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Alcatraz: The True End of the Line
A powerful human tale of turning tragedy to triumph. He offers rare insight to the emotional journey he personally experienced while being an inmate inside Alcatraz.
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First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Darwin Coon
2 books6 followersDarwin E. Coon was a convicted bank robber who spent four years in the prison at Alcatraz. He was incarcerated there from 1959 through 1963 and was a member of the last group of inmates to leave the island prison when it closed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2017
This is a short book with large print and I managed to finish it all on Christmas Eve. I had actually forgotten I had this book; years ago we toured Alcatraz and the author was there signing copies of his (this) book.
Most of it entails his run-ins with the law prior to Alcatraz. The dude was a serious wild child; he was constantly stealing and breaking and entering and robbing. He made lots of friends with other inmates throughout his early years.
Obviously the part we all want to know about is his time on Alcatraz. Imagine—this guy helped three of the men escape! He was there for the bird man! One of the dudes famous for robberies in the 30s was there!
He has some good anecdotes that manage to keep your attention. It’s fairly obvious that it is an indie publish but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment.
Most of it entails his run-ins with the law prior to Alcatraz. The dude was a serious wild child; he was constantly stealing and breaking and entering and robbing. He made lots of friends with other inmates throughout his early years.
Obviously the part we all want to know about is his time on Alcatraz. Imagine—this guy helped three of the men escape! He was there for the bird man! One of the dudes famous for robberies in the 30s was there!
He has some good anecdotes that manage to keep your attention. It’s fairly obvious that it is an indie publish but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment.
December 5, 2008
I bought this book during my trip to San Francisco. My mom and I had just completed the Alcatraz tour where the authour Darwin Coon (former Alcatraz inmate) was in the gift shop on the island signing his book so I bought his book, and had him sign it.
It's an easy read, and very interesting. The one thing I didn't like about it was that he repeats himself a lot in this book.
It's an easy read, and very interesting. The one thing I didn't like about it was that he repeats himself a lot in this book.
March 17, 2010
This book is interesting. It is clear that it was not written by a professional, but that almost makes to story all the more real to me. Having met Mr. Coon at Alcatraz made it even that much more interesting. This man really opens up and gives a powerful testimony in this book, showing that every human being is worth fighting for...even convicts.
January 22, 2020
Whilst visiting the USA we toured over to Alcatraz for a day tour.
On occasions the authorities organise for old inmates of the prison to be on hand to talk with the visitors to describe what life was like inside. On the day that we visited Darwin Coon was sitting on the desk selling his book. I had never heard of him before but dad bought his book and I decided to read it after returning home to Australia. It was a fascinating read and gave a real insight into Coon's wayward youth, where he went off the rails, his various prison addresses, and then finally his life in alcatraz. It is amazing that this man whose life seemed so washed up with no where to go could find pure happiness with his wife and then spend the rest of his life caring for and raising numerous foster children and devoting his life to raising well balanced, happy successful children and adults.
True credit must be given to this man who has overcome a lot of hardship and barriers to turn his life around completely.
A truly inspirational read.
On occasions the authorities organise for old inmates of the prison to be on hand to talk with the visitors to describe what life was like inside. On the day that we visited Darwin Coon was sitting on the desk selling his book. I had never heard of him before but dad bought his book and I decided to read it after returning home to Australia. It was a fascinating read and gave a real insight into Coon's wayward youth, where he went off the rails, his various prison addresses, and then finally his life in alcatraz. It is amazing that this man whose life seemed so washed up with no where to go could find pure happiness with his wife and then spend the rest of his life caring for and raising numerous foster children and devoting his life to raising well balanced, happy successful children and adults.
True credit must be given to this man who has overcome a lot of hardship and barriers to turn his life around completely.
A truly inspirational read.
March 16, 2014
It was OK. Small book. Not much information.
January 2, 2020
This book is about prisoners in the toughest jail. these people were treated like straight animals. they tried to escape and were never found. the people were secretive. The building was old and creepy.
July 6, 2025
This was a good memoir but it's billed as a book about being an image at Alcatraz. There is only about 25 pages about his time at Alcatraz. And about 20 pages at the end of the book about Alcatraz facts.
February 10, 2021
Fascinating! It moves quickly and every few pages there's a new robbery or escape attempt. I love how he turns his life around and does some great things!
July 19, 2025
Bought this book in 2007 when I visited Alcatraz on a school field trip and met the author. Finally read it 18 years later.
May 3, 2011
I feel like this book should be a lot longer than it is - three or four hundred pages, at least, instead of its actual one hundred and forty five. Coon has definitely led a life worth writing about; Alcatraz follows him as he goes through several prison stints, numerous jail breaks, lives a life on the run and, ultimately, ends up in Alcatraz.
That's really my only complaint: there's too much story crammed into too few pages (and the editing might be a bit lacking, too; the book reads like a high school essay). It's definitely an interesting read though, and I would have loved a more detailed account.
But I have to admit that what struck me the most about Coon's life isn't the writing or the book itself, but what happened when I had the opportunity to meet the author during a book signing on Alcatraz in the spring of 2010. After touring the island, my father stopped by Coon's table and asked him the oh so original question of "What was it like, being an inmate on the Rock?". I could tell Coon was probably sick and tired of answering that same question year after year, but he dutifully did so anyway. Having toured a 17th century Swedish prison a few years back I didn't find Alcatraz to be as bad as people said it'd be, but the expression on Coon's face as he answered my father with a "It was Hell" really left an impression on me; I still can't quite place the emotion (fear? rage?) but it was definitely in the back of my mind as I read the book, reminding me that while things might not sound so awful on the page, they probably were much, much worse.
That's really my only complaint: there's too much story crammed into too few pages (and the editing might be a bit lacking, too; the book reads like a high school essay). It's definitely an interesting read though, and I would have loved a more detailed account.
But I have to admit that what struck me the most about Coon's life isn't the writing or the book itself, but what happened when I had the opportunity to meet the author during a book signing on Alcatraz in the spring of 2010. After touring the island, my father stopped by Coon's table and asked him the oh so original question of "What was it like, being an inmate on the Rock?". I could tell Coon was probably sick and tired of answering that same question year after year, but he dutifully did so anyway. Having toured a 17th century Swedish prison a few years back I didn't find Alcatraz to be as bad as people said it'd be, but the expression on Coon's face as he answered my father with a "It was Hell" really left an impression on me; I still can't quite place the emotion (fear? rage?) but it was definitely in the back of my mind as I read the book, reminding me that while things might not sound so awful on the page, they probably were much, much worse.
July 13, 2025
Darwin Coon’s Alcatraz is a gripping and atmospheric exploration of one of America’s most infamous prisons. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Coon takes readers inside the walls of Alcatraz, weaving together historical facts with compelling narratives that bring the prison’s dark and complex history to life.
The book does an excellent job of capturing the intense environment of Alcatraz—from the daily struggles of the inmates and guards to the broader cultural and social dynamics at play. Coon’s writing style is engaging, making the history accessible and immersive without sacrificing depth or accuracy. Readers interested in true crime, American history, or prison studies will find this book both informative and captivating.
While Alcatraz covers well-known events and figures associated with the prison, Coon adds fresh insights and lesser-known stories that enrich the narrative. The balance of historical detail with personal stories helps to humanize a place often viewed solely as a symbol of punishment and isolation.
Overall, Alcatraz by Darwin Coon is a strong and compelling read that offers a well-rounded perspective on one of the most legendary penitentiaries in the world.
The book does an excellent job of capturing the intense environment of Alcatraz—from the daily struggles of the inmates and guards to the broader cultural and social dynamics at play. Coon’s writing style is engaging, making the history accessible and immersive without sacrificing depth or accuracy. Readers interested in true crime, American history, or prison studies will find this book both informative and captivating.
While Alcatraz covers well-known events and figures associated with the prison, Coon adds fresh insights and lesser-known stories that enrich the narrative. The balance of historical detail with personal stories helps to humanize a place often viewed solely as a symbol of punishment and isolation.
Overall, Alcatraz by Darwin Coon is a strong and compelling read that offers a well-rounded perspective on one of the most legendary penitentiaries in the world.
October 17, 2025
Studying up for our next adventure. Easy read not too scary for me and got me excited to tour Alcatraz!
October 25, 2012
Alcatraz by Darwin Coon was a very easy read. It went by so quickly a word of criticism would be the book should have been longer. It needed at least 3 to 4 hundred pages to truly tell his whole story. I would rate this book a solid 4 stars. A brief summary of the book was Darwin Coon was a convicted bank robber who spent four years at Alcatraz. He was and inmate there from 1959 through 1963. He was one of the last prisoners to leave the rock when it closed. This book covers most of his life story. It talks about every place he was and inmate at from Iowa Training School for Boys to Alcatraz. Once Darwin was freed from Alcatraz he completely turned his life around and example of this would be he and his wife together fostered over 90 kids. I thought this book was a great biography.
January 31, 2012
Like most, I picked this book up while doing a day tour on Alcatraz. It was my second trip, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time. Last time I was there I picked up a copy of Battle At Alcatraz by Ernest Lageson, the son of a warden. This time, I thought I would read something actually written by a prisoner.
Alcatraz: The True End of the Line was simply written, direct and honest and straight to the point. I just wish it had been a little longer and a little more detailed, as his stories were interesting but just felt as if they could have been elaborated on a little more.
Alcatraz: The True End of the Line was simply written, direct and honest and straight to the point. I just wish it had been a little longer and a little more detailed, as his stories were interesting but just felt as if they could have been elaborated on a little more.
July 2, 2012
This is an interesting story about Darwin Coon who was one of the last groups of prisoners incarcerated on the island before it was closed. We actually got to meet him as he was doing a reading of his book at Alcatraz and he was a very interesting person. He was a convicted bank robery and sentenced to four years in prison. His life story is pretty much what you would expect, nothing out of the ordinary that most people don't deal with. But he had no direction and thought he would be able to make money breaking and entering!
September 19, 2008
It was given as a gift by a friend who does his website for his bookstore.
Darwin's life story is fascinating, but the book is written like a high school essay. He really should've found a better writer to tell his tale. It could've had a lot more details about his personal life, life in the diff. prisons, etc. There were also a number of things he repeated without needing too, the grammar could've been better, etc., etc.
Darwin's life story is fascinating, but the book is written like a high school essay. He really should've found a better writer to tell his tale. It could've had a lot more details about his personal life, life in the diff. prisons, etc. There were also a number of things he repeated without needing too, the grammar could've been better, etc., etc.
May 31, 2010
We visited Alcatraz a couple months ago and I met the author, Darwin Coon, who was there autographing books. He was a former Alcatraz prisoner, one of the last to leave in 1962. After finishing his sentence elsewhere, he turned his life around. He and his wife were foster parents to over 90 kids. Not the best written book, but it was fascinating to read after having had the prison tour and meeting the author.
April 12, 2010
A memoir of a man who spent several years on THE ROCK. There's no fancy authorial flourishes - just the straight forward story, with details of his early life, his run ins with the law, his bank robbing career, his years at Alcatraz and then his years as a doting husband and foster parent. A quick, interesting read.
June 2, 2017
Interesting little book. Writing is pretty rudimentary although captivating. I wish the author spent a little less time on the Jesus talk and shared more details about day-to-day life in Alcatraz. It's always an intriguing when you read about an ex-con who chooses to reform themselves. If you ever have the chance to-get out to see Alcatraz-it's a pretty neat little island.
June 6, 2008
Clearly written by an author with no prior experience. I did get a good impression of the lifestyle in the prison. Having been to Alcatraz and seeing some of the places he describes made be book much better.
August 25, 2008
We met the author, a former inmate signing books while touring Alcatraz. The book was interestig because I had just seen what he was writing about. It was hard picturing this elderly author as a bank robber!
October 10, 2010
Coon, convicted of armed robbery, spends four years at Alcatraz. His writing style is straightforward, and there are some interesting anecdotes about life behind bars, but no great revelations or analysis.
October 11, 2011
I actually really liked this book - I wish there was more detail, as some of his experiences could have been books themselves! This was too short for me, and I wish there was more about his life after Alcatraz. But a good read nonetheless.
May 22, 2012
Very fast read, explains motivations of a bank robber and his time in several prisons, not just Alcatraz. More detail and fewer repetitions would make for a better book, but honest writing-style gives it appeal.
March 15, 2014
Easy read of a remarkably true story of career criminal through several prisons before landing on the rock. He is candid about his experiences and rehabilitation to go on to marriage and fostering over 90 children. Good read. Short book.
June 19, 2015
I thought this was a pretty interesting book. I had expected a little more about Alcatraz and what life was like there, but it was more biography-ish. I love biographies. I loved the fact that he was able to turn his life around and become a productive citizen. Pretty interesting.
November 1, 2018
Having been to Alcatraz I thought this would be interesting to read. Not a whole lot of info, mostly about the bad life choices he made when young and all the different prisons he was in.
Interesting to hear about it from someone on the inside though.
Interesting to hear about it from someone on the inside though.
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June 1, 2007I picked this book up while visiting Alcatraz. By dumb luck Darwin Coon was on Alcatraz for a book signing! I took a special interest in this book after meeting Coon.
June 19, 2009
I actually got to meet the man, and get my copy signed by him...I like the way he wrote the book not glorifying or justifying what he did...just told the story....
August 6, 2009
Bought the book because Coon was at Alcatraz when I was there touring. Quick read, interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews