Lighteyes214

Fantastic book!

Revisado: 03-17-20

 I don't watch football so I didn't even know who Aaron Hernandez was until he was charged in the Odin Lloyd case. I didn't follow either of his trials so I only knew what the media reported about it. I figured there was a 50/50 chance that Aaron could be guilty given that I don't fully trust the media or justice system. I didn't think anything more about Aaron or his trials until the recent documentary was released.

After watching it I had some doubts about Aaron's guilt in the Lloyd case so I purchased this book. Now I'm 100% convinced that there was reasonable doubt in the Odin Lloyd case and that Aaron got a raw deal.

The book delves much deeper than the Netflix documentary providing a more complete and factual narrative of the events. The facts and evidence concerning the events in question are laid out in painstaking detail. Jose is admittedly biased towards Aaron's innocence, but he allows the facts to shape the story. Inadvertently, he also exposes Boston PD and prosecutors as reckless seekers of justice.

The book is well written and compelling. Mr. Baez does a great job of maintaining a solid balance between covering the facts of the cases and what happened behind the scenes or in Aaron's personal life.

I'm glad that Mr. Baez decided to write this book in defense of Aaron Hernandez. People should be given the opportunity to know the facts from Aaron's side. It's unfortunate that he committed suicide because I firmly believe that his conviction would've been eventually overturned on appeal.

To any doubters - Nothing should be taken at face value. Things aren't always as they appear. Be leery of what the media feeds you. The truth is in the details.... and this book is full of them.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A love story between a man and his dog

Revisado: 03-17-20

I'd never heard of Ben Moon or his dog Denali before seeing their piercing eyes staring back at me from the shelf in the bookstore. I felt drawn to the image on the cover and purchased the title out of curiosity.

The book is a bit slow at times, but overall I found Ben's story incredibly moving and relatable. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. As a dog lover/owner I also found it to be a beautiful tribute to man's best friend. The bond between a dog and his "person" is indescribable... it's something I didn't fully understand until I became a dog owner myself. Ben captures the depth of the love and loyalty between people and their dogs perfectly.

Read less

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

"Read books that feed your soul."

Revisado: 03-17-20

Chris' ' story is absolutely incredible! I'm an avid reader so I read a lot of books. Typically I'll read during my morning commute or listen to audiobooks while working throughout the day. I can definitively say that The Master Plan has become one of my top 5 favorites. I've already recommended it to friends and look forward to gifting it during the holiday season.

The Master Plan is extremely engrossing, inspiring and enlightening. I can't say enough about it! Chris Wilson's story is a perfect example of what can happen when you don't paint members of a particular group with the same brush. If you're willing to listen and look without prejudice it may change the way you view the criminal justice system or individuals who commit crimes. In fact, I think it should be required reading for every judge, attorney and anyone working within the department of corrections.

If anyone is looking for a good follow-up read check out A Stone of Hope by Jim St. Germain

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

The story only Jim DeRogatis could write

Revisado: 06-14-19

I grew up on the south side of Chicago and vividly recall hearing the stories about R Kelly' preying on young girls when I was in high school. I even had a friend who was good friends with his first victim, Tiffany Hawkins. He'd tell anyone who would listen that R Kelly was no good and that people shouldn't support his music.  I used to see Robert hanging around Lincoln Mall frequently in suburban Matteson (not far from his mansion)  and I'd wonder why he'd waste his time there when he obviously had better things to do. It never even occurred to me that he'd be picking up his next victims.....  Jim calls Chicago, "a big small town" and I'd agree with that statement. The south side is a small community and when you grow up here you're connected to people typically by a few degrees of separation.  EVERYONE talked about R Kelly and everyone knew about his rumored affinity for young girls. People spoke of it in a matter-of-fact manner as if it were a fact of life that couldn't be changed.


I firmly believe that Jim is the sole reason why R Kelly's days as a serial predator may be numbered. Jim DeRogatis was the ONLY voice speaking on the subject publicly back then. He's been the most consistent voice fighting for all of Robert's victims. His reporting on this story has been relentless and tenacious. This book is the one only HE could write.


Growing up around the story since it's inception I was surprised that there was so much that I didn't know. The book is extremely detailed starting from the very beginning and ending with the most recent events. It's a bit dry at times, but it's a book about a serial pedophile/abuser. It's not supposed to entertaining or necessarily enjoyable.  The book is painstakingly researched and Jim handled each survivor's story with care managing to snag a few exclusive interviews along the way.


Surviving R Kelly felt like a highlight reel after reading this book. Sure the highlight reel gets all the glory, but the real work is put in when no one is watching. This book is the blood, sweat and tears of the last 20+ years that Jim has reported on this story. It can be a lot to take in at times, but It's most definitely worth the investment of your time.


Jim narrates the book in a steady monotone. He sounds exactly the same as he does when he's being interviewed or doing his podcast. His narration style isn't the most exciting or expressive, but it felt appropriate for the subject matter.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 22 personas