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  • That Bird Has My Wings

  • The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row
  • Written by: Jarvis Jay Masters
  • Narrated by: Korey Jackson
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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That Bird Has My Wings

Written by: Jarvis Jay Masters
Narrated by: Korey Jackson
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Publisher's Summary

The New York Times Bestseller

Oprah's Book Club Pick 2022

That Bird Has My Wings is a moving memoir of a Death Row inmate who discovers Buddhism and becomes an inspirational role model for fellow inmates, guards, and a growing public.

"When I think about the fact that society, a nation, has sentenced me to death, all I can do is turn inside myself, to the place in my heart that wants so desperately to feel human, still connected to this world, as if I have a purpose."

In 1990, while serving a sentence in San Quentin for armed robbery, Jarvis Jay Masters was implicated as an accessory in the murder of a prison guard. A 23-year-old Black man, Jarvis was sentenced to death in the gas chamber. While in the maximum security section of Death Row, using the only instrument available to him—a ball-point pen filler—Masters's astounding memoir is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the talent of a fine writer.

Offering us scenes from his life that are at times poignant, revelatory, frightening, soul-stirring, painful, funny and uplifting, That Bird Has My Wings tells the story of the author’s childhood with parents addicted to heroin, an abusive foster family, a life of crime and imprisonment, and the eventual embracing of Buddhism. Masters’s story drew the attention of luminaries in the world of American Buddhism, including Pema Chodron, who wrote a story about him for O Magazine and offers a foreword to the book.

Thirty-two years after his conviction, Masters is still on Death Row. A growing movement of people believe Masters is innocent, and are actively working within the legal system to free him.

©2009 Jarvis Jay Masters (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about That Bird Has My Wings

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting read! but sad circle of despair

Excellently read by Korey Jackson. His voice tone brings immerses you right into the story. You see signs of achievement from Jarvis, but it’s sad to see him repeat the same destructive behaviour and choices. Probably the fastest I e ever finished a book- it was that good. Oprah selects excellent books for her club!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping

He took responsibility for everything in his life which is the ultimate life story!!! This book left me with a different perspective about death row.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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At times I had to stop listening

A very sad and yet inspiring story that I struggled to listen to at times and thoroughly enjoyed

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