But author Joseph Diaz continues by sharing his own experience of indecision in regards to the death penalty, which is compounded by various arguments on both sides of the issue. Finally, when faced with witnessing the execution of Castro, the author comes to terms with the death penalty, concluding it is not the solution.

What especially captured me was the author's style and candidness. He has a sense of humor that is used appropriately, helping to relieve some of the edginess that builds from the intense subject. I was able to know the author as he shared his innermost thoughts that at times, if not odd, bordered on bizarre. Yet, they were very much like the thoughts that sometimes pop into my own mind and that we probably all encounter but would be unwilling to share with even our closest confidant.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Witness To A State-Sponsored Killing  Apr 22, 2003
By Bruce Crocker "agnostictrickster"
Edward Castro was a piece of work. He was a sociopathic serial killer who enjoyed his life of crime way too much. Professor Joseph Diaz is a Professor of Sociology who specializes in criminology and antisocial behavior, has a wife and kids, and is a very Christian man. Professor Diaz was also a person who used to be ambivalent about the death penalty. The Execution Of A Serial Killer is Professor Diaz' very personal story of how he came to watch Edward Castro executed by the State of Florida, and what effect this event had on his thinking. I was thoroughly involved with Diaz' physical and mental journey, and highly recommend this book, especially to those folks who are either ambivalent about the death penalty or pro-death penalty, but couldn't see themselves pushing the button personally.

5 of 6 found the following review helpful:

shocking!  Feb 08, 2003
By Carrie Hoversten, Student
I could not put the book down, it kept you always interested wondering how the author was going to deal with certain situations he put himself in. The author also made you think twice about whether we should or should not be using this as a punishment. This was a great book and I would recomend everyone to take the time to read this book!

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

A MUST READ  Feb 07, 2003
By Kristin L.
This book is absolutely brilliant! Regardless of your position on the death penalty, you will be extremely moved. The author offers such an intense emotional reaction to what he witnessed that the reader will constantly want to turn the page. Excellent!

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

gripping.... a must read  Sep 12, 2008
By Reader Bailey
This book a must read. Gripping from the first page to the last. Dr. Diaz goes into more than just the behavior of Edward Castro. He explores other factors that helped contributed to what may have caused Castro to become a killer. While exploring these factors, one theme is constant - Castro was responsible for his actions. This book also explores the effects witnessing an execution has on those who witnessed it. This book is in two words.....well done.

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