A Life in the Balance

The Billy Wayne Sinclair Story, a Journey from Murder to Redemption Inside America's Worst Prison System

By: Billy Wayne Sinclair, Jodie Sinclair

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

We all know that life in prison ain't grand, but the utter horror of it springs from the pages of this autobiography, written by a one-time death-row inmate. Billy Wayne Sinclair is now serving a reduced 90-year sentence for murdering a Baton Rouge convenience store owner in a robbery gone wrong more than three decades ago. His story of an adult life spent in one of Louisiana's harshest prisons is amazing, not only because he has survived with his soul intact, but because it provides such a raw look at the inner workings of a system bent on revenge, not rehabilitation.

Sinclair claims he was brutally beaten by his father as a child. But that abuse has been upstaged by the stabbings, suicides, and rapes he has witnessed while in custody of the state. His descriptions of lives lost behind bars are gripping and tragic. Along the way, Sinclair also chronicles bloody integration battles, drug dealing, and political corruption. And he falls in love.

Coauthor and wife Jodie Sinclair was a TV reporter working on a death-row story when the two met. Their unlikely pairing consumes much of the latter half of the book, although the story falls short in conveying the emotional depths of the relationship. The Sinclairs may not win the sympathy of every reader, but they have succeeded at providing a rare view of what happens to prisoners long after the crimes and court dates are over. (Jodi Mailander Farrell)

©2000, 2012 Billy Wayne Sinclair and Jodie Sinclair (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Ok

Good story but far too long with too many people. I also didn’t like how the story did not let the reader know what happened next with Billy.

good read

I thought the story was very good and well written...its sad the gentleman had to spend more than 75% of his life confined

enjoy

I enjoyed this book great story. glad everything worked out for him. People can change when given a chance.

Rare, inside glimpse

Would you listen to A Life in the Balance again? Why?

Absolutely. Between Dixon's narration and Sinclair's telling, the harsh realities of prison are laid bare. This book burrowed into my consciousness in a very personal way, so much so that when it was over I was truly lonely.

Who was your favorite character and why?

"Favorite" is not the right adjective for this book, but it would be either Billy Wayne or Jodi Sinclair.

Which scene was your favorite?

The most riveting scenes should not be retold in the context of audible's general reviews. One needs to hear them in context. It's not a rosy book, so "favorite" is again not the right adjective.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were nights when I had trouble sleeping. It wasn't a particular scene, but the general tension one has about the horrors of imprisonment.

Draged on a bit

It was a good story but went on a bit long about the political misjustice but it was a hard life for Sinclair and wife and perhaps not deserved

Great book

The narration was awesome.

The story was engaging throughout the entire book.

Shined light on the horrors of prison.

Eye opening twists and turns!

This is an unbelievable look into how broken our system is!!! For sure a must read. This has got to stop in our country!