Justice Initiative, learned of his case and went to bat for him. Even then, it took nearly seventeen more years for Stevenson and EJI to get Hinton off Death Row.

By the way, Anthony Ray Hinton was innocent – a minor detail in the eyes of the State of Alabama. Of the fifty-plus inmates who were executed during Hinton’s tenure on Death Row, many were guilty, some were innocent. Statistically across the nation, one in ten prisoners on Death Row is innocent. Hard to justify the death penalty with an error rate of that magnitude.

Anthony Ray Hinton is a good man, and stronger than most of us have ever been called upon to be. He was sustained through thirty years on death row by the love of his mother and of his best friend Lester, who visited him regularly at Holman and stood by him the entire time. He formed new friendships among other inmates condemned to die, including a white man named Henry in the next cell, who belonged to the KKK and had tortured, killed, and lynched a young black boy, because Henry’s racist father had taught him to hate. Hinton was also sustained by his friendship with Bryan Stevenson, another black man who proved to be more than just “God’s best lawyer.”

Hinton was sustained by love, hope, a sense of humor he never allowed himself to lose, and a capacity for forgiveness beyond anything I can imagine.

Upon leaving Death Row in April 2015, Anthony Ray Hinton was finally given the opportunity to begin his life at age fifty-nine. He now works part-time at Equal Justice Initiative, speaks on prison reform, and has dedicated his life to ending the death penalty.

Everyone should read this book to become aware of the damage that a flawed criminal justice system, mass incarceration, and the death penalty are wreaking still on our society and its moral foundation.

I received a free e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. The story of a man who spent 30 years on death row in an Alabama state prison convicted of crimes he didn’t commit mostly because his skin was black and he was poor. Prejudice and discrimination are both a huge black mark against the human race and still exist in this country. This is a story that needs to be told and is extremely important for all of us to read. Anthony Ray Hinton is a great storyteller. Because of Bryan Stevenson’s years of working with the courts in the justice system Anthony Ray Hinton is a free man today. This was a terrible injustice and this is a book that everyone should read. ‘The Sun Does Shine’ doesn’t pull any punches and is an extremely well-written account of a man’s life on death row as he works to prove that he is unjustly imprisoned for crimes that he didn’t commit.

Anthony Ray Hinton served 30 years on Alabama's death row for a crime he didn't commit. Initially angry and frustrated over his treatment by his alleged defense team, Mr Hinton held on to the life lesson his mama taught him-love don't hate. His case was presented to the Supreme Court and his conviction was overturned. The most amazing thing is that despite his struggles, his frustration and disappointments mr Hinton never lost his capacity for faith hope and love. If I were a school administrator I'd make this mandatory reading. Just incredible

Put into words a system many of us know to exist. Money and social status, along with the color of your skin buys a whole different justice system. Ray never gave up, that voice inside him brought him back from the brink, time after time when lesser human beings would have thrown in the towel. He was determined to only be free by being innocent and the state admitting the errors and incompetent defense he had been rendered. 30 years is a long time to live in a 5 x 5 cell with only "hope" as his companion.

Lester and Sylvia (and Bryan too) give new meaning to the word "friendship".

A truly great read especially for those of us that think the scales of justice are balanced.

The State of Alabama owes Ray for the 30 years it took from him.

A powerful memoir from a wrongfully-convicted black man who spent 30 years on Alabama's death row before finally being exonerated in 2015 by the efforts of appeals lawyer Bryan Stevenson. As with Stevenson's own book Just Mercy, it's an indictment of capital punishment itself and an intensely personal story of how easily an innocent life can be caught up and ruined by injustices in the justice system. Author Anthony Ray Hinton writes movingly of the struggle to keep his faith while awaiting execution, as well as the difficulties he's faced adjusting to a modern world of internet and GPS after three decades behind bars. His story puts an all-too-human face on capital punishment and should be required reading for anyone who still supports such measures.

I have to say this is one of the most engrossing and passionate stories I've read in quite some time. Anthony Ray Hinton tells the story of his life and how never lost hope despite so many set backs. His story of his trial is one that stirs outrage for so many reasons not the least of which was that in their zeal to convict him the real murderer went on to commit more crimes. His engrossing tale of how the poor are guilty almost from the moment they are arrested and how the overtaxed system is failing. His story of life on death row is one so filled with both sadness as well as finding an element of happiness is engrossing. Lastly his story of ultimate freedom is exhilarating but also a bit sad for seeing what he's lost.

This is a great story of innocence being proven! A must read.

We listened to this book on Audible on a recent road trip.

The book is uplifting and depressing. The book makes your spirit soar to new heights and brings you into despair.

Ray Hinton was convicted of a crime that he did not commit. The evidence against him was essentially non-existent. He was poor and black and he ran into an Alabama system (one cannot refer to it as a 'justice system') that decided someone had to pay for a string of crimes and it might as well be him. He ended up spending close to 30 years on death row. The Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision overturned his conviction and, to this day, Alabama will not admit its error.

The book chronicles both his fight for justice in a system that was biased against him. His legal representation for many years was indifferent to him. He survived cruelty in prison; the literal smell of death of inmates fried in an electric chair feet from him, and rediscovering his faith and making a life for himself under harsh conditions. There were times I wanted to stop listening----my level of despair and anger was so great but Mr. Hinton's unwavering fight for justice, his personal goodness and integrity, and relentless hope kept me captivated.

This is a great book and an amazing story. I was moved by the emotion of the story, the person Ray Hinton is, and the relationships that he forged. This is a must read for everyone. As others have said, it rides like a fiction novel, but it is a true story. I listened to the audio version and it was outstanding. Ray Hinton is an exceptional person - I'm not sure there are very many of us who could go through what he did and come out as such a kind and noble person. He deserves years of peace, freedom, and a life well-lived. I was truly moved by his story and will not forget it. Thanks Oprah for highlighting this book.

This is the heart-wrenching journey of a truly remarkable man! Anthony Ray Hinton’s memoir is a must read! I was shocked and appalled by the unbelievable injustice that he received. As I listened to the audiobook, my heart literally ached; I wept, laughed, and wept some more. His story is profound and well written; a story that everyone needs to hear.

By the grace of God, Mr. Hinton is a living testament of faith, hope, forgiveness, and love. I can’t say enough good things about how his story has effected me, and I’m sure that God will use his story to change lives in more ways than we’ll ever know.

Bless you for sharing your story, Ray Hinton. I pray that the rest of your days will be filled with peace, joy, and love!

The story of Anthony Ray Hinton is sadly, a modern day American tragedy; one where the villain is the social justice system and the heroes are hope, faith, and the power of prayer. There was something compelling about the book -the Sun metaphor or the promise of a good story –whatever it was, I was hooked – but I could not read this book immediately. I think subconsciously I was preparing my spiritual and emotional self to be strong. Once I did start reading, I can say it was one of the most engaging, empowering, and enlightening stories I have read; I wish it was not true … and not true in my lifetime where an innocent man could be on death row for 30 years just because he is black and poor. Everyone should read this man's story.

This book was very well written. I could not put the book down. I started with the sample and had to know the rest of Mr. Hinton’s story. It’s mind blowing that this really happened. His strength, faith, resilience, compassion, and character was resonated so gracefully . The loving relationship with his mom and his friend Lester was felt throughout. Kudos to his lawyer Bryan for a job well done. (Amazing) Thank God for people like Anthony Ray Hinton!! This is a life changing read. Not only did it open my eyes, but open my heart to be more compassionate and grateful for each day I’m allowed to choose. Thanks Oprah for encouraging this read. Thank you Mr. Hinton for sharing your story! I pray the sun continues to shine!

Powerful. Heart-wrenching. Inspirational. Anger-inducing. Hopeful. In other words, this is a "do not miss" book to read. Told by an innocent man who spent thirty years on death row in an Alabama state prison, this book will do what Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson did; it will shake you to the core, make you question the idea of 'justice' in America, and give you hope that regardless of what society does to a person, it is still possible to be human. Ray Hinton was a 29 year old man who was just cutting his mom's lawn one day when he was arrested; subsequently convicted by a white prosecutor, white judge, and all white jury, through his words Ray shows us life on death row, the choices he makes to turn from bitterness to compassion, and the incredible help he gets from Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative to fight for his release. It is a rare book that can make one rage one moment, cry the next, and then squeeze one's heart to produce an incredible admiration for one human; The Sun Does Shine is that rarity. It is a perfect choice for a book club, a person interested in social justice, but more importantly, it is the must-read book for someone who thinks they know everything about how justice works in America and is willing to let the blinders be ripped off their eyes.

I honestly feel that this should be required reading in middle school. As someone that had her child incarcerated at 15 for a 1st offense, this book has shown me that I have hate in my heart towards the jurors that were all white and the justice system for the state of Florida. All though my child pulled through, this book helped me to see that I have not. I just don't know how to heal from here or trust as I once did.

It's impossible not to feel a huge amount of appreciation for a man who was unfairly accused of crimes and lived on death row for 3 decades. How he managed to help others in this hell on earth and find ways to keep going from one day to the next is simply unimaginable. And he did it with kindness, grace, and perseverance. His strength for living and finally seeing the sun above his head once again reminded me how justice in some places may be difficult to find. If it wasn't clear from the beginning of the book that Anthony Ray Hinton gets released from prison, it would be so difficult to read the entire story. How do you give back 30 years? You do not.

So many emotions surfaced as I read this book: anger, sadness, hope, joy, faith. Anthony "Ray" Hinton had some minor scrapes with the law, enough that he was "in the system", and was pulled into a police lineup. Convicted for a crime he didn't commit, he spent 30 years on death row. His case wasn't simply mistaken identity or circumstantial evidence, it was suppressed evidence, racist attorneys, and the desire for a conviction.
The absolute beauty of this book is the depth of Mr. Hinton's faith and his love for humanity in spite of his situation. All at once heartbreaking and hopeful, The Sun Does Shine is a transformative read.

It is always hard to go about reviewing a book that is about someone’s life. You don’t want to say it sucked and you don’t want it to say it was awesome either. Especially when it’s a story like this one. Ray spent thirty (30) years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Books and documentaries like this make me really angry. We are supposed to have a system that does not allow such injustices. This is what our forefathers were thinking about when they were creating our Constitution.

I always feel like I want to be a lawyer right after reading and watching t.v. after these. I feel that Mr. Hinton did an excellent job telling his story. I had a huge range of emotions while I was reading the book. I had laughter, tears, and plenty of anger. So much so that I brought it with me while I discussed the book with the husband!

I cannot understand why the State of Alabama would want to keep an innocent man on death row for so long when they knew he was an innocent man. I give Mr. Hinton kudos for being able to forgive all the people that put him on death row. I don’t know if I could do the same. I guess that is why I will be reviewing: The Faces of Forgiveness: Healing the Hurts We Feel.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. He did an excellent job of telling his story. He was brave when it was time to be brave. He has an inner strength like none I have ever seen. He has a faith that none I have ever seen. I know that there were times he falters but who wouldn’t? He was able to show that God does not fail. He showed that if you believe in God, God will deliver.

I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

This book had me in tears. I do not believe in the death penalty, but I think it would have moved me even if I agreed with the penalty. The story of Anthony Ray Hinton is a tale an incredible miscarriage of justice that it seems to come right out of a fairy tale book. But it was real. And not just for him. There are many men and women in the same situation. However, Ray turned this time of horror into a time of love and finding himself. He spent 30 years on Death Row trying to live his life with compassion for others, understanding and love. And he succeeded.

He is an exceptional man with an exceptional story, living an exceptional life. It is a heartbreaking tale of justice deliberately withheld. An uncaring system, lawyer and judge came together to send an innocent man to death row. Convicted of crimes he did not commit, Ray spends the next 30 years trying to get the State of Alabama to admit it made a mistake. A gargantuan task with no one willing or able to help him.

Until Bryan Stevenson stepped in. With Ray’s testimony and more perseverance than a salmon going home to spawn he fought for the next 15 years to get Ray released.

Can I give 6 stars, please?
Everybody who believes in death sentence as just punishment needs to read this book.
Everybody who belives that justice is blind and always just needs to read this book.

Can you imagine what it feels like to be convited for a crime you did not commit? How it feels like to live on death row always expecting your execution? How can you cope with a situaton like that without loosing hope, faith and love - and ultimately your mind?

This book touches your heart. Desperation, anger, hope, faith and even forgiveness.

Nobody has the right to take anybody's life.

At first I was hesitant to read a story about a man on death row in fear that it would include graphic or offensive scenes, but to my surprise it had none of that. Instead, the story focused on Mr. Hinton’s upbringing, the love for his mother, the truth about what happened, the lies that were orchestrated by the people who were supposed to seek truth and how he managed to stay sane and hopeful due to his faith and respect for his mother.

The story was very well written and the author’s “voice” clear from the start. I felt Hinton’s love for his mother and his best friend Lester. I also felt his agony, fear and loneliness.

Prior to listening to the audible version of this book, I was aware of our country’s racism and injustice, but not to the extent surfaced in Hinton’s life story. No person in this world and much less in this country should have to endure the hypocrisy, discrimination and inhumanity that Hinton experienced in the Alabama court system. I am appalled and ashamed that my country has judges, attorneys and law enforcement able to easily twist the truth to condemn a human being to death! There should be filters to prevent creatures like those to serve in positions that determine the fate of others.

Throughout the book, I found myself not only crying at times but also “laughing out loud” at Hinton’s sense of humor. He is a magnificent storyteller who pulled me in from the start. The narrator did an exceptional job too! I highly recommend this book to all. For those who believe in capital punishment as I did prior to reading this memoir, be ready to have a change of heart.

The most powerful book I've read in over 60 years of reading books. Thank you Mr. Hinton for telling your story! As I was reading the book over the past few days, I would share snippets with friends and I could see they were getting uncomfortable. I hope to make hundreds of people uncomfortable in the years ahead so others will come to see the death penalty doesn't work. As a friend once told me, "the truth will set you free, but before it does, it'll piss you off"

This book has moved me in disturbing ways.

Much like ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl, The Sun Does Shine once again proves the power of love, faith, and hope — reinforcing Friedrich Nietzsche in his saying, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

But more importantly, it has suddenly made me very aware of how little importance I put to things happening to “others” — leaving them in the category of “things happen”. But wherever they happen, they create a tornado of sorts, at times, shaking all societies. It’s been a long time when I tried to find out who got capital punishment in my own country and why? In fact, I have a very effortless opinion on capital punishment — why should state spend resources and efforts in taking care of people who have committed horrendous crimes — a lazy point of view that a lot of people in the world would share. But after reading the stories of Hinton’s fellow prisoners, I am forced to ask myself the basis of this opinion — and I am ashamed to admit that I did not give enough significance to the fact that no human being, in any circumstance, can decide if another human is better off dead.

Anthony Ray Hinton, in his book, has masterfully converted hatred into curiosity and openness — he has scratched on the reader’s ability to overcome the social conditioning of mindlessly disdaining everything that we have been told is wrong and open up to see a human in every criminal — even those who have lynched, raped, or murdered — for they too are more than their worst moment.

Hinton described the lives of his fellow inmates in the death row — of how they lamented their own doing — acknowledging the weakness in their character and emptiness in their soul — their unbearable cries, grief for dying loved ones, longing for compassion, and the sense of guilt — but still worthy of keeping their dignity and hope for better lives. He also makes a point to highlight how society and families breed criminals by propagating hatred into young minds.

He strongly condemns the idea of capital punishment in a fallible judicial system. How can a life be put into an irreversible peril when the system cannot guarantee its judgment. Who should own the responsibility of all the lives that went into death chambers due to a folly in an investigation, complex laws, or opinionated judgments — and their aftermath on the loved ones, left behind?

The Sun Does Shine is a book on human rights and philosophy and it demands to be discussed on greater platforms — not as a story but a case study on what is wrong with our systems. How apt it is that Hinton ended the book with the names of all the people currently on death row in the US, asking the reader to read the names aloud and stating that one in every ten names is of an innocent person.

Hinton had promised his fellow prisoners that if he is released he will tell the world their stories and that their lives matter — and this book is a heartfelt tribute to that — yes, all lives matter. All of them.

I enjoyed Bryan Stevenson's book, and use one of his quotes in my email signature ("Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Bryan Stevenson, Equal Justice Initiative) This book is not by him, but rather is by an innocent man he helped. I could not put it down, and think it should be required reading for law students - and especially those involved in the criminal justice system. More importantly, this book makes a compelling case against capital punishment, in all its forms.

Tragedy and triumph, heart-wrenching sadness and heart-warming hope. This book was incredibly well written. It sucked me into the tunnel of time and space from my daily commune metro in Shanghai in the past week and brought me into the life of Ray from 1970s to 2017 in Alabama, mainly in the death row, the darkest of the dark upon where the sun does not shine. I cried his crying, I laughed his laughing, I feared his fear, I screamed his desperation, I moaned his pain, I prayed his prayer… This is such a powerful true story that taught me resilience, compassion, faith, forgiveness, hope, love and the preciousness of life.
A must read, a best read in years! Highly recommended!

THE SUN DOES SHINE tells the true story of Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on Death Row for a crime he didn't commit. With the help of Bryan Stevenson (JUST MERCY: A STORY OF JUSTICE AND REDEMPTION) over the course of 15 years or more, Ray walked out of prison a free man in 2015. THE SUN DOES SHINE is a gritty, realistic account of life on the Row and how broken our prisons and legal systems are. An excellent read and an excellent reason to oppose the death penalty...

I enjoyed The Sun Does Shine, WOW what a read the words that flow into the pages, I can’t imagine being on death row for 30 years and be sane to live and talk about it. Much less be a forgiving person to the people who stole my 30 years. Reading this book had me rooting for Ray all the way. Reading him telling the story of what he went through going through the tears also had me in tears and the his laughter had me laughing. A 5 star read

Happy Reading
Lisa

Whatever I write in my review of this novel will not give this novel the justice it deserves. When I first started to read this novel, I wasn’t quite sure this novel was cut out for me. I didn’t want a novel that shouted injustice and cruelty at me, I wanted a novel that slowly walked me down the path towards proving their point and as I read further, I realized that this novel was doing just that and I couldn’t get Ray off my mind. I wanted to form my own opinion, I wanted to be a free thinker. As Ray walked me through his life behind bars and the ordeal that changed his life, it showed how extensive this sentence really is on an individual’s life.

Ray spent thirty years in solitary confinement for a crime he said he didn’t commit. Living on Alabama’s death row for thirty years, Ray fought behind bars for his freedom with the help of some amazing individuals. When finally released from prison, Ray was found innocent of his crimes. Ray tried to rationale with authorities thirty years ago that he didn’t commit these crimes but racial barriers and financial issues tied these crimes to Ray.

I read Ray’s story beginning with his childhood, to when he went to work, to when they charged him with the crimes, to when he went to trial, and then as they marched him off to prison. He had a been a religious man until the time he went to prison and then, he pushed God away. He later reconnected with God when a fellow inmate was going through a rough time. This is not a religious novel but this shows what type of person Ray was and how he felt about what he was going through. I liked how Ray did not wallow and blame the system for the situation he was in but rather he decided to try to make the best of it. In prison, Ray started doing research and encouraged others to fight for their rights (in a respectable manner). He started a book club in the prison to give the inmates something else to think about as life on death row was not a pleasant situation. Other inmates and the guards began to look up to Ray, to think that the morality inside this ward could improve, was amazing.

The vicious cycle Ray had to endure as his appeals were denied was discouraging and depressing. I was losing hope and I was wondering how Ray could keep his spirits up when all around him, individuals were walking “the green mile” and others were just waiting for the date when their walk would take place.

There were tears and goosebumps shed as I read this novel and I would love to read this novel again in the future. His story brought hope and peace to those who knew him and hopefully in the future, his story will bring change. I highly recommend this novel if this story is a genre that you enjoy reading.

I received a copy of this novel from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. I thank you greatly for sharing this title with me, it truly was a wonderful novel.

Attorney Bryan Stevenson sums up the purpose and the power of amazing book perfectly for me in her forward: "We also need to learn about human dignity, about human worth, and value. We need to think about the fact that we are all more than the worst thing we have done. Anthony Ray Hinton's story helps us understand some of these problems and ultimately what it means to survive, to overcome, and to forgive."

Hinton's story will stir hearts to live richly, forgive deeply, and to walk in the newness and possibilities inherent in each new day. His book offers the gift of human transformation and redemption--a message we all need to hear and embrace.

The Sun Does Shine is a eye opening memoir about a guy who was falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to die. You know you are in for a deep read when you read the synopsis. However, you should not let that stop you from reading this book. While reading this, I felt a deep sorrow for Anthony while learning about his family history, his upbringing and lack of opportunities. You feel the gravity of the injustice that Anthony suffered through by reading about his experience and his lost time and suffering. If you want a book to stay with you, I'd recommend picking this one up. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review The Sun Does Shine.

What a gut-wrenching indictment of our justice system. I was gripped by Anthony Ray Hardin's account of how he was mistreated by Alabama's legal system. The sad part is, even though it seems things couldn't be worse than Alabama, innocent people all over the country get immeshed in a system that cares more for itself than the people it's suppose to serve. I was in tears for not only Ray, but for the other inmates on Death Row. Our country doesn't believe in rehabilitation but kindness and understanding, even for those who have committed heinous crimes is redemptive and has the power to transform. A few years ago the NYT had a long story in their Sunday magazine about how Finland treats prisoners - even mass murders. It is such stark contrast to how we do things in the US. They have much better outcomes regarding recidivism and acknowledge the fact, that people are better than the worst thing they have done.

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton is his personal story. Mr Hinton spent years on death row until he was finally acquitted. Years and years of his life were robbed from him. This is his story of finding life again, even on death row. This is a story that deserves to be told and read. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

I received an advanced copy of The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a gut-wrenching book. It's hard to explain how a book about an innocent man's time on death row was life affirming and hopeful, but Anthony Ray Hinton's story is just that. I will be mentally and emotionally processing this book for the rest of my life. In a world where so many horrible things are happening, where there is so much hate, this book gave me a lot to think about.

This book is heartbreaking, frustrating and inspirational. It's beyond comprehension what it would be like to be in prison - on death row - for something you didn't do. The fact that Ray Hinton was able to survive thirty years with this injustice is remarkable. The truth of his story is evident in every word of this book and is a testimony to faith and perseverance. This is a story that will stay with the reader for a long time.

This will make you think. Hinton survived his time on death row and came out the other side. It doesn't spare any punches, not about Hinton's life before prison or during it. You'll wonder how many other Hintons are out there. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Sun Does Shine is a remarkable, intriguing and inspirational book that leaves one grateful for a normal life and in awe of the power of one innocent man on death row. His faith in God allows him to touch his fellow prisoners, despite their crimes. It has instilled a moving within me to make a little difference in how I treat all I meet in my own little world,

Everyone who feels like there is nothing wrong with the death penalty absolutely needs to read this book. It is jaw-dropping in terms of hearing about sheer injustice in our beloved country based solely on race and socio-economic class. There really is no other explanation for what Anthony Ray Hinton went through for 30 - count them - 30 years! It is a difficult read but very moving and it helps to know that there is a good ending. I am also in total admiration for Bryan Stevenson and the EJI. May they continue their good work.

Even for my most favorite books, I have never left a review. From all the books I read that taught me something, never have I cried so many tears. I strongly believe that if we promote a justice system that allows for innocent people to be incarcerated, we owe it to them to at least hear what they have to say, meaning we owe it to Mr. Hinton to read this book. This book teaches about justice, forgiveness, compassion, love, and at the same time so much more. It’s a book that makes you realize that the justice system needs change, and as Mr. Hinton stated himself, we are not the worst thing we have ever done. I don’t know how he came out of that place with so much to give, but for this book, thank you Mr. Hinton for sharing your experience with the world. I cannot explain how much this book has impacted me.

The depths of despair and joy are incredible, sometimes in the same moments. Anthony Ray Hinton tells his story of 30 years on death row for crimes he didn’t commit. This should be required reading, especially if someone is contemplating a career within the criminal justice system. This story replays itself every day - all over America - more often than not, without a just ending. Just read it.

I needed to learn how the incarcerated are treated so unfairly in our criminal justice system. I had heard about it but found it hard to believe that so many people have been treated so abominably. Ray Hinton is an example of a man who spent 30 years on Death Row only to be eventually exonerated. It is hard to recommend this book since it causes so many tears upon reading it. I saw him on a TV show and had to get the book. He was offered 1 1/2 million dollars after release. How can that possibly pay for 30 years of hell knowing you are innocent? I think every adult in America needs to read it. . .

Just an incredibly moving, educational, enlightening book. Who spends time thinking about what it must be like for a person to be on death row if he or she doesn't have to? I never heard anyone describe it before. Most of us become very defensive at the slightest criticism. To be dragged through the experiences described by Hinton is unfathomable. Bad enough for a person who is guilty, but for a person who is innocent - I can not imagine the frustration, anger, humiliation, grief, etc., etc., etc. If we all read this book wouldn't we change the criminal justice system? I'm motivated to read about Bryan Stevenson next. I invite you to research him -

I couldn’t even begin to list the many stories in this book touched and affected me. It had me in tears several times. I was a nurse in one jail and two prisons, and I never felt it was my place to judge. In fact I did my best to bring light and love. I understood that many of the inmates were there because they had been living the only thing they knew. Bless Mr. Hinton, his Mama, Lester, and Bryan.

I generally read books and give them away to charity organizations. This one I will keep. Everybody needs to read this. Nothing wrong with "law and order" but we need to know there are many others like this author. He caught a blessing. Many more have died wrongfully convicted or will never see daylight again by spending life in prison. This book explains why there are those who fight the good fight for the underdog. Read it.

I’ve never written a review before for any of my hundreds of the store book purchases, but felt I owed it to Mr. Hinton after reading this profound memoir to leave him the 5 stars and more this book deserves. This book should be required reading for every American. If ever there were real life examples of people who showed the deepest faith, it would be Mr. Hinton, his best friend Lester, and Mr. Hinton’s mother. Beautifully written, it will break your heart over and over again.

Wow. What an emotional ride. An immensely important book that will be etched in my memory forever. I was angered and saddened by this riveting but difficult story. Ultimately though I found myself inspired by this beautiful, brave man - who deserves all the best in his remaining years. Much love and respect to you, Anthony!!

Extraordinary book. Every human being on this planet needs to read this book. I have read it twice now.
Ray Hinton is a luminary, sharing his heartbreaking story, teaching the world about forgiveness, redemption and compassion. One of the most moving books I have ever read.

This book was amazing!! It touched me so much... I learned a great deal about the criminal (in)justice system, racism, death row etc.... It was heavy but humorous. It reminded me of the power of the spirit. The potency of faith. So well written. I was on a journey reading this book. My heart broke for Anthony at so many points. He and Bryan Stevenson are my heroes. This book comes so highly recommended by me. This book left me in awe and wanting to get involved in making sure death row is something that is no more. Bless you, Mr. Hinton!

This is a very sad story. A man chosen as a murderer with no one listening to the truth. A man who endured pain we cannot imagine. A man who was redeemed by his God who allowed him to endure the unendurable. A man who, after thirty years, was redeemed from a lawless system to tell his story.

This book was heartfelt and sad. The story is one of forgiveness, racism and justice. Its about the work of Brian Stephenson and his team -- how they fought for 16 years to get him exonerated. Its a story of love and faith and how Anthony Ray remained humble while on death row for almost 30 years. On death row there is no color and it is demonstrated in this story. Anthony Ray is just one of many.

Please buy this book. The royalties Ray Hinton will get for this book are well deserved and will no doubt help finance his life. He spent 30 years on death row for crimes he didn’t commit.

What an amazing man and story. Praise God for the truth to finally be served.

A blow-by-blow account of what it's like to be black and poor in post Civil Rights Era Alabama and to be sent to Death Row for a murder you not only didn't commit but the "justice system" really couldn't be bothered to care whether you did or not.

Lessons of survival, faith and forgiveness. Thank you do much for shining light on a very broken racist injustice system. Thank you for using your voice to fight for those on the Row. Thank you to Lester for standing strong beside you Ray for all of your life. Thank you Atty Bryan for your persistence to those locked down on the Row.

This book is heart-wrenching, powerful, and sometimes difficult to read due to the severity of the challenges the author faced. But it is also likely the best book I have ever read. Despite the racism, injustice, disregard for personal dignity and trauma Hinton experienced, his story is also one of redemption and hope--a challenge to never give up despite all of the odds against you. Hinton personalizes the tragic reality that many death row inmates experience and offers compelling evidence for why we should all think twice before cavalierly determining that death is the right punishment for capital crimes.

This book is the perfect book to provide to someone who you think is headed in the wrong direction in life. The author provides details to his experience and truly teaches us compassion for others.

I would love to read additional books by this author.

I couldn't stop listening to this compelling story. It is very well written and an important story to be told. Even though it is about death row I found it very uplifting, Ray Hinton is an amazing human being. Please give this a read, you will be pleased you did.

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!! I have always, ALWAYS been for the death penalty, and to be honest, I still am, but now doubt has crept upon me. RAY'S story is amazing. I wonder how many innocent people are on The Row? His story really opened my eyes. I am so grateful Ray wrote this book. I wish I could meet him and just hug him. He is truly a man of God. His mama would be so very proud of him. God bless you, Ray!

This book left me speachless and profoundly sad. It also changed me in profound ways.
Mr Hinton said "if you can teach hate then we can also teach love."
"FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WO TRESPASS AGAINST US."
You are a greater human than I to forgive all those who trespassed against you Mr Hinton.
Should be a required reading I'm every school to open the discussion of racism and how we can overcome this.
Also read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Another life changing book.

I am grateful for Anthony’s courage in sharing this incredibly difficult story. This is the perfect companion to Just Mercy, exploring exactly what it looks like to have your life stolen by the “justice system” and the arduous fight to get it back.

Such a powerful book that at times, left me laughing and crying. Many times I found myself thinking about Mr. Hinton and his circumstances throughout my day … So many life lessons in the pages of the wonderful book … !

If you haven't read this, do yourself a favor and read it now. If you don't need any perspective or inspiration yourself, be a champ for others and read it because they need you to know what's in this book. If you have any questions, call Bryan Stevenson.

This is an inspiring story of faith, hope, and courage. With a justice system that is imperfect, allowing innocent people to suffer so much for wrongs they did not do, it is hard to not want to do something, anything to change the system! Anthony is a true warrior and an example to us all of how to hope when all hope seems futile.

One of the best books I have ever owned. It is such a great insight into the life of Deathrow and human tragedy. It also shows how black men in America are treated like criminals just because they were born black.

My heart broke reading this. Well written. Hard to read without crying. This injustice should never be allowed. Makes you appreciate your freedom and ordinary things in life. Happy he was finally freed.

If you’re a true American, you must read this book. At a time in our country when hate and division is creating massive problems in our nation this reading should bring light into a problematic past in our history. If you’re an honest person and especially a Christian this should pull upon your spiritual hearts. It was hard not to listen to this straight through. I had just happened to have the chance to meet Brian Stevenson at the Potters House in Dallas. Read his book as well. Happy reading.

This book tells an important story, important in part because it tells a lot about who we are and how we conceptualize and implement justice. It shows in great detail how institutionalized racism impacts our judicial systems and processes. But the book also shows us a lot about what it means to be a human being in the context of some of the darkest and most horrible settings that one can imagine or experience. I highly recommend this book!

I am embarrassed and ashamed this could and did happen in the United States. The sad saga of being wrongfully incarcerated for 30 years and then confined to death row for 28 of those 30 years ended only three years ago. Unbelievable.

Amazing that he survived and is who he is today. Thank you Mr. Hinton for your humanity, for shinning your light, for your love and devotion to your Mother. Thank you for your courage and for sharing your journey. Thank you for these words, "If we can teach people to hate, we should be able to teach them to love."

The story is told with incredible warmth and heart. Mr. Hinton's story has forever altered my view of the death penalty. You walk away wanting to change the U.S. justice system forever. His book leaves a permanent imprint. The Sun Does Shine is a huge step towards reform. Amazing book, amazing story, amazing writing - absolutely loved it.

this man that was on death roll had faith in god and the people that was lying on him would change, what made me upset about this book was our law is suppose to protect us falled and we're suppose to put our trust in the law only favors the rich not ALL of us both rich and poor

This book had me captivated. As a fellow Alabamian roughly the same age as Mr. Hinton, I was disgusted at the state of Alabama for refusing to look at the evidence and the fact that it took almost 30 years to win his freedom. Those responsible for sending him to death row are not worthy to kiss the bottom of his shoes.

This is a story of a man who is truly innocent. The story of a man who stayed true to himself through the toughest tribulations, and has refused to give up.

Whether you are searching for a book specifically relating to the death penalty, or looking for a book full of endurance and love--this is it.

The telling of this story feels so intimate that you could swear you were there each step of the way.

There are so many lessons to be learned from the spirit and joy that this man has been able to have through everything that he has been through. I couldn’t even begin to imagine life being spent for 30yrs in a 5’7 cell. I’m greatful to be able to read and hear his story. This book was well written. I felt I was sitting and listening to him tell his story. POWERFUL

This book has a 94% rating of 5 stars for a reason! This story is one of hope, immense strength and faith. I really recommend this book for anyone and everyone because life can be unfair, have no explanations but with hope and power of the mind you can achieve anything. It shows so much compassion and forgiveness and how to seek light in such darkness. I am so glad I purchased this book!!

This book is beautiful and heartbreaking and important. I cried reading this book and this man’s story. I can’t recommend this book enough I don’t want to give anything away in my review. All I can say is read this book.

Mr. Hinton - Thank you SO much for telling your story. Your ability to keep your faith throughout the many years you were wrongly imprisoned and your gift to all of us of telling your story are appreciated beyond words. I pray that your life continues to be blessed.

Enjoyable read. At times I felt the motherly flashbacks and overly chummy references to an idealized childhood and religion were a little nauseating. Very powerful in terms of seeing death row through a human lens. It brought some tears.

What a tragic way to spend 30 years of your life! Ray Hinton has the inner strength that few people can claim. The support he received from his friend, Lester and his attorney, Bryan is nothing short of monumental. I highly recommend this book.

5 stars ⭐️ Are not enough. His story will move you to places you didn’t know existed within yourself. An extraordinary story of survival, forgiveness and LOVE. And so much more. Get this book. Read it. Pass it on.

This is a book that I am so glad I read even though it broke my heart in so many places. To be false accused is the worse thing a person has to go through except living on death row for 30 years for something they did not do. It’s one that will definitely stay with you for a very long time. Everyone who believes in the death penalty should have to read this book.
Received via NetGalley for my honest review.

Good book! Sad that they didn't do first run paperback printing so the prison population could read this. Other prison-centric books have done so. You can't order hardcovers in jail and many would like to read it and would benefit. Very sad.

This should be required reading in American high schools. Injustice, racism, unconditional love, faithfulness, and the power of forgiveness are cohesively demonstrated in this frustrating but uplifting story.

A remarkable book by a remarkable man. This book will both outrage and inspire you. Mr. Hinton, alas, has still not received a word of apology from the state of Alabama for 30 years of false incarceration.

I remember when Oprah book club books were about great literature. Recently, they have become titles that promote the liberal agenda. Much of this book is about the legal process and the expense of it. I expected something more illuminating.

Such a disappointing book . After all the hype about this book, I expected a more substantive account of the ordeal this man went thru .
The book was poorly written , repetitive and failed to hold my attention .