Flame-out : From Prosecuting Jeffrey MacDonald to Serving Time to Serving Tables (Hardcover)

~ James Blackburn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What books should I take with me on vacation?" "Flame-out" is a good read. -- The Cary News - Carolina Voices - D.G. Martin - May 31, 2000

Product Description

Story of prosecution of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald for the triple murders of his family. Subsequent fall from grace from the practice of law, diagnosis fo severe depression, subsequent imprisonment, and later waiting tables in very public restaurant to survive. A story of how to survive extreme adversity...a real journey of faith.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Leslie Books (May 17, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967737400
• ISBN-13: 978-0967737409
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #259,972 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed lessons, September 1, 2000

By A Customer

The title of this book may initially attract you because of the famous Jeffery Mcdonald murder case. But the book itself ends up being about every man..our temptations, our potential for self-destruction without regard to education or socio-economic status. And yet James Blackburn gives us a message: there is redemption--but apparently only through confession, humiliation and loss. This is an easy concept to preach but actually doing it is another thing entirely. This book is written by a man who did all of it and lived to tell the tale as a better person. It was gave me insight into myself and others--- and taught me not to judge a person by scandal in the newspaper.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A courageous and honest book, October 20, 2003

By	"efchay" (Potomac, MD United States) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be a real exercise in courage, humility and honesty on the part of James Blackburn, and I admire him for it greatly. The fall from grace that he experienced would have completely and utterly destroyed a weaker man. To be so high and to fall so low is truly not to be underestimated. Blackburn is to be commended for sharing as much of his personal story as he did.

The honesty with which he deals with his depression are perhaps the most compelling parts of this book. It's rare that a reader is granted access to the inside of a depressed mind. Blackburn does a decent job of showing the reader what his state of mind was like at the time.

All in all, however, the book suffers from Blackburn's storytelling skills. The book reads rather much like it was directly transcribed from dictation. There is very little art in Blackburn's writing.

Nevertheless, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from work-related depression. It's truly a unique and useful read in that regard.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Candid and inspirational, September 26, 2000

By	msedrn "msedrn" (TX. USA) - See all my reviews

I have a great deal of respect for the author. Writing this book must
have been a daunting task; one that required an immense amount of
courage. Mr. Blackburn's candor and honesty are unique and refreshing,
and the story of his fall and relatively rapid return to grace
sensational. Overcoming depression is a daunting task, one that many
individuals are unable to conquer. The first step in the journey may
be to recognize that you need help. Admitting that you have a problem
can be difficult and painful. Once you admit the problem and find
help, you must work extremely hard to conquer your demons! Overcoming
depression is a great deal of work. This book inspires readers to
climb their personal mountain to achieve and overcome obstacles. I am
both inspired and refreshed, and I sincerely admire the author for
coming back despite odds that appeared insurmountable. Although local
readers are likely to know the story of Mr. Blackburn's conviction,
writing the book has turned the story into a national one. I
appreciate and admire the author for his honesty, strenth and courage,
and wish Mr. Blackburn future success. I hope he continues writing!