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The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate's Quest to Die with Dignity
A riveting account of one death row inmate’s quest to die—and a fearless look at how America’s system of punishment has failed the public it claims to serve.
When Scott Dozier was sent to Nevada’s death row in 2007, convicted of a pair of grisly murders, he didn’t cry foul or embark upon a protracted innocence campaign. He sought instead to expedite his execution—to hasten his inevitable death. He decided he would rather face his end swiftly than die slowly in solitary confinement. In volunteering for execution, Dozier may have been unusual. But in the tortuous events that led his death date to be scheduled and rescheduled, planned and then stayed, his time on death row was anything but.
In The Volunteer, Emmy award–winning investigative reporter Gianna Toboni traces the twists and turns of Dozier’s story, along the way offering a hard look at the history and controversy that surround the death penalty today. Toboni reveals it to be a system rife with black market dealings and supply chain labyrinths, with disputed drugs and botched executions. Today’s death penalty, generally carried out through lethal injection, has proven so cumbersome, ineffective, and potentially harrowing that some states have considered a return to the electric chairs and firing squads of the past, believing those approaches to be not only more effective but more humane.
No matter where you stand on the morality of capital punishment, there’s no denying that the death penalty is failing the American public. With costs running into the billions and countless lives kept in limbo, it has proven incapable of achieving its desired executing the inmates that fellow Americans have deemed guilty of the most heinous crimes. With The Volunteer, Toboni offers an insightful and profound look at how the death penalty went so terribly wrong. A spellbinding story down to its shocking conclusion, it brings to light the horrifying realities of state-sanctioned killings—realities that many would prefer to ignore.
When Scott Dozier was sent to Nevada’s death row in 2007, convicted of a pair of grisly murders, he didn’t cry foul or embark upon a protracted innocence campaign. He sought instead to expedite his execution—to hasten his inevitable death. He decided he would rather face his end swiftly than die slowly in solitary confinement. In volunteering for execution, Dozier may have been unusual. But in the tortuous events that led his death date to be scheduled and rescheduled, planned and then stayed, his time on death row was anything but.
In The Volunteer, Emmy award–winning investigative reporter Gianna Toboni traces the twists and turns of Dozier’s story, along the way offering a hard look at the history and controversy that surround the death penalty today. Toboni reveals it to be a system rife with black market dealings and supply chain labyrinths, with disputed drugs and botched executions. Today’s death penalty, generally carried out through lethal injection, has proven so cumbersome, ineffective, and potentially harrowing that some states have considered a return to the electric chairs and firing squads of the past, believing those approaches to be not only more effective but more humane.
No matter where you stand on the morality of capital punishment, there’s no denying that the death penalty is failing the American public. With costs running into the billions and countless lives kept in limbo, it has proven incapable of achieving its desired executing the inmates that fellow Americans have deemed guilty of the most heinous crimes. With The Volunteer, Toboni offers an insightful and profound look at how the death penalty went so terribly wrong. A spellbinding story down to its shocking conclusion, it brings to light the horrifying realities of state-sanctioned killings—realities that many would prefer to ignore.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
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March 2, 2025
Here are some facts to keep in mind during this review. Scott Dozier was convicted of killing at least one person. He may have killed another and was convicted of two, but he basically admits to only the one murder. He was also assessed during his conviction and was found to have traits of antisocial personality disorder and narcissitc tendencies like superficial charm, arrogance, manipulativeness, and a grandiose sense of self-worth. Again, keep this in mind.
The Volunteer by Gianna Toboni looks at Dozier's attempts to have his death sentence exec...followed through on. The death penalty is still in existence around the U.S., but the follow through is extremely spotty. Toboni actually starts the book stating that she is not writing a book to argue whether or not the death penalty should exist. Instead, she is chronicling how the death penalty process is completely broken. How I wish she followed through on this.
In fact, when Toboni does focus on her stated intent, the book is fantastic! Toboni is a heck of a writer and the sections where she dissects the way the system does not follow through on the ultimate penalty is well-researched and propulsive. The constant changing of drugs to kill inmates, the lack of clarity on how well any cocktail works, and uneven usage of the death penalty makes for truly eye-opening reading. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the book is not about this.
The book is mostly about Scott Dozier and Toboni's growing relationship. Toboni herself points out at numerous points that she is probably getting too close to Dozier, but inevitably brushes away these concerns. You see, everyone likes Scott! Everyone has always liked Scott! Oh, except a few officials at the end of the book who are painted as evil and sadistic even though we only have Scott's account about their actions. Toboni even admits at one point that she received information about a warden's retirement which she literally states she does not believe even when presented with evidence to the contrary. She doesn't want to believe it because it goes against what she wants for Dozier.
At this point, I would like to remind you of my first paragraph. Toboni is an investigative journalist who did not see how this narcissistic murderer was playing her. It gets so bad that in the final passages, Toboni goes so far as to say Dozier, "may have deserved to be in prison." May!? Toboni herself admits she believes fully that Dozier committed at least one murder. Forget about the death penalty question. He is a murderer and deserves to be in prison.
There are a lot of things to like about this book, but the complete loss of objectivity is too blatant to ignore. The men on death row are given entirely too much leeway while the victims and their families are given only cursory references in comparison. While I don't want to get too far into my own opinions about the subject, I will say that Toboni and I agree on a lot of things. However, she got too close to her subject.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
The Volunteer by Gianna Toboni looks at Dozier's attempts to have his death sentence exec...followed through on. The death penalty is still in existence around the U.S., but the follow through is extremely spotty. Toboni actually starts the book stating that she is not writing a book to argue whether or not the death penalty should exist. Instead, she is chronicling how the death penalty process is completely broken. How I wish she followed through on this.
In fact, when Toboni does focus on her stated intent, the book is fantastic! Toboni is a heck of a writer and the sections where she dissects the way the system does not follow through on the ultimate penalty is well-researched and propulsive. The constant changing of drugs to kill inmates, the lack of clarity on how well any cocktail works, and uneven usage of the death penalty makes for truly eye-opening reading. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the book is not about this.
The book is mostly about Scott Dozier and Toboni's growing relationship. Toboni herself points out at numerous points that she is probably getting too close to Dozier, but inevitably brushes away these concerns. You see, everyone likes Scott! Everyone has always liked Scott! Oh, except a few officials at the end of the book who are painted as evil and sadistic even though we only have Scott's account about their actions. Toboni even admits at one point that she received information about a warden's retirement which she literally states she does not believe even when presented with evidence to the contrary. She doesn't want to believe it because it goes against what she wants for Dozier.
At this point, I would like to remind you of my first paragraph. Toboni is an investigative journalist who did not see how this narcissistic murderer was playing her. It gets so bad that in the final passages, Toboni goes so far as to say Dozier, "may have deserved to be in prison." May!? Toboni herself admits she believes fully that Dozier committed at least one murder. Forget about the death penalty question. He is a murderer and deserves to be in prison.
There are a lot of things to like about this book, but the complete loss of objectivity is too blatant to ignore. The men on death row are given entirely too much leeway while the victims and their families are given only cursory references in comparison. While I don't want to get too far into my own opinions about the subject, I will say that Toboni and I agree on a lot of things. However, she got too close to her subject.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)
January 17, 2025
See my review on: www.mysteryandsuspensemagazine.com
Gianna Toboni is a front-line journalist, who has covered news stories in some of the most dangerous areas in the world. However, her debut book, “The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate's Quest to Die with Dignity” delves into a gruesome reality far closer to home.
Scott Dozier was sent to Death Row in Ely, Nevada in 2007, after a long career of drug use led to two grisly murders. Dozier never claimed he was innocent and he accepted the court’s sentence. In fact, for an extrovert like Scott, being in solitary confinement was a far worse punishment than death. So much so, in fact, that Dozier petitioned to have his execution date pushed up. But after years of advocating and letter writing, Dozier was still in jail and, with a new warden in place, his incarceration was taking a physical and mental toll on his health. Gianna reached out to him and after years of conversations with Scott and his family and friends she realized that the United States justice system is failing Death Row inmates in every way- and she chose to write about it.
Toboni admits from the get-go that she is anti-death penalty. However, if she did not say this in her own words, you would not be able to identify her stance based on the writing. “The Volunteer” is not designed to sway people one way or the other, or to alter their opinions. Whether you believe in the death penalty or you don’t, “The Volunteer” provides a hard look into the treatment of death row inmates (at least in Ely, Nevada) and the failure of the government on every level to follow through with their promises.
“The Volunteer” features alternating chapters- ones that talk about Dozier’s history, his crimes and how Toboni’s professional relationship with him developed, while other chapters discuss the history of the death penalty, how it came about, what barriers current lawmakers face, and all of the controversy before and since. It is a fascinating examination of the political system and its influence on the justice system and the very real people the decisions are affecting.
It was fascinating reading about Dozier and his personal history that led to the crimes he committed. Toboni manages to portray Dozier as the son, brother, father and ultimately, the human, that he is, through his own words and those of others who love him. Although I wasn’t exactly sympathetic for an alleged two-time murderer, Dozier was the perfect candidate for this book as he was charming, empathic and, most of all, willing to die.
There are some intriguing components of the death penalty law that I had no idea about. Issues involving obtaining the drugs for the “killer cocktail” and all of the challenges the government faced was truly jaw-dropping. Whatever your opinion on the death penalty is, Toboni’s well-researched book will provide in-depth information that is as educational as it is engaging.
“The Volunteer” is a recommended read for fans of true crime and political history. It is obvious that Toboni is a skilled writer, as she balances the tricky tightrope of a very divisive and controversial topic, and her unique thesis combined with human characters make “The Volunteer” a thrilling read.
Gianna Toboni is a front-line journalist, who has covered news stories in some of the most dangerous areas in the world. However, her debut book, “The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate's Quest to Die with Dignity” delves into a gruesome reality far closer to home.
Scott Dozier was sent to Death Row in Ely, Nevada in 2007, after a long career of drug use led to two grisly murders. Dozier never claimed he was innocent and he accepted the court’s sentence. In fact, for an extrovert like Scott, being in solitary confinement was a far worse punishment than death. So much so, in fact, that Dozier petitioned to have his execution date pushed up. But after years of advocating and letter writing, Dozier was still in jail and, with a new warden in place, his incarceration was taking a physical and mental toll on his health. Gianna reached out to him and after years of conversations with Scott and his family and friends she realized that the United States justice system is failing Death Row inmates in every way- and she chose to write about it.
Toboni admits from the get-go that she is anti-death penalty. However, if she did not say this in her own words, you would not be able to identify her stance based on the writing. “The Volunteer” is not designed to sway people one way or the other, or to alter their opinions. Whether you believe in the death penalty or you don’t, “The Volunteer” provides a hard look into the treatment of death row inmates (at least in Ely, Nevada) and the failure of the government on every level to follow through with their promises.
“The Volunteer” features alternating chapters- ones that talk about Dozier’s history, his crimes and how Toboni’s professional relationship with him developed, while other chapters discuss the history of the death penalty, how it came about, what barriers current lawmakers face, and all of the controversy before and since. It is a fascinating examination of the political system and its influence on the justice system and the very real people the decisions are affecting.
It was fascinating reading about Dozier and his personal history that led to the crimes he committed. Toboni manages to portray Dozier as the son, brother, father and ultimately, the human, that he is, through his own words and those of others who love him. Although I wasn’t exactly sympathetic for an alleged two-time murderer, Dozier was the perfect candidate for this book as he was charming, empathic and, most of all, willing to die.
There are some intriguing components of the death penalty law that I had no idea about. Issues involving obtaining the drugs for the “killer cocktail” and all of the challenges the government faced was truly jaw-dropping. Whatever your opinion on the death penalty is, Toboni’s well-researched book will provide in-depth information that is as educational as it is engaging.
“The Volunteer” is a recommended read for fans of true crime and political history. It is obvious that Toboni is a skilled writer, as she balances the tricky tightrope of a very divisive and controversial topic, and her unique thesis combined with human characters make “The Volunteer” a thrilling read.
April 25, 2025
*Audiobook
Thanks to Atria for my #giftedcopy of this book. This one was really cool because it’s read by the author.
I had NO IDEA that there were all of these issues with the death penalty cocktail and that those drugs were being sought illegally or that sometimes even when the inmate on death row is prepared to accept their sentence and for it to be carried out…they get so much pushback.
This book poses lots of questions, both logistical and ethical which are thought provoking no matter your stance on the death penalty.
Gianna Toboni created an informative masterpiece about what it’s like on death row. This book focuses primarily on Scott Dozier, it does discuss his crimes but moreso focuses on the aftermath and the punishment phase of his life. Gianna did such a nice job of humanizing Scott Dozier, as she established a very good rapport with him during their communications BUT she never makes the book about feeling sorry for him personally. She never takes away from what the victims went through, instead she raises the question of whether the method of carrying out the death penalty and all that leads up to it actually being carried out is fair & just…and whether it is constitutionally sound or if it is cruel & unusual…not in the traditional sense though. This goes beyond whether you are for or against the death penalty it take a more concentrated look at the manner or death and the back & forth (stays of execution) which cause additional pain & suffering…even when the name is ready and willing to accept their punishment.
This is one of the best non-fiction books that I have read in a long time. Highly recommend.
Thanks to Atria for my #giftedcopy of this book. This one was really cool because it’s read by the author.
I had NO IDEA that there were all of these issues with the death penalty cocktail and that those drugs were being sought illegally or that sometimes even when the inmate on death row is prepared to accept their sentence and for it to be carried out…they get so much pushback.
This book poses lots of questions, both logistical and ethical which are thought provoking no matter your stance on the death penalty.
Gianna Toboni created an informative masterpiece about what it’s like on death row. This book focuses primarily on Scott Dozier, it does discuss his crimes but moreso focuses on the aftermath and the punishment phase of his life. Gianna did such a nice job of humanizing Scott Dozier, as she established a very good rapport with him during their communications BUT she never makes the book about feeling sorry for him personally. She never takes away from what the victims went through, instead she raises the question of whether the method of carrying out the death penalty and all that leads up to it actually being carried out is fair & just…and whether it is constitutionally sound or if it is cruel & unusual…not in the traditional sense though. This goes beyond whether you are for or against the death penalty it take a more concentrated look at the manner or death and the back & forth (stays of execution) which cause additional pain & suffering…even when the name is ready and willing to accept their punishment.
This is one of the best non-fiction books that I have read in a long time. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2025
Excellent look at what goes on behind bars in Death Row, as well as what is happening behind the scenes to make the prisons run and who is really running the show.
Whenever I pick up a nonfiction book, I want to be able to say that I learned something important along the way. After finishing The Volunteer, I came away with more respect for a human life. This book does not set out to change your opinions on Death Row, rather Toboni is wanting you to start asking questions and start getting frustrated at what is happening with this system.
Seeing an inmate actively wanting to die on Death Row and continue to be overlooked was strangely heartbreaking. Having empathy for a person who was sentenced to death for horrific crimes was a feeling I never thought I would have. I appreciate that Gianna Toboni was able to evoke those emotions from me with her words. She is an excellent story-teller and an even better writer. This book was a labor of love where she put time, energy, and her own mental health on the line to get the story into our hands.
I highly recommend the book to those wanting an inside look at an inmate in Death Row, as well as his life leading up to the events that put him behind bars. There are interviews with family members and even other prisoners. If you are also curious what is happening with your tax dollars if you live in a state with the death penalty, Toboni will break it down for you as well, which was incredibly eye opening.
Thank you to Atria Books for a finished copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whenever I pick up a nonfiction book, I want to be able to say that I learned something important along the way. After finishing The Volunteer, I came away with more respect for a human life. This book does not set out to change your opinions on Death Row, rather Toboni is wanting you to start asking questions and start getting frustrated at what is happening with this system.
Seeing an inmate actively wanting to die on Death Row and continue to be overlooked was strangely heartbreaking. Having empathy for a person who was sentenced to death for horrific crimes was a feeling I never thought I would have. I appreciate that Gianna Toboni was able to evoke those emotions from me with her words. She is an excellent story-teller and an even better writer. This book was a labor of love where she put time, energy, and her own mental health on the line to get the story into our hands.
I highly recommend the book to those wanting an inside look at an inmate in Death Row, as well as his life leading up to the events that put him behind bars. There are interviews with family members and even other prisoners. If you are also curious what is happening with your tax dollars if you live in a state with the death penalty, Toboni will break it down for you as well, which was incredibly eye opening.
Thank you to Atria Books for a finished copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2025
This book took me longer to read than usual, and I can’t help but wonder why. Maybe it’s because of a quote that has stayed with me:
"When a thought is too hard to bear, we shut it out; it's a human instinct, self-preservation. But is it this very human instinct that makes us complicit?"
That question lingered in my mind as I read, making it impossible to turn away from the reality presented in The Volunteer. I’ve known about the issues within the prison system, but this book forced me to confront them on a deeply personal level. It made it impossible to pretend they weren’t real.
Learning more about Scott Dozier—who he was, how he was treated in his final days, and his one request to die humanely—left me questioning how many others like him are subjected to similar cruelty. And beyond that, it made me reflect on my own judgments. How often do I look at someone who made one mistake in life and see only that mistake?
Gianna's writing is beautiful, raw, and filled with humanity. The depth of research into the death penalty, and how different parts of the world have addressed it, is evident throughout. This book doesn’t just inform—it unsettles. It makes you think, makes you uncomfortable, and forces you to examine the systems we often choose to ignore.
By the end, I found myself craving something lighter, a fantasy escape to balance the weight of this story. But The Volunteer is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed it. And maybe that’s exactly the point.
"When a thought is too hard to bear, we shut it out; it's a human instinct, self-preservation. But is it this very human instinct that makes us complicit?"
That question lingered in my mind as I read, making it impossible to turn away from the reality presented in The Volunteer. I’ve known about the issues within the prison system, but this book forced me to confront them on a deeply personal level. It made it impossible to pretend they weren’t real.
Learning more about Scott Dozier—who he was, how he was treated in his final days, and his one request to die humanely—left me questioning how many others like him are subjected to similar cruelty. And beyond that, it made me reflect on my own judgments. How often do I look at someone who made one mistake in life and see only that mistake?
Gianna's writing is beautiful, raw, and filled with humanity. The depth of research into the death penalty, and how different parts of the world have addressed it, is evident throughout. This book doesn’t just inform—it unsettles. It makes you think, makes you uncomfortable, and forces you to examine the systems we often choose to ignore.
By the end, I found myself craving something lighter, a fantasy escape to balance the weight of this story. But The Volunteer is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed it. And maybe that’s exactly the point.
July 5, 2025
3 ⭐️ interesting, TOUGH non-fiction. There is a blending of the author’s human emotions with her journalistic integrity which adds a layer of intrigue to her recounting. Good audiobook!
April 4, 2025
The Volunteer; the failure of the death penalty in America and one inmates quest to die with dignity by Gianna Toboni, Scott Dozier Was on death row and had been there since the early oughts for dismembering and murdering Jeremiah Miller a fellow drug addict. He’s also accused of a second murder one in which he claims to be innocent and says the only reason he buried the body is because it had been sitting out in the truck and he didn’t want police to find it if they came looking for drugs at his home. this is a guy the author talks about as if she is his biggest fan but she digress to say she’s trying to stay in partial something she clearly failed at. It is if anyone in the book who speaks about Scott can’t talk enough about what a nice guy he is he’s so charismatic blah blah blah but throughout the book we learned he cheated on his wife and left her for the woman he cheated with then when their house blew up and that woman lost her arm and a leg he left her and moved in with a young girl named Barbie and oh yes he should get to die with dignity because he wants to. More than once Scott is made a victim or a hero but no matter what the story is always told in his favor. I did find this book interesting but more than 10 times I bet I screamed at the book but he’s a murderer! The author even felt bad when she answered the phone at a wedding and he could hear everyone in the background having a great time, while he was sitting in isolation on a psychiatric hold. Throughout him being an isolation she kept making it as if he was again the victim only to learn later he had cuts on his neck and wrist from razor blades he hid in his rectum. I am not saying I am four or against the death penalty but what I am saying is we all know the rules and their consequences. I’m so tired of people making excuses for bad behavior I can even feel sorry for some of the subjects in her book but that doesn’t mean I want them free nor that they shouldn’t suffer the consequences. African-American people make up 40% of men in prison and the best you can do is a narcissistic white guy who everyone loves because he’s “nice.“ also I am so tired of people saying that the military teaches you to kill and that could be a factor as otherwise Scott did what he did but they also taught him how to jump out of airplanes why didn’t he do that? You learned so much more in the military than just killing and it’s not even killing it’s taken care of your equipment and how not to die I know plenty of people that’s been in the military and aren’t violent at all. I could go on and on but I’m going to stop here I do want to say Ms. Taboni is a really good writer and an accomplished reporter and this was definitely an interesting book. There were just a few things I didn’t agree with. #NetGalley,#AtriaBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #GiannaToboni, #TheVolunteer,
October 23, 2025
4.25....Definitely worth the read and could probably be used in college classrooms, especially on discussions centered around the death penalty.
October 8, 2025
A stunning account written by an exemplary journalist that will leave you at a loss for words. Easily one of the best books of 2025, and a necessary read for any and all who believe in criminal justice reform.
I am massively opposed to the death penalty, and this book only solidified that position. Dozier’s story is one of mistakes and crime, unforgiving inhumanity, and abuse of power that really shows where government has and continues to go wrong in its pursuit of a revengeful incarceration system. One is only forced to imagine what a different alternative would be if we sought to address our broken societal structures and championed restorative justice as a means of rehabilitation and forgiveness. The overarching storytelling is masterfully done, and truly leaves you wondering how we even got here.
More detailed, this book pulls out all the stops. From chapters on the complexity of acquiring deadly but inconsistent drugs for a lethal injection that is more inhumane than a firing squad, to chapters on governmental mismanagement and political realities of capital punishment, this book is journalism at its best.
On a scale of 1-5, I would give this book a 4.75, the only deduction coming from one paragraph in the last chapter that I believe is the author’s only misstep when attempting to balance the line between investigator and being human.
Constantly, the author tells us that she feels for Dozier, often forgetting about the crimes he committed due to his charm and observation of the inhumane treatment he receives. As a journalist, and as the author admits, Toboni acknowledges that their job is not to involve themselves in the story but do the work to tell it. I think that sometimes this perspective is too rigid, and Toboni does a great justice in allowing herself to display emotion and comment on how this case impacts her and the story as a whole, pushing into that gray middle area without overstepping. Until she questions her responsibility for the outcome of Dozier’s final action. That struck me as odd and out of step with the rest of the narrative our author stringed throughout the book.
But what I see is criticism toward the author for feeling for Dozier and the criminals on death row, and for that, I praise her work. I had the chance to meet Toboni at the national book festival this year, and I asked her one question when she signed my copy: what is hopeful to you right now when so many things are dark? In my copy, she wrote an answer that I think sums up the biggest takeaway of this book. “Hope is the amount of compassion we show.”
No matter who you are, we are human, and our treatment of others should define our societal and political choices, because they have very real consequences. Dozier may have committed awful, heinous crimes. But what this book shows, and what his story articulates, is that no one deserves what is the brutal treatment, inconsistency, mental anguish, and religious, spiritual devastation brought about by the death penalty in this country.
I am massively opposed to the death penalty, and this book only solidified that position. Dozier’s story is one of mistakes and crime, unforgiving inhumanity, and abuse of power that really shows where government has and continues to go wrong in its pursuit of a revengeful incarceration system. One is only forced to imagine what a different alternative would be if we sought to address our broken societal structures and championed restorative justice as a means of rehabilitation and forgiveness. The overarching storytelling is masterfully done, and truly leaves you wondering how we even got here.
More detailed, this book pulls out all the stops. From chapters on the complexity of acquiring deadly but inconsistent drugs for a lethal injection that is more inhumane than a firing squad, to chapters on governmental mismanagement and political realities of capital punishment, this book is journalism at its best.
On a scale of 1-5, I would give this book a 4.75, the only deduction coming from one paragraph in the last chapter that I believe is the author’s only misstep when attempting to balance the line between investigator and being human.
Constantly, the author tells us that she feels for Dozier, often forgetting about the crimes he committed due to his charm and observation of the inhumane treatment he receives. As a journalist, and as the author admits, Toboni acknowledges that their job is not to involve themselves in the story but do the work to tell it. I think that sometimes this perspective is too rigid, and Toboni does a great justice in allowing herself to display emotion and comment on how this case impacts her and the story as a whole, pushing into that gray middle area without overstepping. Until she questions her responsibility for the outcome of Dozier’s final action. That struck me as odd and out of step with the rest of the narrative our author stringed throughout the book.
But what I see is criticism toward the author for feeling for Dozier and the criminals on death row, and for that, I praise her work. I had the chance to meet Toboni at the national book festival this year, and I asked her one question when she signed my copy: what is hopeful to you right now when so many things are dark? In my copy, she wrote an answer that I think sums up the biggest takeaway of this book. “Hope is the amount of compassion we show.”
No matter who you are, we are human, and our treatment of others should define our societal and political choices, because they have very real consequences. Dozier may have committed awful, heinous crimes. But what this book shows, and what his story articulates, is that no one deserves what is the brutal treatment, inconsistency, mental anguish, and religious, spiritual devastation brought about by the death penalty in this country.
June 30, 2025
An excellent work of journalism. If you have seen John Oliver's segments on the death penalty, this feels like the original version to Oliver's SparkNotes. Very thorough, very well researched. I went back and forth a lot about whether this is 4 or 5 stars in my book for the sole reason that Toboni gets more than a bit sentimental and attached with respect to Dozier. She has some self-awareness about this and comments on it, and ultimately, I agree with her that her journalistic integrity and profession are not in conflict with her humanity, hence my coming down on the side of 5 stars. That said, I do think this is 2 separate stories woven into one. There is a dispassionate account here of the death penalty as it exists in the US and Dozier's -- I would argue -- malicious compliance with that system. This account is truly excellent, showing just how dysfunctional that system is, even with a condemned person who _wants_ the system to work, even if it causes him suffering. There is also Toboni's memoir of how this experience affected her. Ultimately, I agree with Toboni's professional stance that her experience is inextricable from her reporting of the case. I do also tend to agree with some of the other reviewers that it seems Dozier manipulated and charmed Toboni, although I don't fault Toboni for that.
April 25, 2025
The Volunteer is a journalist's deep dive into the death penalty, specifically how lethal injection has been and remains so controversial. Gianna Toboni does this by tracking convicted murderer Scott Dozier's experience on death row. Essentially, Dozier wanted to skip all appeals and foot dragging and go straight to the consequences phase of his sentence. What sounds pretty straightforward turns out to be much more complicated. The history of lethal injection and other forms of capital punishment is woven in and out of Dozier's life story. Toboni admittedly gets a little too personally invested at times, but I thought that added to the story. She introduces readers to a whole cast of characters including Dozier's family, his friends, politicians, correctional officers and foreign and domestic drug manufacturers. Tobani is a gifted narrator. I learned a lot and she had me turning pages late into the night to find out how the story ended.
August 31, 2025
The death penalty is not something I support. I dislike that it strips people of their humanity all the way up to their last breath, and even after at times. I dislike many things about it. This book offered a window into the nuances of being someone on death row. Having the option to end their life instead of living a life on death row was not something I had considered. I believe it’s possible to be against capital punishment while also considering the needs and requests of those actually experiencing death row. Additionally I wonder, if the focus shifted drastically towards rehabilitation, would consideration of allowing them to move towards death be necessary? I don’t love the style of writing, or the way the storyline is placed between really great information on the death penalty. But, I believe the questions this book poses are important.
April 22, 2025
The Volunteer by Gianna Toboni takes an in-depth look at the death penalty in the United States. The book combines a moral and practical view on capital punishment with the story of Scott Dozier, a death row inmate who is volunteering to be put to death. The book explores the author's feelings toward the death penalty and the treatment of a convicted murderer. It raises questions about the existence of capital punishment and its implementation. The book also includes details about the prison system and the treatment of inmates. I think that no matter what side you sit on in the matter, this was an amazing debut authors look into our prison system.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book.
April 15, 2025
Well written and really good investigative journalism, however it made it hard to sympathize with the guy like the author did knowing he is a bad guy. She got way too close to him and reading the last chapter really solidified that when shes talking about how he will never see his grandchildren. Really?????? I wish we heard more from the families of the people he killed and that impact. Of course its sad for Scott’s family but at the end of the day he is a murderer.
Edit: I just wrote that and I think I was being too harsh. Its a great book and the death penalty as it is now is inhumane
Edit: I just wrote that and I think I was being too harsh. Its a great book and the death penalty as it is now is inhumane
December 24, 2024
my favorite nonfic of 2024. what an incredibly profound, difficult, moving book. toboni does an amazing job humanizing death row inmates, examining the hypocrisy of state-sanctioned killings and state’s inability (or unwillingness) to carry them out after condemning individuals in court, and making the reader think critically about capital punishment from so many different perspectives.
my heart hurts for scott dozier, for his family, and for the families affected by his crimes. everyone should read this.
my heart hurts for scott dozier, for his family, and for the families affected by his crimes. everyone should read this.
October 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Volunteer, by Gianna Toboni, is an in-depth look into the death penalty in the United States. The book intertwines a moral and (more uniquely) practical view on capital punishment with the story of Scott Dozier, an inmate on death row who is volunteering, practically begging, to be put to death.
This is an incredible book that will put you through all the emotions - you can feel the author's struggle to come to terms with her own feelings on not only the death penalty but with the treatment of a convicted murderer. By the end - I still didn't know how to feel about the topic. Should capital punishment exist? If it does exist, why is it so difficult and costly to go through with it? There are details in the book about the prison system and the treatment of inmates that is almost unbelievable.
My favourite book I've read in 2024!
The Volunteer, by Gianna Toboni, is an in-depth look into the death penalty in the United States. The book intertwines a moral and (more uniquely) practical view on capital punishment with the story of Scott Dozier, an inmate on death row who is volunteering, practically begging, to be put to death.
This is an incredible book that will put you through all the emotions - you can feel the author's struggle to come to terms with her own feelings on not only the death penalty but with the treatment of a convicted murderer. By the end - I still didn't know how to feel about the topic. Should capital punishment exist? If it does exist, why is it so difficult and costly to go through with it? There are details in the book about the prison system and the treatment of inmates that is almost unbelievable.
My favourite book I've read in 2024!
September 5, 2025
This book is such an eye opener. The Prison system has so many purposes that we as a lawful society need however we are All still people with needs and wants. There has to be a better way and we need to find out what that is.
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February 23, 2026Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions stated here are my own.
Before I get into the rest of this review, I should say that I am fervently and adamantly against the death penalty, however, if you want a book about why we should abolish the death penalty, this is not that book. I do not want anyone to die from the death penalty and I want the government to stop wasting money on keeping this barbaric and archaic institution alive. This is my opinion, however, Toboni states explicitly that she is not going to try and persuade readers either way about the death penalty, and I think she stays true to that, though after reading this book I can’t imagine how someone could condone the death penalty.
Where to start? There are many interesting parts to this book. Aside from the politics and morality of the death penalty, this book looks at the logistical aspects of completing a death penalty execution. One of the aspects I was most interested in and wish had been discussed in greater detail is the fact that the drugs used for the drug cocktail that is used in lethal injection are difficult to procure as pharmaceutical companies have (rightly so) prohibited them for being used for the death penalty. When Toboni sticks to her stated thesis, the book shines. She’s a strong writer, and her examination of the death penalty’s flawed implementation is thorough and gripping. Her analysis of the difficulties of obtaining execution drugs, uncertain protocols, and inconsistent application of the death penalty is excellent, if not unsurprising for those of us who have researched this topic before.
Scott Dozier was found guilty of two murders and was sentenced to be executed in the state of Nevada in 2007. Dozier never claimed he was innocent and does not attempt to convince Toboni of this. For Dozier, the worst part of the sentence doesn’t seem to that he was on death row, but that he was sentenced to stretches of solitary confinement (which is another established part of our criminal “justice” system that I abhor). Fed up with how things are going, Dozier asks to be executed rather than continue to languish in prison. This is where Toboni comes in and begins writing. I read this book two months ago now and I am still thinking about it. If it sounds interesting to you I would absolutely recommend it. Even if you have read many books centering the death penalty and criminal justice would still get a lot out of this one.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I, like Toboni, found myself feeling empathetic toward Dozier, for various reasons. I do have some issue with how Toboni presents Dozier’s case though, and that is that at points Toboni seems to have let objectivity fly out the window, which would be okay if she was up front about that. In my opinion, she never acknowledges that extent to which she has become personally entangled with Scott Dozier, the book’s primary subject. Over time, as Toboni is working on reporting for Dozier’s case, Dozier and Toboni develop a rapport, and I think this sometimes clouds Toboni’s judgment. It seems to me that Toboni’s personal feelings towards Dozier have overshadowed her ability to give an accurate account of Dozier’s story. Toboni herself admits multiple times that she is likely getting too close to Dozier, but this does not come off in the book as an acknowledgment of her clouded judgment so much as a justification for the way in which she writes about Dozier. Again, I would have no problem with this if it will presented as a memoir or personal account of Toboni’s experience interacting with Dozier, rather than a strictly journalistic account of his story and the failings of the criminal justice system. For the most part, however, this did not dampen my opinion of the book or hinder my reading experience.
Before I get into the rest of this review, I should say that I am fervently and adamantly against the death penalty, however, if you want a book about why we should abolish the death penalty, this is not that book. I do not want anyone to die from the death penalty and I want the government to stop wasting money on keeping this barbaric and archaic institution alive. This is my opinion, however, Toboni states explicitly that she is not going to try and persuade readers either way about the death penalty, and I think she stays true to that, though after reading this book I can’t imagine how someone could condone the death penalty.
Where to start? There are many interesting parts to this book. Aside from the politics and morality of the death penalty, this book looks at the logistical aspects of completing a death penalty execution. One of the aspects I was most interested in and wish had been discussed in greater detail is the fact that the drugs used for the drug cocktail that is used in lethal injection are difficult to procure as pharmaceutical companies have (rightly so) prohibited them for being used for the death penalty. When Toboni sticks to her stated thesis, the book shines. She’s a strong writer, and her examination of the death penalty’s flawed implementation is thorough and gripping. Her analysis of the difficulties of obtaining execution drugs, uncertain protocols, and inconsistent application of the death penalty is excellent, if not unsurprising for those of us who have researched this topic before.
Scott Dozier was found guilty of two murders and was sentenced to be executed in the state of Nevada in 2007. Dozier never claimed he was innocent and does not attempt to convince Toboni of this. For Dozier, the worst part of the sentence doesn’t seem to that he was on death row, but that he was sentenced to stretches of solitary confinement (which is another established part of our criminal “justice” system that I abhor). Fed up with how things are going, Dozier asks to be executed rather than continue to languish in prison. This is where Toboni comes in and begins writing. I read this book two months ago now and I am still thinking about it. If it sounds interesting to you I would absolutely recommend it. Even if you have read many books centering the death penalty and criminal justice would still get a lot out of this one.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I, like Toboni, found myself feeling empathetic toward Dozier, for various reasons. I do have some issue with how Toboni presents Dozier’s case though, and that is that at points Toboni seems to have let objectivity fly out the window, which would be okay if she was up front about that. In my opinion, she never acknowledges that extent to which she has become personally entangled with Scott Dozier, the book’s primary subject. Over time, as Toboni is working on reporting for Dozier’s case, Dozier and Toboni develop a rapport, and I think this sometimes clouds Toboni’s judgment. It seems to me that Toboni’s personal feelings towards Dozier have overshadowed her ability to give an accurate account of Dozier’s story. Toboni herself admits multiple times that she is likely getting too close to Dozier, but this does not come off in the book as an acknowledgment of her clouded judgment so much as a justification for the way in which she writes about Dozier. Again, I would have no problem with this if it will presented as a memoir or personal account of Toboni’s experience interacting with Dozier, rather than a strictly journalistic account of his story and the failings of the criminal justice system. For the most part, however, this did not dampen my opinion of the book or hinder my reading experience.
March 21, 2025
Absolutely incredible book that shows the more and logistical (and political) complexities of the death penalty, shown through the story of a death row inmate who has asked the State to follow through with its sentence.
As a criminal defense attorney, I am well aware of the dehumanizing of inmates needed for our carceral system to work the way it does. Toboni writes in the beginning that she is doing her job as a journalist to be objective, and that this book was not pro- or anti- death penalty. I saw one review complain that this book loses its objectivity, and I have to say that is what happens when you have human empathy. You can read this book, fully believe that Scott Dozier is guilty and deserves to be punished, and still feel empathy for what he went through. I was raised to believe two wrongs don't make a right, and I believe you can believe that and still hold people accountable for the crimes they commit.
This book does not go into the legal complexities of the death penalty -- probably because Dozier literally waives them in his request to be executed -- but it does go into how broken our system is. It mainly follows Dozier's story, but it also goes into some anti-death penalty advocacy because that is what leads the NDOC to be required to stay Dozier's requested execution. I had a lot of background knowledge going into this, but I believe that someone with no knowledge of the carceral system will be able to understand it based on Toboni's framing.
While Toboni recognizes that she became emotionally attached to this story, she also consistently reminds the reader that Dozier is in prison for (allegedly) committing heinous crimes. She is able to frame this as a situation of both, because contradicting things can be true -- Dozier can be a good guy and could have made some horrendous decisions in his past. This book does not ask you to denounce the death penalty or the carceral state, but it does ask you to question how we go about punishing people and if that is the kind of nation we want to be.
Every day that I was reading this book, this book sat with me, and I think it will continue to sit with me for many months to come. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Atria Books at NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a criminal defense attorney, I am well aware of the dehumanizing of inmates needed for our carceral system to work the way it does. Toboni writes in the beginning that she is doing her job as a journalist to be objective, and that this book was not pro- or anti- death penalty. I saw one review complain that this book loses its objectivity, and I have to say that is what happens when you have human empathy. You can read this book, fully believe that Scott Dozier is guilty and deserves to be punished, and still feel empathy for what he went through. I was raised to believe two wrongs don't make a right, and I believe you can believe that and still hold people accountable for the crimes they commit.
This book does not go into the legal complexities of the death penalty -- probably because Dozier literally waives them in his request to be executed -- but it does go into how broken our system is. It mainly follows Dozier's story, but it also goes into some anti-death penalty advocacy because that is what leads the NDOC to be required to stay Dozier's requested execution. I had a lot of background knowledge going into this, but I believe that someone with no knowledge of the carceral system will be able to understand it based on Toboni's framing.
While Toboni recognizes that she became emotionally attached to this story, she also consistently reminds the reader that Dozier is in prison for (allegedly) committing heinous crimes. She is able to frame this as a situation of both, because contradicting things can be true -- Dozier can be a good guy and could have made some horrendous decisions in his past. This book does not ask you to denounce the death penalty or the carceral state, but it does ask you to question how we go about punishing people and if that is the kind of nation we want to be.
Every day that I was reading this book, this book sat with me, and I think it will continue to sit with me for many months to come. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Atria Books at NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
First and foremost, Gianna Toboni is a gifted writer. Toboni is an exceptional investigative journalist, diving into the justice system, the history of death row, the accountability of states, and the people it impacts the most, those on death row itself. The time and research that went into creating this book is evident. From the constant back and forth of drug combinations, the botched attempts, the legality of obtaining the drugs necessary for lethal injection, and those who are slated to wait for a date that may never arrive, evidence is brought forth and the execution is executed. Though Toboni states in the beginning of the book that she is anti-death penalty, her firm and concise writing does not show her opinion, rather just states the facts. It is not meant to sway you, but instead show you the reality of the situation.
Through alternating chapters, you are reading about the broken death row system and a specific inmate, Scott Dozier, his history, crime, and professional relationship that Toboni develops overtime with Dozier. Reading about Dozier's life added the grey to what would have been a black and white picture. While I do not emphasize or sympathize with Dozier, it was still interesting to hear from a man on death row that wanted his life to end at the hand of the system that put him in prison.
This was a unique book as you read seemingly two separate stories woven into one. While Toboni tried to stay subjective overall, you found her objectivity breaking through when it came to Dozier's story as her time spent talking with him increased and her views on his treatment during his final days were saturated in her emotions. Toboni attempted multiple times that she felt she was getting close to Dozier, which seemed to compromise his story and skew it in his favor rather than just the facts. However, this shows the humanity in all of us. I do not think it hindered the book, but showed just how death row can impact everyone.
Through alternating chapters, you are reading about the broken death row system and a specific inmate, Scott Dozier, his history, crime, and professional relationship that Toboni develops overtime with Dozier. Reading about Dozier's life added the grey to what would have been a black and white picture. While I do not emphasize or sympathize with Dozier, it was still interesting to hear from a man on death row that wanted his life to end at the hand of the system that put him in prison.
This was a unique book as you read seemingly two separate stories woven into one. While Toboni tried to stay subjective overall, you found her objectivity breaking through when it came to Dozier's story as her time spent talking with him increased and her views on his treatment during his final days were saturated in her emotions. Toboni attempted multiple times that she felt she was getting close to Dozier, which seemed to compromise his story and skew it in his favor rather than just the facts. However, this shows the humanity in all of us. I do not think it hindered the book, but showed just how death row can impact everyone.
April 1, 2025
The Volunteer is an extremely powerful work that explores the use of the death penalty in the United States and examines the experiences of an inmate on death row, Scott Dozier. The author is an investigative journalist who took on the controversial topic of the death penalty and why Scott Dozier would volunteer to be executed rather than spend his days in prison.
While some parts of the story may be less than fully objective, I feel that it’s sometimes difficult to remain so when you are so immersed in a topic.
Most people have strong feelings on whether they support the death penalty as a form of punishment for crimes. However, this book not only gives you facts and examples of the protocols of carrying out the penalty, but also specifics of drugs used and their associated difficulties. It also gives us a glimpse of what the inmate experiences as well as their families. Not many think about what the families of inmates experience whether you are for or against this type of penalty.
From the information presented in this work, it’s quite obvious why Scott Dozier would volunteer for his sentence to be followed through with. His experience, whether you care or not, was not pleasant.
As a side note, even with a criminal justice degree, this topic was very heavy. I found myself putting this book aside several times just to be able to get through it. It had nothing to do with the writing or the author, just the subject matter. A very good work overall and very informative!
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
While some parts of the story may be less than fully objective, I feel that it’s sometimes difficult to remain so when you are so immersed in a topic.
Most people have strong feelings on whether they support the death penalty as a form of punishment for crimes. However, this book not only gives you facts and examples of the protocols of carrying out the penalty, but also specifics of drugs used and their associated difficulties. It also gives us a glimpse of what the inmate experiences as well as their families. Not many think about what the families of inmates experience whether you are for or against this type of penalty.
From the information presented in this work, it’s quite obvious why Scott Dozier would volunteer for his sentence to be followed through with. His experience, whether you care or not, was not pleasant.
As a side note, even with a criminal justice degree, this topic was very heavy. I found myself putting this book aside several times just to be able to get through it. It had nothing to do with the writing or the author, just the subject matter. A very good work overall and very informative!
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 21, 2025
This book took me longer to read than usual, and I can’t help but wonder why. Maybe it’s because of a quote that has stayed with me:
"When a thought is too hard to bear, we shut it out; it's a human instinct, self-preservation. But is it this very human instinct that makes us complicit?"
That question lingered in my mind as I read, making it impossible to turn away from the reality presented in The Volunteer. I’ve known about the issues within the prison system, but this book forced me to confront them on a deeply personal level. It made it impossible to pretend they weren’t real.
Learning more about Scott Dozier—who he was, how he was treated in his final days, and his one request to die humanely—left me questioning how many others like him are subjected to similar cruelty. And beyond that, it made me reflect on my own judgments. How often do I look at someone who made one mistake in life and see only that mistake?
Gianna's writing is beautiful, raw, and filled with humanity. The depth of research into the death penalty, and how different parts of the world have addressed it, is evident throughout. This book doesn’t just inform—it unsettles. It makes you think, makes you uncomfortable, and forces you to examine the systems we often choose to ignore.
By the end, I found myself craving something lighter, a fantasy escape to balance the weight of this story. But The Volunteer is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed it. And maybe that’s exactly the point.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
"When a thought is too hard to bear, we shut it out; it's a human instinct, self-preservation. But is it this very human instinct that makes us complicit?"
That question lingered in my mind as I read, making it impossible to turn away from the reality presented in The Volunteer. I’ve known about the issues within the prison system, but this book forced me to confront them on a deeply personal level. It made it impossible to pretend they weren’t real.
Learning more about Scott Dozier—who he was, how he was treated in his final days, and his one request to die humanely—left me questioning how many others like him are subjected to similar cruelty. And beyond that, it made me reflect on my own judgments. How often do I look at someone who made one mistake in life and see only that mistake?
Gianna's writing is beautiful, raw, and filled with humanity. The depth of research into the death penalty, and how different parts of the world have addressed it, is evident throughout. This book doesn’t just inform—it unsettles. It makes you think, makes you uncomfortable, and forces you to examine the systems we often choose to ignore.
By the end, I found myself craving something lighter, a fantasy escape to balance the weight of this story. But The Volunteer is the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve closed it. And maybe that’s exactly the point.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
April 20, 2025
4.5/5
I could not put this book down. It’s engrossing, informative, well-written, and well-researched.
I’m normally a fiction reader, but this year I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.
In The Volunteer, Gianna Toboni, an investigative journalist, takes us on a journey to uncover the broken system designed to execute inmates — focusing on one inmate’s request to expedite his own death sentence. I knew very little about the history of the death penalty in the United States. I was aware that most states had moved away from firing squads and the electric chair in favor of supposedly more "humane" methods, like lethal injection.
Toboni lifts the veil on lethal injection — from the way pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell the necessary drugs, to the harmful and inhumane ways they are administered.
From the beginning, Toboni acknowledges that the man at the center of this story, Scott Dozier, is not a "perfect victim." Dozier committed heinous crimes. Yet he was also an inmate who wanted to be treated with dignity at the end of his life.
This book is more than a deep dive into Dozier and his unusual request — it’s a sharp and necessary look into the U.S. death penalty system, and the extreme lengths the state will go to in order to carry out executions.
I highly recommend this if you’re even remotely curious about this topic, or about prison reform in general.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of The Volunteer.
I could not put this book down. It’s engrossing, informative, well-written, and well-researched.
I’m normally a fiction reader, but this year I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.
In The Volunteer, Gianna Toboni, an investigative journalist, takes us on a journey to uncover the broken system designed to execute inmates — focusing on one inmate’s request to expedite his own death sentence. I knew very little about the history of the death penalty in the United States. I was aware that most states had moved away from firing squads and the electric chair in favor of supposedly more "humane" methods, like lethal injection.
Toboni lifts the veil on lethal injection — from the way pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell the necessary drugs, to the harmful and inhumane ways they are administered.
From the beginning, Toboni acknowledges that the man at the center of this story, Scott Dozier, is not a "perfect victim." Dozier committed heinous crimes. Yet he was also an inmate who wanted to be treated with dignity at the end of his life.
This book is more than a deep dive into Dozier and his unusual request — it’s a sharp and necessary look into the U.S. death penalty system, and the extreme lengths the state will go to in order to carry out executions.
I highly recommend this if you’re even remotely curious about this topic, or about prison reform in general.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of The Volunteer.
April 30, 2025
When Scott Dozier was sentenced to death in 2007, he waved his appeals and asked for his sentence to be expedited. Instead, he sat on death row for over a decade awaiting his fate. This book uncovers the controversy surrounding the death penalty, and the corruption of our judicial system.
✨There may be some spoilers and a rant ahead✨
The only negative thing I will say is in the beginning she stated that she would be unbiased which she wasn’t, it’s fine though. However, I’ve always been iffy on my stance with the death penalty. Especially considering how many innocent people are currently sitting behind bars right now. It makes my stomach turn to think how many innocent people have been executed due to false accusations, poor policing and biases. In the book one republican politician stated “You can’t trust the government to deliver your mail on time but you trust them to execute the right guy.” And that was like a punch in the gut because there’s so much truth in that. He also said “The more and more experience I had with government I concluded that the general incompetency of government didn’t make them the right people to decide life and death” I don’t always take quotes from books but I was like I have to write this down! I learned so much from this one, how often our “humane” way of execution by lethal injection is botched, which happens more times than not. More people die on death row of natural causes than actual execution. One guy served 40 years on death row and died of natural causes. Crazy. Also the fact our states government were ILLEGALLY OBTAINING the drugs to perform these executions and inmates were put on suicide watches while on death row so that the state can be the one to put them to death. Insane. Honestly the whole book just made me angry but shined more light on the corruption in our system. Everyone should read it!
Thank you @simon.audio
✨There may be some spoilers and a rant ahead✨
The only negative thing I will say is in the beginning she stated that she would be unbiased which she wasn’t, it’s fine though. However, I’ve always been iffy on my stance with the death penalty. Especially considering how many innocent people are currently sitting behind bars right now. It makes my stomach turn to think how many innocent people have been executed due to false accusations, poor policing and biases. In the book one republican politician stated “You can’t trust the government to deliver your mail on time but you trust them to execute the right guy.” And that was like a punch in the gut because there’s so much truth in that. He also said “The more and more experience I had with government I concluded that the general incompetency of government didn’t make them the right people to decide life and death” I don’t always take quotes from books but I was like I have to write this down! I learned so much from this one, how often our “humane” way of execution by lethal injection is botched, which happens more times than not. More people die on death row of natural causes than actual execution. One guy served 40 years on death row and died of natural causes. Crazy. Also the fact our states government were ILLEGALLY OBTAINING the drugs to perform these executions and inmates were put on suicide watches while on death row so that the state can be the one to put them to death. Insane. Honestly the whole book just made me angry but shined more light on the corruption in our system. Everyone should read it!
Thank you @simon.audio
September 8, 2025
Excellent book. Many amazing quotes. We love to sentence to death but don’t have the stones to do it. 1/9 executions is of an innocent person. Most inmates get out of prison and most prisons don’t do shit to “rehabilitate “. Why I quit working at one. It’s shameful how we treat the incarcerated and the condemned.
Moving passages-
Page 129 “When I was there, I got about 2500, maybe 3000 letters from people volunteering to be the executioner at no cost,” he recalled, the disbelief in his voice palpable. There’s a sickness within our society.”
Page 2, 137
page 190 “A Republican state senator said at the time he changed his stance on the issue because “the more and more experience I had with government, I concluded that the general incompetency of government didn’t make them the right people to decide life and death”.
page 191 Since 1973, 197 inmates on death die in America have been exonerated
page 237 “..95% of inmates in the state reenter society at some point, that focus should be public safety, which data now shows goes hand in hand with the state treating incarcerated folks humanely.”
"Ultimately, you judge the character of a society, not by how they treat their rich and the powerful and the privileged, but by how they treat the poor, the condemned, the incarcerated." - Bryan Stevenson
Moving passages-
Page 129 “When I was there, I got about 2500, maybe 3000 letters from people volunteering to be the executioner at no cost,” he recalled, the disbelief in his voice palpable. There’s a sickness within our society.”
Page 2, 137
page 190 “A Republican state senator said at the time he changed his stance on the issue because “the more and more experience I had with government, I concluded that the general incompetency of government didn’t make them the right people to decide life and death”.
page 191 Since 1973, 197 inmates on death die in America have been exonerated
page 237 “..95% of inmates in the state reenter society at some point, that focus should be public safety, which data now shows goes hand in hand with the state treating incarcerated folks humanely.”
"Ultimately, you judge the character of a society, not by how they treat their rich and the powerful and the privileged, but by how they treat the poor, the condemned, the incarcerated." - Bryan Stevenson
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
i find it hard to believe that these 275 pages were all that toboni had to say about the prison system, the red tape that surrounds a successful execution by the state, and the story of scott dozier. as extensively researched and recorded as this book is, toboni notes in the prologue that her goal isn't to argue for or against the death penalty, and that it isn't up to her which way those who read her book decide to use what she presents, and maybe that decision is what makes this so lackluster. i found this book to be a great introduction to understanding the history of the death penalty and the impact the ever-controversial practice has on inmates and their families, but that was it. i was left hoping for more insight, a recap of if nevada abolished the death penalty (a quick google search tells me no), or anything more about how or if this man's decision to die ended up changing anything at all. an unfortunately flat ending to what had been an insightful journey for me as a reader, and it seemed, toboni herself.
June 5, 2025
This book really upset me. It comes off as a whining plea for clemency for the worst criminals. I felt the author was asking too much of the reader, to feel pity and sorry for terrible criminals.
This author does a good job indirectly addressing how the death penalty is an ineffective crime deterrent nor does it seem to do much except waste taxpayer money.
I don’t know the solution but the entire prison system seems corrupt beyond repair. This book does force you to examine your viewpoint about the death penalty and exposes how the federal and state governments contradict each other in an idiotic catch 22 set up to fail protocol.
I didn’t think the author was as effective in making her arguments. Her writing made me wonder why we have to take so much care to protect the rights of those who have never taken any care to protect anybody except themselves. Her writing seemed to make the inmates seem like the victims.
A much better written book about the death penalty is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
This author does a good job indirectly addressing how the death penalty is an ineffective crime deterrent nor does it seem to do much except waste taxpayer money.
I don’t know the solution but the entire prison system seems corrupt beyond repair. This book does force you to examine your viewpoint about the death penalty and exposes how the federal and state governments contradict each other in an idiotic catch 22 set up to fail protocol.
I didn’t think the author was as effective in making her arguments. Her writing made me wonder why we have to take so much care to protect the rights of those who have never taken any care to protect anybody except themselves. Her writing seemed to make the inmates seem like the victims.
A much better written book about the death penalty is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
March 4, 2025
The Volunteer: The failure of the death penalty in America and one inmate's quest to Die with Dignity, by Gianna Toboni is a fascinating book.
Gianna Toboni is an Emmy Award winning Investigative reporter who interviews Scott Dozier an convicted murderer. But Scott is unique, he asked the state to be put to death.
Scott tells Gianna about his early life, all the way up to, and including, his stay on death row, his continues of execution and how hard it actually is to die on death row.
The two talk about how they could not get the proper drugs to complete the executions. How many executions are botched, causing unnecessary inhumane suffering. This book does not debate if the death penalty is correct or not but rather how flawed the current system is.
Thank you Gianna Toboni and Atria books for partnering with NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This book will be published April 1 2025.
Gianna Toboni is an Emmy Award winning Investigative reporter who interviews Scott Dozier an convicted murderer. But Scott is unique, he asked the state to be put to death.
Scott tells Gianna about his early life, all the way up to, and including, his stay on death row, his continues of execution and how hard it actually is to die on death row.
The two talk about how they could not get the proper drugs to complete the executions. How many executions are botched, causing unnecessary inhumane suffering. This book does not debate if the death penalty is correct or not but rather how flawed the current system is.
Thank you Gianna Toboni and Atria books for partnering with NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This book will be published April 1 2025.
May 19, 2025
The volunteer in this compelling death penalty drama is Scott Dosier, a man sentenced for murder and living on Nevada's Death Row. If you can call it living -- which is why Dosier is begging the State to carry out his execution. Enter Toboni, a young journalist with impressive and courageous credentials who gains Dosier's trust and builds relationships with his family and friends as his incarceration -- mostly solitary confinement -- drags on and on and on. Toboni states that her intention is not to (re)debate the morality of the death penalty, but the reader must. What is cruel and unusual punishment? Who decides? What is the "best" method of execution (not lethal injection we learn -- for SO many reasons). What is justice and for whom? Scott Dosier's story is told with facts, frankness and humanity, resulting in a moving and well-researched book that reveals more questions than answers. (Toboni's audio reading is excellent.)
April 21, 2025
I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend. This book made me think a lot and challenged some judgments I held. I finished this book on Easter Sunday which felt apropos. I purposefully didn’t look up any info about Scott Dozier before I started the book which made the book read even more like a novel - I wanted to know what happened in the end. The juxtaposition of Scott’s story with info and history on the death penalty - like the pharma industry’s involvement - kept the book moving quickly despite what easily could have been a dry book full of factoids. I still don’t know where I stand on the topic of the depth penalty but I think that’s the point. The topic is extremely nuanced and unless you or a loved one is on death row, we could never understand. But Toboni does a fabulous job of taking us as close as possible.
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