Flame-Out: From Prosecuting Jeffrey MacDonald to Serving Time to Serving Tables

by James Blackburn

Book Overview

In a criminal courtroom, three important chairs face the judge and witness stand -- one for the prosecutor, one for the defense attorney, and one for the defendant. I have sat in all three. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967737400
• ISBN13: 9780967737409
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Leslie Books
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Factual and courageous

Jim Blackburn is a wonderful person who has chosen to open his heart to the world. The lessons to be learned by his journey from respected lawyer to convicted felon and then to waiter are invaluable. Without having a preaching or condecending tone, Jim relates to the reader his experiences and what he learned from them. It would add another wonderful chapter to his story if this books becomes a best seller.

Candid and inspirational

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

Much needed lessons

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.

Confronting the enemy

This book tells a fascinating story that engages the reader on a number of levels. You learn what it is like to be an underdog prosecutor in one of the most celebrated murder cases ever to be tried in North Carolina and to win in a David vs.Goliath-type contest that has enough twists and turns to satisfy the most avid mystery buff. You then learn what happens to that underdog prosecutor when he goes on to fame and fortune--only to have it all unravel in a most incredible way due to the devastating effects of depression. Jim Blackburn tells his remarkable story with great courage, honesty, and good humor. He reminds me of Pogo, who confronted the enemy only to find that "it is us." Mr. Blackburn's openness in facing the facts of his life and in telling how he started over again on a whole new path is truly inspiring. I would highly recommend this book to anyone going through a difficult time, to anyone seeking a testament to the possibilities of the human spirit, and to anyone just looking for a "good read."

Uplifting and Inspirational

Excellent book. True story that takes you from the highs of a successful criminal prosecution to the lows of prison and back to the highs of happiness and satisfaction with yourself. Quick and easy to read - Hard to put down. Buy it now...You'll enjoy it!