Life After Death

By: Damien Echols

Narrated by: Damien Echols

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive memoir by Damien Echols of the "West Memphis Three", who was falsely convicted of committing three murders. Hear this unforgettable account of his 18 years on death row.

©2012 Damien Echols (P)2012 Penguin Audio

It's sad someone had to suffer so much in the USA

The only thing I can say is I wish that all civil servants have to wear a body cams.

Absofreakinglutely the best book I’ve read to date

I have followed the case of Damien, Jessie, and Jason for more than 20 years now. When they were released on an Alford plea I stood in my living room and cried happy tears. You do not need to be familiar with the case to enjoy this book, but I believe it hits a whole lot differently if you do know the case. For years, I prayed for Damien and after his release he was surrounded by so many important people that I was sure he had become a snob but it is unbelievable how much humbleness he still has and shows. As a supporter for many years if I could say one thing to Mr. Echols it would just be thank you. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, thank you so much for reading your own words. That detail made it all the more powerful to listen to. Most of all, thank you so much for taking the time in this book to answer the many questions I, and I’m sure many, have had!!!!

This book will stay with me forever

I am from Memphis and remember the WM3 from my childhood. My older brother was his same age, and we were both interested in the occult and alternative music in the 90s- so this trial was very personal to me. I recently became reacquainted with Damien Echols in a Duncan Trussell podcast and was so excited that he was talking about spirituality and magick- topics that are close to my heart. I ordered his book High Magick and decided to listen to his memoir- I wanted to get to know my teacher afterall. I devoured the book in 3 days. The experience of listening to his story in his own voice has left me feeling like his story is somehow partly my own now- it is that intimate. I love that he directly addresses you as his friend in the book and goes on at length about his nostalgia and longing for the simple pleasures of life. It makes you look at the world differently- it opens your eyes and your heart and it helps you appreciate the present moment in a very profound way. On the flip side, this is also very much a social commentary on the injustices of bureaucratic America, the cruelty of the system, and the pure nonsense it all seems to be floating in. It haunts you. It is a ghost from the shadows that deserves to be seen in the light of day. A.must.read.

such a good book

I loved this book, being able to hear his side of the story from his own voice was very insightful and humbling....hopefully he will find the justice he deserves, and the real killer/killers are one day found!!!

UTTERLY AMAZING!!

A Must For Everyone, it's like your there with Damien so vividly impressive writing!

A good listen!

*if you have read his first memoir, be aware that this is a combination of that, any bits he managed to hide, and letters from jail as his journals and writings were routinely destroyed by guards*

This was rough. I knew the West Memphis 3 case long before I listened to this and thought I was prepared. I was not. This doesn’t touch much on the case itself, just how he was treated before any crime occurred, and how he was railroaded after. He is witty, and had me laughing out loud at times with cutting remarks, but he also wrote a lot about spirituality. There were times that I cringed a bit because the way things were worded came off a little.. egotistical? Maybe? But this absolutely held my attention on a long road trip and was a good listen!

Damien grew up in Arkansas where his Metallica tshirts and edgy haircut made people nervous. When a corrupt police force pins a brutal triple murder of young boys on him, he ends up on Death Row. This describes his life before the bungled case, as well his view going through it, inside max security and upon being released.

Insightful, Inspiring and Totally Engrossing!

What an intelligent and thoughtful man Damien Echols is. His story at times made me weep, but ultimately it was his triumph of will and spirit that dazzled me. I would be honored to have someone like Damien in my life. Thank you for sharing your life so openly. Nothing but the utmost respect to you, Laurie and everyone who believed in your innocence. Happy life to you and yours Damien!

Extreme injustice!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, It was well written, the entire story kept my interest and was well read.

What other book might you compare Life After Death to and why?

None. I have never read a book like it. I also enjoyed the documentary's that was made about the three boys lives.

What about Damien Echols’s performance did you like?

Excellent. A very intelligent person.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The same as the book.

Any additional comments?

It's heart wrenching to know this is happening not only to these 3 boys, but to other people too. I was extremely upset over the fact they made these men plead guilty in order to get out of prison and the true murderer is free. The trial was a farce and these men should be well compensated. Thanks to all the people responsible for helping them,

Compelling story narrated by the author

Having corresponded with inmates for more than 30 years now, I thought I had heard it all, but Damien gives an entirely new meaning to the prison industrial complex and the corruption and ethical problems that exist in the entire justice system (be it attorneys, judges, correctional officers, etc.).

Damien (and his two friends) certainly may have fallen victim to the most egregious wrongful conviction to date in the United States. Yet, Damien never gives up and stays strong during some very horrible circumstances.

Damien's poetic, gritty, and honest portrayal of prison life and the unjust murder case against him (and his two friends) should enlighten every man, woman or child who reads (listens to) this compelling book!

Very intelligently written and read

Having seen all the documentaries out there on his case how could I not listen to this. I purchased this as an extra from my 1 credit a month and it was well worth the extra money. Great story and insight into the mind of the author. I can’t imagine going through what he did. Great work Damien and I’m sorry you had to go through what you did.