Life After Death

A very nice book. Thank you Damien for sharing with all of us. Liked that he always had something to discuss, to write in diary, although being absolutely shut from the world. I will always question who the two guys he mentioned as being also inoccent. And it was horrible for Jason to comment on Damien's guilt.

I had followed this case for several years, and I have never doubted that these three men were dealt a horrific injustice. A few years ago I read "Almost Home", and found Damien's narrative both fascinating and inspiring.
I am halfway through "Life After Death", and I am similarly enjoying Damien's descriptive prose; he is a compelling storyteller, and a competent writer. He offers a unique and interesting perspective from which I have already learned a great deal.
I was somewhat disappointed that his new book recycles so much material from "Almost Home"; based on the title of his recent publication, I had anticipated the book would contain more content about his release from prison and his thoughts on his life and experiences post death-row.
Still, a highly recommended read by an inspiring, thoughtful, and intelligent subject.

I have been following this case for many years and I have always thought they were innocent. I was really surprised at the outcome and they way they were given their freedom (Alford plea). Mr. Echol's truly had a sad adolescence. Could have skipped a lot of the jail anecdotes. Was anyone else caught up in how he spelled "magickal" and how many times he used it ? I am curious to see how he uses his freedom ; he is very intelligent and I would like for him to get involved in a project that will help others.

Damien has such a strength it's unbelievable No one can ever say they knew what he went through. I'm sure most people wouldn't have survived including me without wanting revenge or letting hate consume them. He's a survivor with a gentle soul.

Echols can write, that's.for sure. He is entirely justified in his bitterness, his self-pity et cetera… but he seems to have found no resolution. So maybe it's because I don't usually read biographies. In literature, problems ought to be resolved, not left hanging. Much like in life, I reckon.

Great book and great story. Great telling of the horrible justice and prison system we have in America, which is like a different world or universe unto itself. This should be recommended reading for any judge, jury, lawyer, prison guard, etc.

If they rain down such horrors on others, they should be made to live them themselves. Everyone involved in the unjust incarceration of these three should be put in their shoes, literally. Perhaps false confession and unjust prosecutions would go down drastically.

I have followed Damien Echols and the WM3 since seeing the HBO Paradise Lost so when this book was released I had to read it. It is well written and I couldn't put it down. I read the whole thing in a matter of a couple days. I highly recommend reading this book as Damien is really amazing and inspiring!

I read "Almost Home" by Damien, and some parts of this book overlap from that one, but it's still a good book. He recalls the confusion surrounding his arrest, how life was in prison, his religious experiences, and how life is for him now. Obviously, his first book only tells how thing were and are while he was still in prison.

I sympathize greatly with Damien Echols and the writing in this book is excellent. However, the story could be told in half the verbiage. His philosophy is a very personal journey and I just didn't feel pulled into the last third of the narrative.

I became familiar with this case after an episode of 60 Minutes and then hearing the news that these young men were released from prison. The book sheds a light on their life prior to being wrongly convicted and how the justice system in their state just blamed them with out any evidence and violated their rights many many times. I enjoyed reading the book even though there are times when I wanted to cringe hearing about his life in prison and how people are treated.

After seeing the Paradise Lost trilogy I needed to have this book, it was no let down, incredible story, page after page filled with pure honesty and a view of a reality so different from most of us. This book is highly inspiring, makes you embrace your life and take the best out of what have.

This book demonstrates a travesty that was done to 3 young men by a justice system that railroaded them through a kangaroo court sending one to death row and two to life imprisonment when they were totally innocent of the charges. Then so the state would not get sued by them for wrongful imprisonment for the 18+ years that was taken from them, they had to sign an Alford Plea where the three men maintain their innocence but had to plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit in order to be released from jail. The judge went on to become a state senator. The prosecution team as well as the judge were corrupt in manipulating the case to get the convictions. Witnesses lied on the witness stand. This case is a sad statement that justice was not served and left questions about who did commit the crime against 3 young boys still not answered to date.

Damien Echols is a good writer who keeps the reader interested to the very end. Although there are parts that make the reader pause to think how could these things happen in America? I strongly recommend this book to everyone.

I typically never read these types of books but I saw an interview with Damien Echols on TV and decided to purchase it. This book really opened my eyes up to the how our legal systems works! So many years that this young man had to waste! Thank goodness there were people that believed in him to help him get out! Damien and his family are forever in my prayer now! God Bless his Courage and Strength!

Everyone should read this story and find out when you are poor and charged with a crime... the law is not on your side. Thank goodness for the HBO crew that documented the story and helped with freeing these kids. All 3 of them were railroaded. Thank Johnny Depp and the Dixie Chicks and Venfer for helping this guy out.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes truth better than fiction. The life Damien has lived is
shocking and terrifying. I'm ashamed to know that our country would treat any prisoner the way he describes
death row. You will go from crying to laughter in this book. It's so good to know that he is finally free. Everyone
who has followed the story of the West Memphis 3, will be captivated by his story. It's a true testament to his
strength and endurance.

Damien Echols' book "Life After Death" is one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read! He really has a way with words and can make you feel like you're right there with him. His experiences growing up and while in prison for a crime he DID NOT commit are amazing! I pre-ordered the book and received it on Sept. 18th. I read it in 2 days. My 15 year old son loved his other book, entitled "Almost Home" I have now finished reading "Life After Death" for a 2nd time. He makes you feel like his experiences are your experiences. You sympathize with him, laugh with him etc. Would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book!

A great historical account of this tragic miscarriage of justice.
Very well researched. It gave me an empathy for the poor kids.
I appreciate the courage of the author in bringing this story to all of
Us.
This is an excellent book. I am very glad I read it.

Loved this book do not remember hearing about. I feel awful for what Damien Echols had to endure half his life on death row but always found the strength to make it to through until they finally proved that he was falsely accused. Loved the book halfway through the book once they were released I rented the documentary "Paradise lost" and watched the whole thing it looked as if the police department could not prove that these now men committed this crime. After watching the documentary finish the book. That is how I did it but I recommend this book to those interested in non- fiction.

An awesome, intelligent account of an amazing injustice. The detail with which the author recounts his life is mesmerizing. It is obvious that he possesses extraordinary perception. And more than that, his language does not fall short at any moment of the ability to express that perception.

Well-written. Mr. Echol's story is chilling, disturbing and all too real. What he has endured is unthinkable to most people. Yet he emerges on the other side transformed. Baptism by fire? This true story is fascinating.

This book is a chilling look into the penal system. It was a heartbreakingly detailed version of what Damien went through in prison all the while knowing he was innocent. It highlights the abuses law enforcement is allowed to incorporate into their investigations into murder, etc. His treatment in prison was inhuman. I would highly recommend this book.

They could imprison his body, but they could not imprison his mind. This book is a good read, but peters out towards the end--hence the four stars. The real criminals in this story---the real WM3---- are the police chief, the prosecutor, and the judge.

No other book has ever evoked the plethora of emotions within me as this. As a follower of this case since its birth, my reading of this book seemed like a dream from which I could not and did not want to awaken. I cried almost constantly reading the sheer hell and brutality this poor soul had to endure because of the ignorant and prideful acts of the "good ole boys".

I waited months for this book. I preordered it in March when it was first listed on the store and the long wait is finally over. I read Damien's first book "Almost Home" and loved his writing style. Better loved that it was a true story from his perspective. So needless to say, I couldn't wait until this book was released. I enjoyed it very much from cover to cover. It is a must read to strike up an interest in current supporters of the West Memphis Three and to gain new supporters. This case was nothing but unfair from the time it began and continues to be now as we speak. The case is something that demands to be heard and not to be forgotten.

Other than the book being a true story, Damien has a way with words that shows his intelligence and skill in expression. He is as honest and open as you could get.

I would recommend this book to anyone and encourage them to do the same to get the case heard and to encourage more support. The story has to be told and heard so the real killer or killers can be found and a full exoneration can be given to Damien, Jason, and Jesse.

This book is a well written, thought provoking, nightmare of a story. The fact that this could happen to anyone is horrible. I DON'T KNOW HOW HE LIVED THROUGH IT. I wish all the best for him and his family. He is a real survivor. God Bless him.

This book was extremely eye opening, and I was blown away of how awful the state of Arkansas was just allowed to do this to three innocent teenagers. It's disgusting and truly wrong, but what Damien done to get through it was awe-inspiring. Even through great discomfort, pain and agony he still had hope. I love this book, I have so much admiration for Damien, Jason and Jesse. It's a must read if you know about WM3.

This book brings to the front something that should not being happening with all the technology and improvements made in forensics. Sadly, this man lost 18 years of his life, all because no one wanted to admit they rushed to judgment and that they were wrong.

Paperback edition. Brand new. Great price. Fast shipping. Unbelievably true story. Fantastic writer, Damien Echol's true story of his conviction (at age 17) and death row sentence for the crime of mutilating and killing three 8-10 year old young boys in Arkansas in the early 90's. Eddie Veddar, Metallica, Natalie Mains of the Dixie Chicks, Johnny Depp and more help Damien finally get free (along with two other teen boys who have also been falsely accused and convicted to life sentences). The three boys spend approximately 17 years in prison for a crime they had not one thing to do with! The real killer of the little boys was never even looked for. Corrupt cops and FEAR lead this terrible tragedy of three dead young boys to an even more disturbing crime. Three teen boys losing many years off of their innocent lives. You may have seen the HBO documentary about this story in 'Paradise Lost'. Highly recommend.

A very good read! Sad that things like this happen. The legal system has too many flaws! It easily entangles folks with little money to defend themselves. Its also sad that folks aren't on a better footing to raise their young. Glad that these boys were released! 6 children were taken from us in 1993 and 1994. Hopefully, they bounce back from their experience in prison. It's taken their health and their dignity..

This was a great read and will keep you interested from the beginning page. It is unbelievable that an innocent man should have to undergo the treatment this poor man had to undergo. I dare you to read this novel and not be affected by its content!!!

This book was so honest. It is absolutely sickening that these boys were tortured. The authorities involved in this disgrace should all be put in jail. They were kids that had there lives destroyed by ignorance and intolerance..I hope they keep fighting for justice and i truly hope they can be financially compensated someday. Damien is obviously a very gifted individual. I admire his honesty and his ability to share the horror that WAS his life. Godspeed.

The most intense, heart breaking, amazing story I have ever read. I read this book in two days. I could not put it down. Damien Echols survived 18 years on Death Row and lived to tell about it. This book will tear you apart at the seams and make you curse the justice system. I cannot wait for Damien's second book to come out. He is a true inspiration.

The ignorance and cruelty of the "system" broke my heart. The strength and the hope inside of Damien Echols put my heart back together. My mind had to wrap itself around this story, thereby changing its shape forever.

I found this book to be heartbreaking, and triumphant.
I only wish it had been a work of fiction.
I hope the author can finally make peace with his previous circumstances, and find happiness as a free man today.

Damien Echols suffered due to a corrupt law system and horrible religious beliefs. Justice was lost in this tragedy and 3 people paid a horrible price. Damien will always remain a hero of mine, for someone who walked through hell and survived. After following this case since it was first reported, I am very happy that they are no longer suffering in prison. Let us all hope that the law system will change do a tragedy like this never happens again. Damien, stay strong and stay true.

Did you ever see the Pirates of the Caribbean movie in which there is a discussion about the Pirates' Code and Captain Barbossa (I believe) says the Code is regarded as 'guidelines' rather than law. Yeah...
Welcome to Arkansas, where the sheriff in one county kept a jar containing the castrated parts of a man accused of raping the Governor's cousin. Speaking of our former Governor, the then-future PotUS allegedly was involved in the selling of tainted blood which was harvested from prisoners. Where a religious leader displayed his deceased wife's body for months after her death and commanded their followers to pray for her resurrection. We have our own version of cray-cray down here, and little things like Due Process are mere suggestions.
Is it any surprise that three 'misfits' in a small poverty-stricken rural area were tried and convicted of murder in spite of the lack of concrete evidence? It was a modern day witch hunt, pure and simple.
What is surprising is the fact that Echols found the strength and determination to rise above circumstances that would have reduced a lesser person (such as myself) to a sobbing ball of self pity. I think this book resonated so strongly with me because I followed the story basically from day one. I was a senior in high school when the murders occurred and I began college that fall in Northeast Arkansas. I remember watching the news and rabidly questioning my friends and acquaintances who had grown up in and around West Memphis. Like many WASP-y types, I was a sheeple who followed the popular opinion that they were guilty because of the way they dressed, the books they read, the music they liked...
Years later I saw the HBO documentary and became re-interested in the case. I began to see the fallacies in the investigation and began to believe in the WM3. I read Mara's well-written book and that other sensationalized piece of pulp. Websites news articles, I followed them all.

To me, this book reads almost as if you are having a one-on-one conversation with Echols himself. His writing in poignant, honest and 'real'. I know this is meant to be a book review but I have to add that I watched him on Anderson Live yesterday and was impressed so very much with how he presented himself, especially when someone asked about Miskelley's 'confession'. I think he has found the inner peace he was seeking.

I highly recommend this book. As another reviewer mentioned, the first half contains material from "Almost Home". However I don't think it took away from the overall reading experience. Damien has been to Hell on Earth and back, and somehow he still finds beauty and magick every day.