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I Shall Not Die: Seventy-two Hours on Death Watch
The powerful memoirs of Billy Neal Moore detailing his being on deathwatch with only seventy-two hours to live, makes this a breathtaking saga of one man's journey deep behind the veil of execution protocol. This dramatic and compelling human account of how the same man embodied the worst and best mankind has to offer; is a testament to the redemptive power of God touching the human soul as the grace of forgiveness is granted to one man, giving him his live back again so that he can help others to experience the same forgiveness. This book is timely and a needed social commentary on the nature of crime. The criminal justice system and capital punishment yet it is a testament to the glory and power of God's love today as it spreads through each one of us, regardless of our imperfections and our past mistakes. It is proof that each human being is capable of being redeemed.
- GenresMemoir
96 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 2, 2023
Billy Neal Moore was arrested and convicted for the 1974 murder of Fred Stapleton. Moore had attempted to rob Stapleton's house and in the midst of it, he shot and killed him. He was sentenced to death by electrocution and thereafter spent 17 years on Death Row. This memoir details the 72 hours he spent on Death Watch prior to his execution date.
There is no doubt that Billy has led an incredibly difficult life, which he alludes to in his book. This memoir doesn't explicitly seek to redeem Billy or remove him of any faults, but it does so with sheer awareness and humility. Moore details the prison system and his experience in the Death Watch cell bluntly and frankly. He describes his daily dealings with the guards, his friendship with other inmates, and the support system he had gained over the years. One of the most surprising things was the fact that Moore had written to and apologized to Stapleton's family. Not only did they forgive him but they advocated for him as well.
Most of this memoir centers around Moore's faith in God and how that helped him through his time on Death Row. He talks about his faith consistently throughout his memoir and how he strongly believed that he wouldn't die in the electric chair. Even on the day of his execution, when all hope seemed to have been lost, he was firm in his belief that he wouldn't die. He was spared just hours before his execution.
The reason I gave this memoir 2 stars is because I felt that there was a lot that was left unexplored and unsaid. Moore seemed reluctant to delve a bit deeper into his emotions and his experiences. I wasn't a fan of the way the chapters were structured. If you're not aware of Moore's story and past, the memoir can be a confusing read because he doesn't talk about why he was on Death Row until the final chapter. I wish he had begun with that chapter and then proceeded with his memoir.
Overall, I found this to be a very interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone who'd like to learn a bit more about the death penalty.
There is no doubt that Billy has led an incredibly difficult life, which he alludes to in his book. This memoir doesn't explicitly seek to redeem Billy or remove him of any faults, but it does so with sheer awareness and humility. Moore details the prison system and his experience in the Death Watch cell bluntly and frankly. He describes his daily dealings with the guards, his friendship with other inmates, and the support system he had gained over the years. One of the most surprising things was the fact that Moore had written to and apologized to Stapleton's family. Not only did they forgive him but they advocated for him as well.
Most of this memoir centers around Moore's faith in God and how that helped him through his time on Death Row. He talks about his faith consistently throughout his memoir and how he strongly believed that he wouldn't die in the electric chair. Even on the day of his execution, when all hope seemed to have been lost, he was firm in his belief that he wouldn't die. He was spared just hours before his execution.
The reason I gave this memoir 2 stars is because I felt that there was a lot that was left unexplored and unsaid. Moore seemed reluctant to delve a bit deeper into his emotions and his experiences. I wasn't a fan of the way the chapters were structured. If you're not aware of Moore's story and past, the memoir can be a confusing read because he doesn't talk about why he was on Death Row until the final chapter. I wish he had begun with that chapter and then proceeded with his memoir.
Overall, I found this to be a very interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone who'd like to learn a bit more about the death penalty.
July 30, 2018
The story is very touching and interesting but i have been a bit disappointed for the way is has been counted.
The murder made by the protagonist is not very clear in the book and i should have been one the most important things to described with a lot of detail.
The murder made by the protagonist is not very clear in the book and i should have been one the most important things to described with a lot of detail.
January 30, 2012
I was very moved hearing this author's story in person, and I went home and read the whole book that same day.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews