In this non-fiction book John Grisham tells the shocking and disheartening story of two men who were wrongfully convicted of rape and murder in Oklahoma.
Author John Grisham
*****
Ron Williamson, born in 1953, grew up in a loving Christian family in Ada, Oklahoma. He was a star on his high school baseball team and played for several professional minor league teams, hoping to make it to the majors.
Ron Williamson on his high school baseball team
Ron Williamson played minor league baseball
Injuries and health problems shattered these dreams however, and a short unsuccessful marriage added to Ron's woes. By his mid-20s Ron was back in Ada, carousing, drinking heavily, philandering, and starting to show signs of mental illness. At about this time he became friends with Dennis Fritz, who became his partying buddy.
Ron Williamson
Dennis Fritz
Then in 1982 a young woman named Debbie Carter was brutally raped and murdered in her apartment in Ada.
Debbie Carter
The police did a less than thorough investigation and - in a major instance of bungling - gave a pass to Glen Gore, who had been harassing Debbie and was known to be violent toward women. It turns out the police (more or less) ignored Glen as a suspect because a few cops were doing drug deals with Glen at the time.
Glen Gore
In any case the investigation dragged on and finally, in 1988, Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz were arrested and charged with the rape and murder of Debbie Carter. There was no credible physical evidence against the men but prosecutor Bill Peterson lined up (and coached) a series of mendacious jailhouse snitches - which resulted in convictions.
Mug shot of Ron Williamson
Prosecutor Bill Peterson
Law enforcement individuals manipulated evidence and witnesses to get convictions
Dennis was sentenced to life in prison and Ron was given the death penalty. Grisham gives a detailed account of the 'investigation' and a play by play description of the trials, and it's frightening to see the lengths Peterson and the police would go to to secure 'confessions' and convictions.
Grisham then details Ron's years on death row as his lawyers file appeal after appeal. By this time Ron was severely mentally ill as well as frustrated and depressed by his wrongful conviction. Moreover, death row was located in an old prison facility that was boiling in summer and freezing in winter, with nasty guards who delighted in tormenting disturbed Ron.
Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Death Row
Ron Williamson's mental health deteriorated in prison
Ron Williamson aged prematurely in prison
To cut to the chase: twelve years after Ron and Dennis's convictions DNA evidence showed that the imprisoned men were innocent and that Glen Gore was guilty. Ron and Dennis were released from prison but DA Peterson - in a major demonstration of stubborn hubris - refused to apologize. In fact, he indicated that he still thought of the two men as suspects and might even retry them if he found more evidence. Of course this preyed on Ron's already troubled mind. Nevertheless, six years later Gore was finally convicted of Pamela's murder.
Dennis Fritz was exonerated
Ron Williamson was freed
Glen Gore was convicted
The book is interesting and informative...but also sad and disheartening. I felt angry that the Ada police and DA Peterson were not held to account for their outrageous behavior. In fact a google search revealed that Peterson tried to sue Grisham and other people who wrote books about the case, claiming they libelled him (as if!) However, Peterson was routinely unsuccessful with these lawsuits.
On the negative side the book is overly long and goes into too much detail about every aspect of Ron's life. Grisham details all of Ron's childhood/teen sports (he played baseball and basketball); his antics to get his parents and sister to pay for nice clothes, a car, and expensive sports camps; Ron's many unsuccessful experiences with minor league baseball teams; his injuries and rehabilitations; Ron's bar-hopping and picking up women; his horrible years on death row; the round of talk shows and celebrations when Ron and Dennis are released from prison; and finally Ron's ongoing physical decline and eventual death in a nursing home. It's just a little too much.
Still, this cautionary tale about justice gone wrong is worth reading and instructive.
Rating: 3.5 stars
In this fifth book in the 'Dr. Quirke' series, the pathologist helps investigate the deaths of two businessmen. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Wealthy Dublin businessman Victor Delahaye invites Davey Clancy, the 25-year-old son of his business partner, out on his sailboat.
Victor then proceeds to shoot himself in the chest. Soon afterward Delahaye's business partner Jack Clancy, who was secretly maneuvering to take over the company, is found dead in suspicious circumstances.
Pathologist Dr. Quirke helps his friend, Detective Inspector Hackett, look into both cases.
Plenty of persons of interest turn up: Victor's beautiful, flirtatious, manipulative wife Mona;
His handsome, hard-partying, adult twin sons Jonas and James;
His quiet, self-effacing sister Maggie;
And Jack Clancy's wife Sylvia who has had to put up with her husband's constant womanizing.
The book is as much a character study as a mystery and at times I wanted the interactions among the characters to move along faster. The resolution of the mystery probably won't come as a total surprise but it's an entertaining book.
A shout-out to the evocative book cover also.
Rating: 3 stars
In this fourth book in the 'Cat in the Stacks' cozy mystery series, library archivist Charlie Harris investigates the murder of the town's most unpopular woman. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Charlie Harris, a middle-age southern gentleman living in Athena, Mississippi, is the archivist at the Athena College Library and a regular volunteer at the Athena Public Library.
Charlie is almost always accompanied by Diesel - his 36-pound Maine Coon cat - who strolls around with a harness and leash. Diesel is an amiable fellow who warbles to express his opinions and solicits pats and strokes from everyone around.
As the story opens the 'Friends of the Library' are meeting at Charlie's house to discuss the upcoming fundraiser. The octogenarian, 'old money', blueblood sisters Miss An'gel and Miss Dickce Ducote want to host a merry costume gala - with finger foods - at their mansion. By contrast, 75-year-old, 'new money', upstart Vera Cassity wants to hold an elegant sit-down-dinner at her estate.
The Ducotes win and gloat about their victory over Vera - who's a pushy and unpopular bully. In fact when Charlie's housekeeper, Azalea Berry, hears that Vera was in 'her house' she becomes enraged.....though she won't give details about her grievance.
A few days after the meeting, Vera pays a visit to Charlie at the Athena College Library. Vera says she's writing a pamphlet about the town's first families and needs to look at the Ducotes' papers in the archives. When Charlie tells Vera the Ducote collection isn't open to the public, Vera is infuriated.....and Charlie wonders about her ulterior motive.
The night of the fundraiser rolls around and the attendees show up dressed as their favorite literary characters, such as Hercule Poirot, Ariadne Oliver, Thomas Pitt, Mma Ramotswe, Amelia Peabody and more. Vera, who's dressed as Scarlet O'Hara, immediately gets into a ruckus with a fellow guest. Moreover, the Ducote siblings engineer a plan to frustrate Vera's ambitions.
Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver
Thomas Pitt
Mma Ramotswe
Amelia Peabody
Scarlet O'Hara
After the party's been rocking for a while, with plenty of eating and drinking, Vera's dead body is found at the bottom of a back staircase. Unfortunately, Charlie's housekeeper Azalea is nearby - trying to get out of a blocked door. The sheriff considers Azalea the prime suspect for Vera's murder, but Charlie's certain she's innocent and sets out to prove it.
The 'suspects' at the top of Charlie's list include the Ducote sisters; Vera's husband Monty; and Monty's (not so secret) extramarital girlfriend.....but anyone at the party could be the perp. To aid in his quest to find 'the real killer' Charlie talks to Azalea; interviews persons of interest; discusses the case with his girlfriend Helen Louise; and (secretly) liases with deputy sheriff Kanesha Berry - who's off the case because she's Azalea's daughter.
During his investigation Charlie receives a previously mailed letter from Vera containing a photograph of a woman.
This inspires the amateur sleuth to look into the library's archives, where he learns some very surprising things. Eventually Charlie puts all the clues together and solves the crime.
Much of the book's fun rests with Diesel, who's always angling to be petted by bumping his head against people's hands; climbing into people's laps; sitting beside people on the sofa; etc. Like all good pets Diesel also cadges food and treats, especially bits of bacon from the breakfast table. The humans in this story eat well also, especially because Charlie's lady friend is a professional baker and chef. 🙂
This is an entertaining cozy mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
Rating: 3 stars
The job of First Lady - which is essentially to dress well, attend public functions, support your husband, and perhaps take up a worthy cause or two - would be confining for anyone, much less a woman of Michelle Obama's abilities, drive, and accomplishments. Michelle had to give up a distinguished career in public service to help her spouse Barack Obama achieve his ambitions, and she (at least publicly) doesn't regret it. In fact, while in the White House, Michelle was able to advance some causes close to her heart, including:
- Improving children's health. This started with Michelle's White House garden, planted by fifth graders, and branched out to important changes in the food industry - especially those supplying food to schools. Michelle's efforts also resulted in many schoolkids getting more time for vigorous play and exercise.
Working in the White House garden - planted to inspire children to eat better
- Bettering the lot of servicemen. Michelle - in conjunction with Jill Biden (the Second Lady) - made it her mission to help military familes. Thus Michelle frequently visited military hospitals, talked to patients and their relatives, and convinced businesses to hire and train veterans and military spouses.
Michelle Obama visiting a military hospital - Michelle helped veterans get jobs
- Boosting education for girls. Michelle (and Barack) worked assiduously to get girls around the world the schooling they deserve. In the U.S., Michelle's efforts helped millions of girls sign up for federal student aid; got increased support for school counselors; and launched National College Signing Day - a commemoration of young people and their pursuit of higher education beyond high school.
Michelle Obama on National College Signing Day - Michelle encouraged students to continue schooling/training after high school
Taking all this into account, I'm still irked that any woman - especially a college and law school graduate - has to dim her lights so her husband can pursue his dream. Now that her tenure in the White House is over, I'm hoping for great things from Michelle.....though she vows that politics is not for her and she'll never run for President.
*****
Michelle Robinson grew up in a strong nuclear family on the South Side of Chicago. Michelle, her older brother Craig, and their parents rented the upstairs apartment of a small two-family home owned by a great aunt and uncle. Michelle's mother was a stay-at-home mom and her father tended boilers at a water-filtration plant.
Marian and Fraser Robinson with Craig and Michelle - the Robinsons aimed high for their children
Growing up, Michelle was enveloped by relatives, and during her family's regular weekend outings they would always visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Michelle's favorite destination was the home of her maternal grandfather 'Southside', who would cook for everyone and play music from his extensive record collection.
Michelle's forebears had few chances to better themselves. Her paternal grandfather 'Dandy' moved to Chicago in the 1930s, hoping to earn money to go to college. But African Americans couldn't get good jobs - such as electricians, steelworkers, carpenters, or plumbers - because they were denied union cards. So Dandy became a handyman and gave up the idea of getting a higher education.
This kind of discrimination thwarted the advancement of generations of African Americans, and Michelle's parents were determined to help Craig and Michelle succeed. Michelle's mother Marian was an especially powerful force. When Michelle reported that her second grade teacher couldn't teach or control the classroom, Marian said "Oh dear" and quietly lobbied the school. Michelle was then tested.....and placed in an orderly third grade class. In later life, Michelle thought back with concern, wondering what happened to the kids who'd been left behind.
Young Michelle Robinson - Michelle's mom made sure she got a good teacher
When Michelle's father Fraser Robinson was in his thirties he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over the years Fraser's symptoms worsened and his mobility declined, but he continued to do fun things with his family - like going for drives and taking a yearly vacation at 'Dukes Happy Holiday Resort' in Michigan. Even when Fraser had to use a walker, and then a wheelchair, he didn't miss a day of work and never complained. Fraser was the sort of person who "just kept moving forward", and this undoubtedly sent a powerful message to his children.
As Craig and Michelle got older, their parents treated them like mature individuals and talked to them about drugs, sex, life choices, race, inequality, and politics. Marian and Fraser then left their offspring to make their own decisions, trusting they'd do the right thing.
Michelle's journey through school was eased by her brother Craig, who was two years ahead of her. Craig - who got good grades and was a basketball star - was very popular with teachers and schoolmates.....and being his sister was a huge plus. Nevertheless, Michelle's constant worry was, "Am I good enough?"
Michelle's anxiety increased when she tested into Chicago's first magnet school - Whitney M. Young High School - which had a much more diverse group of students than Michelle was used to. In addition to kids from working class neighborhoods like hers, there were white students from Chicago's prosperous North Side, and members of the 'African American elite', who belonged to social clubs, took ski vacations and traveled overseas.....things completely off young Michelle's radar. To keep up with her classmates - or even forge ahead - Michelle worked extra hard at schoolwork, homework, and extracurricular activities.
Michelle Robinson in high school
This compulsion continued at Princeton University, where Michelle was one of few females, and even fewer African Americans. Socially, Michelle was most comfortable at Princeton's 'Third World Center' (TWC) where students of color gathered. Scholastically, Michelle took her minority status as a mandate to overperform - to keep up with or even pass by more privileged students.
At Princeton Michelle got a work-study position with Czerny Brasuell, the director of the TWC. Michelle describes Czerny as an 'uber mentor' who lobbied for more inclusive policies for minorities and helped individual students improve their lot. Czerny became a role model for Michelle, who admired her work ethic and accomplishments.
Czerny Brasuell - Director of Princeton's Third World Center - she was a big influence on Michelle
Michelle Robinson at Princeton University
Michelle Robinson's college graduation picture
After Princeton, Michelle attended Harvard Law School, then got a position with Chicago's prestigious Sidley & Austin Law Firm. There she was asked to mentor an incoming summer associate - a law student from Harvard - who turned out to be Barack Obama. Michelle and Barack started out as mentor and mentee, became friends, started to date, then fell in love. Michelle describes Barack as "a catch." He was good-looking, poised, successful, athletic, interesting and kind. Barack was also cerebral, and though he could be lighthearted, always had a sense of obligation...to help his community.
Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama at Sidley & Austin Law Firm - Michelle was Barack's mentor when he was a summer associate
Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama - young and in love 💖
In the part of the book titled 'Becoming Us', Michelle writes about the development of her relationship with Barack; his delightful surprise proposal; their engagement; and their wedding - which was a large, joyous affair. Unfortunately, Fraser Robinson had succumbed to his illness two years before the nuptials, so Craig walked his sister down the aisle.
The Bride
The Bride and Groom
Michelle wasn't satisfied being a corporate lawyer and wanted a job where she could help the community. Thus Michelle took a steep cut in salary to become an assistant to Chicago's Mayor Daley. Afterwards, Michelle's career advanced step by step as she became executive director of the Chicago chapter of 'Public Allies' - which trains young people to work in community organizations and non-profit agencies; then associate Dean at the University of Chicago - where she focused on community relations; and finally Executive Director for Community Affairs at the The University of Chicago Medical Center - where she promoted community outreach.
Along the way Michelle met Susan Sher and Valerie Jarrett, two women "who were confident and ran meetings and spoke their minds and influenced people; women who knew their voices and were unafraid to use them.....and were mothers." That was exactly what Michellle wanted, "everything", a work life and a home life.
Michelle Obama and Susan Sher - a role model/mentor
Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett - a role model/mentor
In the meantime, Barack was pursuing his career: teaching a class about racism at the University of Chicago Law School; working at a law firm; running community-organizing workshops; and revising his book 'Dreams From My Father.' Anxious to do good things, Barack entered politics, and Michelle describes the trajectory of his political career, from State Senator to President.
As their careers advanced, Michelle and Barack decided to start a family - which was easier said than done. Michelle had trouble getting pregnant; suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage; and used IVF to conceive Malia and then Sasha. Michelle and Barack were happy and devoted parents, but Barack's career required long stints away from home, so the brunt of 'home responsbilities' fell to Michelle.
Michelle and Barack Obama with Malia and Sasha
Michelle was at least partly prepared for political life because of her high school friendship with Santita Jackson, daughter of the civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician Jesse Jackson. Hanging around Santita's house, Michelle was exposed to the life of a political leader - with people constantly coming and going; plans alway being made; and Jackson's frequent absences from home.
Michelle's friend Santita Jackson with her father Jesse Jackson
Once Barack started running for President, life became grueling for both himself and Michelle. Michelle had an extensive role in the campaign and - particularly because she was black - was "under a microscope." Everything Michelle said and did and wore was scrutinized, and Republicans and the right wing media took every opportunity to criticize her, cut her down, take her remarks out of context, say cruel things about her, etc.. According to Michelle, "the punches hurt", but she forged ahead with unstoppable drive.
In the latter part of the book, Michelle talks about being First Lady; what it's like to live in the White House; and how she tried to make sure her daughters had as normal a life as possible. Michelle had to attend an endless stream of functions, parties, and galas, and - to look fashionable and put together - hired a wardrobe stylist, hairdresser, and make-up artist. (This part of being First Lady, at least, sounds like fun.)
Michelle Obama became a fashion icon
Finally, Michelle mentions leaving the White House and resuming a 'normal life', which is still a work in progress.
I've tried to give a brief overview of Michelle's story, but you'll have to read the book to read her compelling personal anecdotes about family; friends; schools; teachers; bullies; piano lessons; her best friend dying from cancer; visits to Kenya; vacations in Hawaii; election night nerves; inaugural balls; the family dogs Bo and Sunny; Malia and Sasha; Joe and Jill Biden; Hillary Clinton; Queen Elizabeth; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Donald Trump; and much more.
Michelle and Barack Obama at the inaugural ball
Bo (right) and Sunny Obama
Michelle and Barack Obama with Malia and Sasha (when the girls were preteens)
Barack Obama with little Malia and Sasha on vacation
Jill and Joe Biden with the Obamas
Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth
The book is well-written and illuminating, a fine first memoir from a First Lady.
Rating: 5 stars
