Life After Death

I have followed the case of Damian Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Miskelley since 1996, when the documentary Paradise Lost came out. This memoir breaks my heart, as I listen to an innocent man go through the tortures of prison and death row- and before that of poverty and community ignorance. Through it all, Mr. Echols maintains poise and dignity. Listening to the story in Echols' own voice brought home the emotion and loss of the tragedy.

I personally was glad that there was little or no mention of the gruesome details of the murders and the new suspect arising from DNA tests, all of which is available in the many documentaries about the case and the websites supporting the West Memphis Three. This narrative is the story of Mr. Echols' life so far, which shines a bright light onto the inhuman conditions that we allow to exist in our prisons. A truly excellent memoir, which breaks your heart over and over again.

Points of light outshining seemingly overwhelming darkness

Damien ... courage ... perseverance ... truth

Epilogue.

Yes

Author's narration ... excellent!

Yes. I've followed Damien Echols's story for many years; finally hearing what it was like for him in his own voice was a humbling and amazing experience.

Damien Echols has a very distinct accent and manner of speech. Getting to hear him read his own words made the story all the more real and moving.

Damien's story is an amazing one. He is completely open in this book and completely lets the readers into his life in a very brave way. I found myself laughing and smiling as I listened to the book and even tearing up at points. No matter if you have heard of his story before or not, this book would be well worth a listen.

The in depth description of poverty and coming of age in a world so different than my own.The idea of how a person overcomes life in prison and finds a way to cope. And I loved that Damien read his own words...powerful!

The fact that Damien found a way to stay sane in an insane circumstance.

Scene after scene of difficulty for Damian proves that I can hold onto hope in my reality.

Already done.

This book is a must read! I think all professors dealing with social issues should require everyone to read this. A real eye opener of poverty, the prison system, the justice system, religion and spirituality.

When I read Law & Disorder by John Douglas, I became interested in the West Memphis 3 and watched the Paradise Lost documentaries. What a treat to learn that Damien Echols had just published his memoir. I immediately grabbed the Audible edition, which has Damien reading his own words. It would be difficult to approach this book without feeling compassion for what Echols has been through, but if I thought that the reaction to this book was predicated on how people felt about the case, I was wrong. It's gotten high praise and reviews and for good reason. This story is beyond amazing. Not only is Damien's tale of life behind bars riveting, but it's well written. Poetic and full of insight. He's an elegant writer with spare prose that's reflective of his approach to life. I avoid mainstream memoirs which unabashedly play on the heartstrings--they are common and dull. This is nothing like that. I was elevated and transformed by Damien's experience, told in his own words. It made me love my own life and appreciate all life a little bit more. Life After Death is a living poem. I could not stop listening. Insight after insight pours from the soul of this wrongly convicted man. Impossible not to savor, like a living poem. Thank you Damien for this wonderful gift.

I have already re-listened to this book several times. I love the way Damien communicates and makes you feel like you have known him for years. The content is so extreme it would make even the most optimistic go to a dark place but Damien explains his highs his lows and everything in between during his experience as being falsely accused for more then 18 years!

it was funny! How could something so terrible have any glimmer of smiles but Damiens sense of humor and I like to say southern-isms makes you eager to hear more!

Damien Echols

YES, it makes you think, laugh, cry, angry. I usually don't have reactions to books like this. I am truly sad that it's over. I wish he would keep writing.

please listen to this book, it will change you!!

This guys voice is so awesome. It's the perfect voice to tell his own story.

It's interesting to hear who he admires and his experiences growing up to now. If you're wanting a lot of case information I don't feel like a ton of info is here (it's definitely there just not lengthy.) I think that's the point though, to be about him and not the case.

My only complaint would be that he uses metaphors beautifully but way too often.

I loved and appreciated Damien Echol's ability to bear his soul to me through his words. It felt as though I was sitting and he was telling me his story face to face, and only to me.

I liked his honesty and the fact that it was Damien's own voice telling me his story.

I laughed and cried through the entire experience. I felt Damien Echol's emotions through his words. It made me sad and outraged for a boy, now man who is only a few years older than me. I was 15 when this happened to him and I followed the whole case closely. It was a dreadful ordeal and I am glad he has gained his freedom!

EXONERATE THE WM3!

I loved getting to hear the voice of the accused and convicted, Damien Eckols, for once. I have followed the story, seen the documentaries and believed that these three men were innocent. A sad testament to the loss of eighteen years of life for 3 young men. The narration was superb, Damien has a very soulful voice. A obviously extremely intelligent man, just made me think what he could have done in those eighteen years. He gives a very lucid candid description of the destructive life in prison. Hope he writes/narrates more.
It kept me so engaged, that I didn't wait for a drive to the beach to listen to it. I listened in snippets everyday.

Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge of the tragic murders in West Memphis. I was drawn into this incredibly well-written book, by Damien Echol's natural ability to tell a story. I was drawn to the person he was and the person he grew to be during his years in prison. Since reading this book I have watched all of the HBO documentaries that portray how easy it is for justice to be miscarried, when media, fear, and ignorance are in the mix. What I found most fascinating and refreshing about this book is the fact that Damien Echols did not allow himself to be swallowed by fear and self-pity at the prospect of being executed for a crime he did not commit. He wrote a book that told a story about life on death row-the lessons that he learned as he came of age behind bars.