Customer Reviews

Meals to Die for

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The basic format is to list what the person was convicted of, the last meal request, what was actually served (not always the same thing), and finally the inmate's last words.

The first part of this book contains some commentary by the author on the more interesting or at least higher profile cases. He then sticks to the basic format, although that by itself it is very interesting.

I did not see this book as exploitive or demeaning to victims in any way. It is written from the perspective of someone who has the unique first-hand experience. The author didn't just research this book, he lived it.

I belong to a group that buys requested books for people serving in the military. The requests are a mixed bag, lots of Clive Cussler, James Patterson and so on. But sometimes you get something completely off the wall. Last meals of the condemned? Who knew we were keeping track? I had to crack the cover and take a look. It's about what you'd expect. We get brief bios of the prisoners, their crimes, and their requested menus.The book concludes with a few silly "jailhouse" recipes, mostly entitled "Old Sparky's Chili" or "Old Sparky's Spaghetti." Yech. But the book sucker punched me in a way I would never have imagined. These men (and one woman) commited heinous acts; cruel, violent and wanton. Their actions left a wake of broken families, broken lives. There is no bunch of people easier to hate...but when you read about the last thing on earth these wretches wanted, it can make you cry. A Hamburger All The Way is the extent of the dream. That's the most frequently requested dish. Some want a steak (which they won't get...prison kitchens substitute hamburger). A few ask for the food they may remember from childhood...corn bread and greens, but otherwise, it's fried eggs, tacos, burgers and fries. Chocolate milk and pie. The naivete of their requests, the limit of their imaginations and expectations, just made me feel unbelievably sad. Did they deserve to die? Who knows. This isn't the venue for that discussion. But their pathetic humanity is exposed in a most surprising way. "Meals to Die For" is not a book I recommend. While there is a certain ghoulish fascination in the subject matter, the book is repetitive and sordid after the first few pages...but it may make you view death row inmates with a surprising (albeit fleeting) sympathy...or empathy for their humanity.

I actually bought this book at the Texas Huntsville Prison Museum. Very intesting read. The author does give his polictical view in the beginning of the book (which being from Texas I did not agree with) but all in all the book is a very intersting read. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the justice system and the life inmates face in prison. The last words of the prisoners make for a heart wrenching read, especially after visting the prison and the museum.