Book Review: Finding Joy on Death Row: Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded by Dewey Williams
Book Details
Finding Joy on Death Row: Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded by Dewey Williams
on April 21, 2021
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 304
Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.Based on the sermon series that garnered top honors from Yale Divinity School, Finding Joy on Death Row is the powerful story of a broken preacher’s transformative experience learning about joy from Death Row prisoners, combined with dramatic handwritten responses from more than twenty men currently sentenced to die.
In Finding Joy on Death Row: Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded, Williams journeys into the hearts and minds of those sentenced to death, illuminating for readers the ways in which the human spirit can suffer—and soar.
Finding Joy on Death Row includes dozens of handwritten statements from those facing capital punishment. The testimonies and contemplations of those sentenced to die offer readers a unique opportunity to hear from individuals whose lives are marked by their looming execution. And yet these prisoners have—in the midst of grim circumstances—managed to find joy.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their own stories are unveiled. Williams’s account of ministering within North Carolina’s prison system and the handwritten statements are punctuated by glimpses into the author’s own broken past. This important work will show readers the power of joy to reach us all, the free and imprisoned alike.
Finding Joy on Death Row:
Offers a glimpse into the minds of those currently and formerly on Death Row
Presents the effects of the death penalty not only on the incarcerated but on their loved ones as wellExamines Williams’s own experiences that gave him a unique understanding and empathy for those sentenced to death
Explores the very real possibility of finding joy despite outward circumstances
Includes online access to transcriptions of the prisoners’ responses as well as Pastor Williams’s original sermon seriesUnprecedented and revealing, Finding Joy on Death Row provides a window into the tragedies, hardships, and victories of those sentenced to die, ultimately offering readers the encouragement that we are all loved, forgiven, and capable of transformation.
Content/Trigger warnings: non-gratuitous writing about violent crimes (including gun violence, assault, and murder) and men on death row
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Purchase Links for Finding Joy on Death Row
Amazon-OneLink for all countries BookShop/IndieBound
Finding Joy on Death Row: U...Shop on Amazon
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My thoughts on Finding Joy on Death Row
“Finding Joy on Death Row” by Dewey Williams is a truly remarkable memoir that delves into the transformative power of joy amidst the grim circumstances of Death Row. Williams, a broken preacher, takes readers on a profound journey as he learns invaluable lessons about joy from the prisoners awaiting execution. Based on a sermon series that received accolades from Yale Divinity School, this book is an unprecedented exploration of the human spirit’s ability to suffer and soar.
One of the standout features of “Finding Joy on Death Row” is the inclusion of handwritten responses from more than twenty men facing capital punishment. Through their testimonies and contemplations, readers are granted a unique opportunity to hear directly from individuals whose lives are marked by the looming shadow of execution. It is nothing short of extraordinary that these prisoners have managed to find joy amidst their dire circumstances.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their personal stories are unveiled, providing glimpses into their lives and the challenges they face. The author’s own broken past is interspersed throughout the narrative, creating a poignant parallel between his experiences and those of the men he encounters within North Carolina’s prison system. This juxtaposition enhances the book’s emotional impact, making it a touching and compelling read.
“Finding Joy on Death Row” serves as a powerful reminder to readers of the transformative nature of joy. It unveils the tragedies, hardships, and victories experienced by those sentenced to die, ultimately offering encouragement and demonstrating that we are all capable of love, forgiveness, and transformation. Through this profound exploration, Williams effectively conveys that joy has the potential to reach every individual, whether free or imprisoned.
In conclusion, “Finding Joy on Death Row” is an unprecedented and revealing memoir that provides a poignant window into the lives of those facing capital punishment. It leaves readers with a deep sense of the human capacity to find joy even in the most challenging circumstances. This unique memoir is not only touching but also serves as an important reminder of the power of joy to transform lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed perspective on life.
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Dewey Williams
Dewey Williams is Pastor of Mt. Bright Missionary Baptist Church in Hillsborough, North Carolina, a doctoral candidate at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a graduate of Duke Divinity School. In 2017, Dewey’s sermon series Joy on Death Row won the top award at Yale Divinity School’s Theology of Joy and the Good Life competition.
Dewey is also the founder of the non-profit, Ministry That Matters. A portion of all book sales of Finding Joy on Death Row supports Ministry That Matters and their focus on prison ministry.
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Purchase Finding Joy on Death Row online from your local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Links
Amazon-OneLink for all countries
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