REVIEW: Time Out

Time Out
Author: Claudia Rowe

At 13 years old Willard Jimerson shot and killed a 14-year old girl. He was tried and sentenced as an adult because of the severity of the crime. Life in Prison. A child. A kid who never had a chance.....

Time Out tells Jimerson's story....his family, his absent parents, the crime and his conviction, his years in prison.....and his reform. This is a story of hope. Jimerson picked up the shattered pieces of his life and grew up in prison, realizing he wanted more than life in a 6' by 16' cell. He wanted to be more than a murderer. Jimerson wanted to help others to avoid the path he chose at 13.

I had mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand, I was joyful that Willard Jimerson changed his life. That he spent 20+ years in prison, but came out a changed man who brings hope to others now. On the other hand, he shot a little girl in the back -- took her life -- there is nothing in this universe that will give that little girl back the life he stole. For no reason. But, ultimately, at the time he took the decision to shoot a gun, Jimerson was a child. He had never been taught any better. He grew up on the streets...his parents were both criminals. His grandparents did their best, but it wasn't enough. Kids make mistakes. Jimerson just made a very, very large and everlasting mistake that he regrets. One line from the book made me realize this is a wonderful story. Jimerson commented that he couldn't make up for what he did...so he was going to make sure to live enough life and do enough good for two lives. He can't give that girl back the life she lost or heal her family's pain.....but he can make sure to do good things with the rest of his life. Reformation is possible. Jimerson is living proof of that. Lovely story!

Time Out is part of the Missing Collection from Audible/Amazon Originals. I listened to the audio book version of this story. At just over an hour long, the audio is an easy listen. J.D. Jackson narrates. His voice is pleasant and he reads at an even pace. All in all, an enjoyable listening experience. I have partial hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book.

The Missing Collection gathers six true stories about people dealing and recovering from extreme loss.