Oprah Winfrey has selected a prison memoir by Jarvis Jay Masters, currently on death row in San Quentin State Prison in California, for her latest book club pick.
NEW YORK — Masters' “That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row” was first published in 2009.
Activists for years have called for the release of Masters, sentenced to death in 1990 for taking part in the murder of a San Quentin prison guard. Masters, first imprisoned in 1981 for armed robbery, has filed numerous appeals in efforts to have his murder conviction overturned. A hearing is scheduled for next month in federal court.
“A little more than 10 years ago, I was given a memoir by Jarvis Jay Masters, a man serving a death row sentence in San Quentin,” Winfrey said in a statement Tuesday. “His story, of a young boy victimized by addiction, poverty, violence, the foster care system, and later the justice system, profoundly touched me then, and still does today, which is why I’m naming ‘That Bird Has My Wings’ as my latest Oprah’s Book Club selection.”“I turned 60 this year, having entered San Quentin at the age 19.
Supporters of Masters have backed his claims of innocence and cited him as a model of how people can transform themselves. In “Don’t Stop Believing That People Can Change,” a New York Times essay published in April, author Rebecca Solnit wrote that “he has often defused potential violence and offered solace and a trustworthy ear to the sorrows of those around him.”
Masters has also written “Finding Freedom: How Death Row Broke and Opened My Heart,” published in 1997.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
For Oprah Winfrey, 'Sidney' is an act of love for Poitier - New York Amsterdam NewsOprah Winfrey was discussing her profound affection for trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier — a longtime friend and mentor to her — when she was overcome by emotion during an interview on the upcoming documentary “ Sidney,” a life-spanning portrait.
Read more »
Oprah Winfrey Thinks Queen Elizabeth's Death Could Be “Peacemaking” Opportunity For Prince Harry and Meghan MarkleOprah Winfrey hopes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be able to reconcile with the royal family as they mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Read more »
Oprah Winfrey: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle can make peace with royal familyThe talk show host’s comments come after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reunited with Prince William and Kate Middleton to mourn the loss of the Queen.
Read more »
Why Oprah Winfrey chose 'That Bird Has My Wings' by death row inmate Jarvis Jay Masters for next book club readJarvis Jay Masters was put on death row for his alleged role in a fatal prison guard stabbing while serving a sentence for armed robbery.
Read more »
Oprah Winfrey selects San Quentin death row inmate’s memoir ‘That Bird Has My Wings’ for her book club pickWinfrey has selected a prison memoir by Jarvis Jay Masters, currently on death row in San Quentin State Prison, for her latest book club pick. Masters’ “That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of…
Read more »
Emmys: 12 things to know, from Sheryl Lee Ralph’s speech to Zendaya’s omnipresenceYes, the Emmy Awards were on a Monday this year — it happens occasionally thanks to football. So if you missed the Hollywood glitz and glamour of a weeknight ceremony, here are some of the biggest highlights from the three-hour telecast.
Read more »