Preview
  • That Bird Has My Wings

  • The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row
  • By: Jarvis Jay Masters
  • Narrated by: Korey Jackson
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (325 ratings)

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That Bird Has My Wings

By: Jarvis Jay Masters
Narrated by: Korey Jackson
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Publisher's summary

The New York Times Bestseller

Oprah's Book Club Pick 2022

That Bird Has My Wings is a moving memoir of a Death Row inmate who discovers Buddhism and becomes an inspirational role model for fellow inmates, guards, and a growing public.

"When I think about the fact that society, a nation, has sentenced me to death, all I can do is turn inside myself, to the place in my heart that wants so desperately to feel human, still connected to this world, as if I have a purpose."

In 1990, while serving a sentence in San Quentin for armed robbery, Jarvis Jay Masters was implicated as an accessory in the murder of a prison guard. A 23-year-old Black man, Jarvis was sentenced to death in the gas chamber. While in the maximum security section of Death Row, using the only instrument available to him—a ball-point pen filler—Masters's astounding memoir is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the talent of a fine writer.

Offering us scenes from his life that are at times poignant, revelatory, frightening, soul-stirring, painful, funny and uplifting, That Bird Has My Wings tells the story of the author’s childhood with parents addicted to heroin, an abusive foster family, a life of crime and imprisonment, and the eventual embracing of Buddhism. Masters’s story drew the attention of luminaries in the world of American Buddhism, including Pema Chodron, who wrote a story about him for O Magazine and offers a foreword to the book.

Thirty-two years after his conviction, Masters is still on Death Row. A growing movement of people believe Masters is innocent, and are actively working within the legal system to free him.

©2009 Jarvis Jay Masters (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about That Bird Has My Wings

Average customer ratings
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Agree

I hope this book becomes mandatory read for all people that can make a difference in the world.

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Heartbreaking story.

Wishing that Jarvis wish comes true.
He had the potential to be such a wonderful person and a great citizen but adults decisions took that away from him. Fly high Jarvis! When ever is your time. Blessings

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great book, didn’t enjoy the audible reader.

This story is so important! Heartbreaking and a deep look into our culture and the plight of children in the system. But the reader of this book was not my favorite. I don’t feel he conveyed the emotion well, most of it was in what I call “announcer tone “.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating story

Heartfelt story and eye opener to things that go on in other lives and how someone can easily stray down the wrong path in that world.

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A Human Survival Narrative

This autobiography provides a powerful personal perspective of being born into drug addiction & violence; the importance of parental & famial relationships; the development of self-worth and purpose; the harmful effects of numerous placements, corporal punishment, & unmonitored guardians; and the power of meditation, patience, mentors, introspection, insight, connectedness, growth, and understanding. Namaste

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Sad

So very sad, and it made me angry on how he was treated at the foster home.

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Great read

Reflection was great. I enjoyed the whole book and all the characters. This book was insightful and eye opening.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Tragic and honest

I enjoyed the narration-clear and easy to listen to- delivering a harsh story with a calm voice. I enjoyed the author’s journey through his pain- the only triumph in his life was his growth as a person and his control of his own thoughts. This story is the story of many other men who are destined from childhood to live a difficult life. It’s tragic and sheds light on a broken system in our society.

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A Worthy Read

Jarvis’ story is worthy of compassion even though he admits to his abhorrent criminal behavior. His coming to meditation, self reflection, and acceptance of consequences is a silver lining of his tragic story.

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Amazing story

Although this was an amazing story it was also very heartbreaking. I feel sorry for all who has been failed my the system. I recommend all read this book. It was very well written and thank you for sharing.

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