When Truth Is All You Have

A Memoir of Faith, Justice, and Freedom for the Wrongly Convicted

By: Jim McCloskey, Philip Lerman, John Grisham - foreword

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

“A riveting and infuriating examination of criminal prosecutions, revealing how easy it is to convict the wrong person and how nearly impossible it is to undo the error.” (Washington Post)

"No one has illuminated this problem more thoughtfully and persistently." (Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy)

Jim McCloskey was at a midlife crossroads when he met the man who would change his life. A former management consultant, McCloskey had grown disenchanted with the business world; he enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary at the age of 37. His first assignment, in 1980, was as a chaplain at Trenton State Prison. Among the inmates was Jorge de los Santos, a heroin addict who'd been convicted of murder years earlier. He swore to McCloskey that he was innocent - and, over time, McCloskey came to believe him. With no legal or investigative training to speak of, McCloskey threw himself into the case. Two years later, thanks to those efforts, Jorge de los Santos walked free, fully exonerated.

McCloskey had found his calling. He established Centurion Ministries, the first group in America devoted to overturning wrongful convictions. Together with his staff and a team of forensic experts, lawyers, and volunteers - through tireless investigation and an unflagging dedication to justice - Centurion has freed 65 innocent prisoners who had been sentenced to life or death.

When Truth Is All You Have is McCloskey's inspirational story, as well as those of the unjustly imprisoned for whom he has fought. Spanning the nation, it is a chronicle of faith and doubt; of triumphant success and shattering failure. It candidly exposes a life of searching and struggle, uplifted by McCloskey's certainty that he had found what he was put on earth to do.

Filled with generosity, humor, and compassion, it is the soul-bearing account of a man who has redeemed innumerable lives - and incited a movement - with nothing more than his unshakeable belief in the truth.

©2020 Jim McCloskey and Philip Lerman (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[Exoneration] takes an advocate who is tireless, fearless, and dedicated to justice. A man like Jim McCloskey, the dean of all innocence advocates - The Exonerator” (from the foreword by John Grisham)

"A heartfelt and heart-rending story of fighting wrongful convictions...The narrative charts triumphant stories of innocent persons freed, heartbreaking tales of defeat, and disappointing insights into a broken justice system...Compassionate tales from a dedicated warrior for justice." (Kirkus, starred review)

“A riveting and infuriating examination of criminal prosecutions, revealing how easy it is to convict the wrong person and how nearly impossible it is to undo the error. [This book] upends our naive and complacent view of prosecutions.... Full of drama and hope.... In no small part because of McCloskey’s work, Americans have radically reassessed the criminal justice system.... We need many more Jim McCloskeys.” (Washington Post)

“Though generally broaching serious subjects, the writers are able to bring levity at appropriate moments, reflecting McCloskey’s overall philosophy of hope...This will be essential for collections focused on social justice, the wrongly convicted, and spiritual transformation.” (Library Journal, starred review)

good read

i appreciate first hand perspective in advocacy for wrongly convicted. we should all remember them who are in prison unjustly. Don't forget them

Injustices have replaced Justice

A fascinating listen with disturbingly scary cases in our justice system touted to be "One of the best in the world." Jim shatters this high chested self-proclaimed illusion to pieces and peels back the curtains of widespread corrupt "judicially acceptable norms!" I was caught by surprise at the revelations compellingly documented by McCloskey!

important conceptually and icompelling ponder

this non fiction account blends personal biography with the authors human experiences and deep faith to serve society by righting social wrongs.. the book reaches to fills an educational void that deserves our close attention

Compelling and Timely

As someone who has gone through the process, this book tells it like is was and is. For a real first-hand look at the criminal justice system in America, I can't recommend this highly enough. McClosky's life story is woven into the narrative. At first that seems a little incongruous, but after a while a theme emerges – why he ended up spending his life pursuing justice for the wrongly convicted and the life lessons that prepared him. Some of the crime details are quite brutal and hard to listen to, so be forewarned.
I think as a nation we are being made aware that we all have a stake in a universally fair and responsive criminal justice system, so if you agree, put this book at the top of your list. Pay special attention to the suggestions for improvement in the epilogue.
Narration is great except for an occasional wrong word emphasis, or I'd give it five stars too (picky picky :) ).

Awesome!

This book was incredible. I loved Jim’s stories, the way he humanize the people involved, the detail to each case, and the unmasking of the shameless corruption involving police and prosecution, who resist freeing innocent people, even when it is proven that they are not guilty, because they have too much pride to admit it. I have shared this inspirational book with many.

Wonderful

This book a wonderfully told story that at the same time will break the heart of any person who is a believer is eternal right and justness

Thank God for Jim

Unbelievable! At times overwhelming.

The author's compassion, commitment to right the wrongs of so many is beyond my own understanding. Thank God for your faith and strength.

You will be better & changed

Reading this will make you a better person and change your perspective on “justice”. Truly one of my favorites. Thankful for all who work to free the innocent.

God Bless Mr McCloskey

We need more men like Mr McCloskey. His dedication to the freeing of the wrongfully convicted is exactly what Jesus teaches us. What you do for the least you do for me. I would like to change that to read “whatever you do for the least, you do so in God’s honor.” Currently I am an investigator and when I retire I hope to meet Mr McCloskey and maybe assist his staff in freeing an innocent person from prison. God Bless you sir and your entire staff.

Moved beyond words

Seldom has a book has affected me so much; it is compelling, honest and so interesting. The only reason I deducted a star was that there was a lot of profanity which I found to be gratuitous.
Other than that, however, an excellent book with great narration.