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.

loved it!!!!

loved this book! The character draws you into their world where you can feel and experience every emotions you can possibly experience!

That bird has my wings

I don’t have words to describe how profound this book is, I recommend it for young

Awesome writing

This probably is not a book I’d choose but my book club picked it and I’m grateful for that.
What a life and what a writer!! And wonderful narrator!!

Amazing story couldn’t put it down at all

Couldn’t stop listening. What a strong wonderful child. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Great Book

Story was very insightful to a world I have only seen through TV shows of other people’s lives.