From the #1 New York Times bestselling author, an extraordinary story of redemption in the darkest of places.From the #1 New York Times bestselling author, an extraordinary story of redemption in the darkest of places.Jarvis Jay Masters’s early life was a horror story whose outline we know too well. Born in Long Beach, California, his house was filled with crack, alcohol, physical abuse, and men who paid his mother for sex. He and his siblings were split up and sent to foster care when he was five, and he progressed quickly to juvenile detention, car theft, armed robbery, and ultimately San Quentin. While in prison, he was set up for the murder of a guard – a conviction which landed him on death row, where he’s been since 1990.At the time of his murder trial, he was held in solitary confinement, torn by rage and anxiety, felled by headaches, seizures, and panic attacks. A criminal investigator repeatedly offered to teach him breathing exercises which he repeatedly refused, until desperation moved him.With uncanny clarity, David Sheff describes Masters’s gradual but profound transformation from a man dedicated to hurting others to one who has prevented violence on the prison yard, counselled high school kids by mail, and helped prisoners -and even guards – find meaning in their lives.Along the way, Masters becomes drawn to the Buddhist principles – compassion, sacrifice, and living in the moment -and gains the admiration of Buddhists worldwide. And while he is still in San Quentin and still on death row, he shows us all how to ease our everyday suffering, relish the light that surrounds us, and endure the tragedies that befall us all.‘This is a beautiful, profoundly spiritual book, and a page-turner. Jarvis Jay Masters’s transformation, from an unloved child of violence and poverty to Buddhist teacher on Death Row, is thrilling. Reading it changed me, threw the lights on, opened and gentled my heart. I’m going to give it to everyone I know.’ Anne Lamott, New York Times bestselling author of Almost Everything‘This profound, gorgeous book displays the miraculous human capacity to find redemption, and even joy, no matter who or where we are. Jarvis Masters’s story proves that we are all united by our suffering and by our potential to help others who suffer.’ Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking ‘An inspiring book about how meaning can be found even in—perhaps especially in—adversity. It’s a study of Buddhism, of criminal justice, of the ways people connect with each other, and it’s written with deep feeling and verve.’ Andrew Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of Far from the Tree ‘I believe [this book] will encourage many people to examine their own lives and their unrealized potential for awareness, generosity, commitment, and courage.’ Rebecca Solnit, author of Men Explain Things to Me ‘I’m grateful to be Jarvis Masters’s teacher in part because he has taught me so much. I have rarely encountered anyone who expresses the essence of Buddhism in a clearer, more moving way than he does, and I deeply admire how David Sheff has captured that hard-won wisdom in this book.’ Pema Chodron, author of When Things Fall Apart ‘This book celebrates a liberation not gained by guns and gangs, prison breaks and murder, but by sitting with one’s breath and believing in the perfection of the universe and all who strive and suffer within it. The Buddhist on Death Row is a deeply useful reminder that we can all be free regardless of where we are placed.’ Alice Walker The inspirational true story of how one man found light in the darkest placeDavid Sheff is the author of multiple books including the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Beautiful Boy, which was recently turned into a movie starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Rolling Stone, Wired, Fortune, and elsewhere. His piece for The New York Times, "My Addicted Son," received an award from the American Psychological Association for Outstanding Contribution to Advancing the Understanding of Addictions.The inspirational true story of how one man found light in the darkest place“How can you be a Buddhist in this shithole?”Without thinking, Jarvis responded, “The question for me is, ‘How can you be in this shithole without being a Buddhist?’”’• This is an extraordinary story of redemption in the most harrowing of circumstances.• Combines trends for 21st century reframing of spiritual/Buddhist principles (Gelong Thurten, Haemin Sumin, Ekhart Tolle) with conversations around masculinity (Ant Middleton, David Goggins, Admiral McRaven) and a huge appetite for inspirational ‘against-the-odds’ stories.• Rebecca Solnit it a supporter of Jarvis Jay Masters.- a more recognisable name who could be approached for a quote.https://www.lionsroar.com/the-key-to-freedom/• David Sheff is a New York Times bestselling author published in in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Wired, Fortune. His books about his son’s struggle with addiction were bestsellers in the US, and his background with this struggle shows a real connection with Justin Jay Masters in the writing. This is a story and writer who should secure some really impactful US press.Competition: Tattooist of Auschwitz; Cilka’s Journey; Librarian of Auschwitz; Beautiful Boy; The Prison Doctor; The Secret Barrister; This is Going to Hurt; A Monk’s Guide to Happiness; Sane New World. Heather Morris; Antonio Asurbe; Dr Amanda Brown; Secret Barrister; Adam Kay; Gelong Thubten; Ruby Wax
Publicat de: HarperCollins Publishers