The Sun Does Shine

Someone recommended a book to me that she had heard recommended by Oprah Winfrey. The title?  The Sun Does Shine. It’s written by Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Although at first, he was justifiably angry for the blatant racism and his lawyer’s ineptness that convicted him—a conviction no white or wealthy person would have received—he decided that freedom resided in his soul. Hinton traveled the world in his imagination, the only way he could escape his 5-foot by 7-foot cell without windows. He started a book club for the other inmates and in other ways helped those on death row become a community. He kept up his spirit for 30 years until the day he walked out of prison as he said, “The sun does shine.” He received his freedom in 2015 from the Supreme Court of the United States. Since then he has worked to show people that capital punishment and our prison system are not the answer.

Perhaps you and I have had experiences of grave injustice, perhaps we have lost some years during which we could not use our talents, perhaps we have felt betrayed by persons who should have been our friends. Whatever those experiences, if you read Hinton’s book, they will be put into perspective. If you are still angry about those experiences, this book will show you ways to overcome the hurt.