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Death on Hold: A Prisoner's Desperate Prayer and the Unlikely Family Who Became God's Answer
A death-row inmate prays to God for a friend and is answered in ways that are nothing short of miraculous.
In January 1983 Burt Folsom read a story in Time about Mitch Rutledge, a man on death row with an IQ of 84 who said he was sorry for what he did. "Forget him," the last line of the story read. But Burt wrote Mitch a letter and discovered a man more interesting and intelligent than the article revealed.
Burt and his wife, Anita, began a friendship with Mitch and saw him become a leader and role model for others in prison, teaching himself to read and write (starting with copying down the spelling of items he knew from TV commercials) and becoming a national spokesman on prison life.
Death on Hold is the amazing story of their friendship, and of grace, reconciliation, and redemption for a man without hope who was given a future.
In January 1983 Burt Folsom read a story in Time about Mitch Rutledge, a man on death row with an IQ of 84 who said he was sorry for what he did. "Forget him," the last line of the story read. But Burt wrote Mitch a letter and discovered a man more interesting and intelligent than the article revealed.
Burt and his wife, Anita, began a friendship with Mitch and saw him become a leader and role model for others in prison, teaching himself to read and write (starting with copying down the spelling of items he knew from TV commercials) and becoming a national spokesman on prison life.
Death on Hold is the amazing story of their friendship, and of grace, reconciliation, and redemption for a man without hope who was given a future.
Audio CD
First published August 1, 2015
About the author
Burton W. Folsom Jr.
15 books55 followersBurton W. Folsom, Jr. (born 1947 in Nebraska) is an American historian and author who holds the Charles F. Kline chair in history and management at Hillsdale College and is a senior fellow in economic education for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 4, 2015
This was not a good fit for me. While I applaud the notion of rehabilitation and finding resources of faith in incarceration, I didn’t find the author’s voice authentic. Maybe this is due to ghost writer assistance.
I worked as an executive for an agency that manages Job Corps Centers, including the one Rutledge attended. These government funded agencies can be a turn around for at-risk youth but the student has to commit. Rutledge’ s lack of commitment and responsibility, especially to prostitute runaways he helped prey upon, really bothered me. It’s like he dismissed his criminal activity on one, “I wasn’t so awful” and two, “it’s my upbringing”.There is certainly statistical merit to this argument. However, the author’s voice does not match the nature of his true story.
This could be due to the editing and not the subject. Overall, not my favorite on the subject and a missed opportunity to provide a relatable narrative to at-risk youth and related parties like the Folsoms. See Sister Helen Prejean for seemingly truer to life death row rehab stories. Or better yet, see some at -risk youth in action by volunteering somewhere!
I worked as an executive for an agency that manages Job Corps Centers, including the one Rutledge attended. These government funded agencies can be a turn around for at-risk youth but the student has to commit. Rutledge’ s lack of commitment and responsibility, especially to prostitute runaways he helped prey upon, really bothered me. It’s like he dismissed his criminal activity on one, “I wasn’t so awful” and two, “it’s my upbringing”.There is certainly statistical merit to this argument. However, the author’s voice does not match the nature of his true story.
This could be due to the editing and not the subject. Overall, not my favorite on the subject and a missed opportunity to provide a relatable narrative to at-risk youth and related parties like the Folsoms. See Sister Helen Prejean for seemingly truer to life death row rehab stories. Or better yet, see some at -risk youth in action by volunteering somewhere!
October 12, 2020
A gripping story of redemption & the reality of prison protocol among inmates.
Forgiveness and transformation by God's grace are key in this story. Mitch Rutledge, a man without family, has a group of Christians who, by God's miracle, become his family.
Forgiveness and transformation by God's grace are key in this story. Mitch Rutledge, a man without family, has a group of Christians who, by God's miracle, become his family.
February 6, 2021
Interesting & easy to read. I found Mitchell Rutledge's story engrossing. The sad trajectory of his early life was like an unstoppable train. He lived what he saw. He wasn't taught differently. His self-comparison to Clarence Thomas is eye-opening. Oh, what a difference a father-figure makes in the life of a boy!
The instances of his feeling God's love and peace were truly touching; especially for a man who (at that time) had no real concept of God. As he questions his life and decisions, and realizes what life is really all about, his focus on God and being a Christian sets a perfect example for every single person struggling to better themselves. Not to mention...teaching himself to read, refusing to play "prison games", and being a positive influence for at-risk youth as well as his fellow inmates.
This story is real and raw and honest. He seems genuinely remorseful for his past actions. And he seems to have God's love in his heart. His poem "My Soul" was beautiful.
Prayers for continued betterment and blessings on Mitchell Rutledge.
The instances of his feeling God's love and peace were truly touching; especially for a man who (at that time) had no real concept of God. As he questions his life and decisions, and realizes what life is really all about, his focus on God and being a Christian sets a perfect example for every single person struggling to better themselves. Not to mention...teaching himself to read, refusing to play "prison games", and being a positive influence for at-risk youth as well as his fellow inmates.
This story is real and raw and honest. He seems genuinely remorseful for his past actions. And he seems to have God's love in his heart. His poem "My Soul" was beautiful.
Prayers for continued betterment and blessings on Mitchell Rutledge.
January 17, 2021
This book is an incredible labor of love. Mitch's story inspires one to reassess the effectiveness of his or her own love, and gives one an opportunity to pause and grow gratefulness for both the material and spiritual resources God has provided. It subtly reminds us that imprisoned or not, we all fall short and are convicted without any other hope except the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Thus, we must acknowledge and meet true repentance from others with warm love and celebration. No matter what crime has been committed, despite man's judgement, God accepts a truly repentant heart.
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October 7, 2020Mitch Rutledge writes honestly and openly about childhood, being on death row, the justice system, and the politics in jail and outside of jail. He speaks of his highs and his lows, breaking points and growing points. He praises his friends and his friends praise him.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his story in his words, even when at times it was difficult to read. Some parts of the book highlighted the ugliness of jail, and since I knew what he was writing was real I found myself overcome with emotion. Mitch tells things honestly, but not crudely. He shares what is necessary for the reader to understand what life looks like for him, yet he writes so positively. His outlook isn’t the hardship he is going through, rather he looks for opportunities to grow, to be a mentor, and to lead where he is at. Readers may leave with the challenge to ask themselves, “What am I doing to support others right now?”.
Interspersed in the chapters were Mitch’s poems from the time of learning to write and the end of the book. These poems represented the changes in Mitch’s literacy and perception of the world. I personally appreciated getting to see these poems. They speak of life as he knows it, however simple.
One of the primary themes of the story is Mitch finding friends, or as he lovingly calls them, family. Sister Lillian and Burton Folsom both read a 1983 Times magazine article highlighting Mitch, when he was on death row. Sister Lillian was outraged at the language used to describe Mitch and wrote to Times magazine to tell them so. Her letter was shared with Mitch and they began a pen-pal friendship cross-country. Burton also read the article and wrote a letter to Mitch. Burton and Anita Folsom both write in the book with their stories about Mitch throughout the years. I enjoyed reading about Mitch’s friendships from his point of view and the view of his friends. I felt more connected to Mitch by getting a fuller picture of who he is.
“Death on Hold” is an incredible memoir which can speak to the heart of any reader. It speaks of political and social issues we are dealing with today, without neglecting the personal story of Mitch. I would recommend this book to a mature reader, as there are some adult concepts written about. If you are interested in learning about the justice system, individuals involved in the system, or a new world view, I highly recommend this book. While Mitch is still in prison, the book ends with the hope to one day be released on parole. I look forward to watching this story unfold in real time now.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his story in his words, even when at times it was difficult to read. Some parts of the book highlighted the ugliness of jail, and since I knew what he was writing was real I found myself overcome with emotion. Mitch tells things honestly, but not crudely. He shares what is necessary for the reader to understand what life looks like for him, yet he writes so positively. His outlook isn’t the hardship he is going through, rather he looks for opportunities to grow, to be a mentor, and to lead where he is at. Readers may leave with the challenge to ask themselves, “What am I doing to support others right now?”.
Interspersed in the chapters were Mitch’s poems from the time of learning to write and the end of the book. These poems represented the changes in Mitch’s literacy and perception of the world. I personally appreciated getting to see these poems. They speak of life as he knows it, however simple.
One of the primary themes of the story is Mitch finding friends, or as he lovingly calls them, family. Sister Lillian and Burton Folsom both read a 1983 Times magazine article highlighting Mitch, when he was on death row. Sister Lillian was outraged at the language used to describe Mitch and wrote to Times magazine to tell them so. Her letter was shared with Mitch and they began a pen-pal friendship cross-country. Burton also read the article and wrote a letter to Mitch. Burton and Anita Folsom both write in the book with their stories about Mitch throughout the years. I enjoyed reading about Mitch’s friendships from his point of view and the view of his friends. I felt more connected to Mitch by getting a fuller picture of who he is.
“Death on Hold” is an incredible memoir which can speak to the heart of any reader. It speaks of political and social issues we are dealing with today, without neglecting the personal story of Mitch. I would recommend this book to a mature reader, as there are some adult concepts written about. If you are interested in learning about the justice system, individuals involved in the system, or a new world view, I highly recommend this book. While Mitch is still in prison, the book ends with the hope to one day be released on parole. I look forward to watching this story unfold in real time now.
July 29, 2023
This book unfolds the redemption story of Mitch Rutledge a young black man guilty of murder, in an Alabama prison on death row.
Mitch was born in poverty when his mom was 13, a child herself. His mother died when Mitch was 16 and illiterate. Mitch’s lack of family support, no father figure, and an education system that failed him contributed to choices of crime and survival on the streets.
Mitch confessed his crime when arrested and called out to God while in jail. He wanted to live. He wanted friends. God answered this man’s prayer in an amazing way. God brought together some unlikely people who became Mitch’s life-long friends and considered one another family. These people were stirred to action by a Time magazine article in which the writer referred to Mitch as “defective” and “not worth killing” and concluded the article with the sentence, “Forget him.”
Through the letters of few people Mitch finds renewed hope, encouragement, and support. The relationships develop through letter writing, a hurdle for Mitch to overcome because he does not know how to read or write. But he teaches himself to do both eventually getting his GED and some college courses.
This story highlights more than Mitch’s redemption, it reveals the monumental changes that a small act of kindness and compassion can produce. It also shows the sad reality of the penal system in the U.S. Interspersed throughout the book are poems Mitch has written. They give the reader an authentic snapshot of his struggles, desires, faith, and growth.
This story resonated with me and stirred memories. A couple decades ago, I worked a job on staff at a church with an active prison ministry. Through that position, I worked closely with a felon who had served his time and like Mitch had become a Christian while in prison. His crime wasn’t murder but had life-long repercussions. Due to his genuine remorse and sorrow of his sins, forgiveness of Christ, and humble acceptance of the societal and legal consequences he was able to lead a productive life and give back when he was released. He became an excellent writer and Bible teacher touching the hearts of many incarcerated inmates through a prison ministry news letter.
For the Christian, this book can also serve as a self-reflective prompt about, “What can I do to make a difference in someone’s life?”
Mitch was born in poverty when his mom was 13, a child herself. His mother died when Mitch was 16 and illiterate. Mitch’s lack of family support, no father figure, and an education system that failed him contributed to choices of crime and survival on the streets.
Mitch confessed his crime when arrested and called out to God while in jail. He wanted to live. He wanted friends. God answered this man’s prayer in an amazing way. God brought together some unlikely people who became Mitch’s life-long friends and considered one another family. These people were stirred to action by a Time magazine article in which the writer referred to Mitch as “defective” and “not worth killing” and concluded the article with the sentence, “Forget him.”
Through the letters of few people Mitch finds renewed hope, encouragement, and support. The relationships develop through letter writing, a hurdle for Mitch to overcome because he does not know how to read or write. But he teaches himself to do both eventually getting his GED and some college courses.
This story highlights more than Mitch’s redemption, it reveals the monumental changes that a small act of kindness and compassion can produce. It also shows the sad reality of the penal system in the U.S. Interspersed throughout the book are poems Mitch has written. They give the reader an authentic snapshot of his struggles, desires, faith, and growth.
This story resonated with me and stirred memories. A couple decades ago, I worked a job on staff at a church with an active prison ministry. Through that position, I worked closely with a felon who had served his time and like Mitch had become a Christian while in prison. His crime wasn’t murder but had life-long repercussions. Due to his genuine remorse and sorrow of his sins, forgiveness of Christ, and humble acceptance of the societal and legal consequences he was able to lead a productive life and give back when he was released. He became an excellent writer and Bible teacher touching the hearts of many incarcerated inmates through a prison ministry news letter.
For the Christian, this book can also serve as a self-reflective prompt about, “What can I do to make a difference in someone’s life?”
September 22, 2020
Compelling, enlightening, and convicting. This is an insightful and honest book about crime, punishment, redemption, broken systems, and how God can work to change hearts and lives.
One negative that doesn’t detract from my rating: It is a bit strange that Mitch Rutledge, whom this book is about and who purportedly wrote most of the book via letters over a period of several years, didn’t get credit as an author.
One negative that doesn’t detract from my rating: It is a bit strange that Mitch Rutledge, whom this book is about and who purportedly wrote most of the book via letters over a period of several years, didn’t get credit as an author.
February 20, 2021
A heartbreaking and inspiring story that's challenged me to pay far more attention to inmates of prisons around the world - whether on death row or otherwise. My prayers are with Mitch.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
April 5, 2018
Interesting
This book is no literary gem, but it does keep your attention and gives a view of prison life and how God can work even in the worst of situations. It tends to be repetitious, but is still worth the short time it takes to read it.
This book is no literary gem, but it does keep your attention and gives a view of prison life and how God can work even in the worst of situations. It tends to be repetitious, but is still worth the short time it takes to read it.
January 21, 2019
Loved seeing how God worked in the lives of this man & those that became his new family. Very inspiring!
April 26, 2019
The most moving book i have read.
December 30, 2019
I highly recommend this book. It is eye-opening!
March 28, 2020
The writing style wasn't great but the content really was, so really enjoyed this true account of life on death row.
January 3, 2023
So so so good! What a wonderful testimony of a life worth saving, redemption and how God can use what our society would say is the “least of these”! He added to my life I know!
March 3, 2024
Very powerful! You will not want to put this book down.
September 29, 2015
Death on Hold was the first book I’d ever read that was based on the life of an inmate. Very intense at times, somber and sad at others, but told from the perspective of the one who lived the moments. It’s an amazing story of growth, love, forgiveness and God’s redemption.
Mitch Rutledge made some bad choices after his mother passed and his dad abandoned him and his siblings. He took to the streets and followed the path of drugs, alcohol and gangs. Finding his “family” in the gang worked for a length of time, but eventually landed him in trouble. He made a decision to take a life, and as a result, was found out by the law, and prosecuted.
Mitch’s story is told primarily by Mitch, however he begins to develop relationships with some families outside of prison; people who want to show him hope, the Gospel and love. These families that wrote to him shared their perspectives through this book as well. It’s beautiful to see their hearts and viewpoints during court sessions, meeting Mitch in the “yard” and during their prayers as he had to wait to see if he could get off of death row.
To Mitch, a young man who couldn’t read or write, it took a while to find out what the letter writers were saying, but he began to study English and believe that he had value. Fellow inmates would read him the letters of those who wanted to teach him about Jesus, and as a result, he learned to read and write, and took what he was learning from his friends and the Bible to heart. He ended up becoming repentant, and became a person known in prison for staying neutral and defusing tough situations.
Read this book to learn the story of a man who is rehabilitated, learn about Jesus in a new way, and/or see the work of the Lord behind bars. No one is out of His reach!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Mitch Rutledge made some bad choices after his mother passed and his dad abandoned him and his siblings. He took to the streets and followed the path of drugs, alcohol and gangs. Finding his “family” in the gang worked for a length of time, but eventually landed him in trouble. He made a decision to take a life, and as a result, was found out by the law, and prosecuted.
Mitch’s story is told primarily by Mitch, however he begins to develop relationships with some families outside of prison; people who want to show him hope, the Gospel and love. These families that wrote to him shared their perspectives through this book as well. It’s beautiful to see their hearts and viewpoints during court sessions, meeting Mitch in the “yard” and during their prayers as he had to wait to see if he could get off of death row.
To Mitch, a young man who couldn’t read or write, it took a while to find out what the letter writers were saying, but he began to study English and believe that he had value. Fellow inmates would read him the letters of those who wanted to teach him about Jesus, and as a result, he learned to read and write, and took what he was learning from his friends and the Bible to heart. He ended up becoming repentant, and became a person known in prison for staying neutral and defusing tough situations.
Read this book to learn the story of a man who is rehabilitated, learn about Jesus in a new way, and/or see the work of the Lord behind bars. No one is out of His reach!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 25, 2015
loved it! "the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity"
"human nature is constant across economic, class and educational lines" my favorite lines from the book
would read again
redemption
"human nature is constant across economic, class and educational lines" my favorite lines from the book
would read again
redemption
Read
February 2, 2016Very important book. Prison life is not what you might think - it is much more violent, insidious, and twisted than what most understand. Yet given that sad reality the Lord saves and sanctifies His own even there. This is one such story and worthy of your time.
November 28, 2015
Inspirational to read about a young man who's life appeared doomed, being in prison on death row, but he persevered and has become a role model and a leader in prison.
February 29, 2016
Death on Hold
What an awesome story of God's redemption and how the sovereign God takes our mess and makes it a message to his glory.
What an awesome story of God's redemption and how the sovereign God takes our mess and makes it a message to his glory.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews