That Bird Has My Wings

The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row

By: Jarvis Jay Masters

Narrated by: Korey Jackson

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

Agree

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

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

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 “.

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.

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

Sad

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

Great read

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

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.

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.

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.