The Fear of 13: Surviving Death Row

by Nicholas Yarris

This is the memoir of Nick Yarris, who was wrongly convicted of rape and murder and spent 23 years on Death Row.

While he was in prison, to keep himself sane, Nick educated himself (including learning about triskaidekaphobia, the fear of 13 which gives the book its name). Later, as the technology developed, Nick pressed for post-conviction DNA testing, which eventually led to him being acquitted of all charges.

Nick tells of his experiences with immediacy and passion, and narrates his tale to brilliant charismatic effect both here and in the film of the same name released in 2015. Widely critically acclaimed, the film will debut on Netflix in November 2016 (date tbc) and this book is published to tie in with the release, adding a further dimension and more detail into Nick's compelling story.

Genres: Crime, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, True Story, True Crime

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2016

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the end of the book I had a vision of Nick as a lovely desert rose growing out of parched mud. How he flourished despite his surroundings was quite remarkable. His writing was delightful. He persevered and decided to live although it looked hopeless. His detailed interaction with some of the worst criminals was fascinating, and the devastating fact that a few of his cellmates were also innocent, was shocking.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and emotional journey chronicling one man through his early life to the point where he was convicted of a rape and murder of a woman he had never even met.

Having watched the Netflix documentary by the same name, I couldn’t wait to read Yarris’ story more in depth. It’s a tragic account of massive multiple failings within the American justice system, but ultimately a story of perseverance and commitment to the truth. I found Yarris’ account of prison life to be so harrowing I had to take a moment to digest what I was reading - notably the abuse by guards entrusted with the care of prisoners such as himself.

There is a need for a massive overhaul in the American justice system. This cannot be allowed to happen again. Yarris lived to tell the tale, but so many do not. I would implore Yarris to write a follow up to this amazing book; I would love to see how he came to adjust to life outside of his prison cell in the weeks and months following his release, and find out more about the work he continues to do to support inmates.

This book deserves unlimited praise; I wouldn’t hasten to recommend it to anyone with an interest in crime, punishment and the judicial system.

[colin powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwrenching

What a story of endurance, love, cruelty and injustice. Couldn't put this book down hoping from the time the cell door closed that justice would prevail. Utterly saddened that this innocent incarceration is happening today. Nick I sincerely hope you are living your life to the full. God bless you.

[Lucii Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the most inspirational read I've ever come across!! If you like an emotional book that will have you feeling all kinds of different things, then this is one for you.

Too many innocent people are being sent to death row through circumstantial evidence and it's wrong. This story HIGHLIGHTS that in every aspect! Not only that but it definitely illustrates the real goings on inside of Death Row. And we wonder why there's no documentaries on Death Row?!

I feel for Nick Yarris, he should never have been sent there. He should never have gone through what he did for over two decades. I felt a lot of anger towards the American Penal System while reading this. What do they get out of degrading and humiliating inmates? Aren't they already paying a price for their crimes?

Nick Yarris told his story with honesty, emotion and integrity. I've also watched the documentary and it was an incredibly moving one indeed. I've cried as well as laughed at some of Nick's jokes throughout the book and I ADMIRE his strength and fight!!

I'm so glad he's been released and that he's finally getting to live the life he should have never had taken away from him in the first place!! Hallelujah for DNA!

[mulv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick when he did a Q&A at my school when I was 18 and so I read this in one night as to arm myself with questions for him. His story is genuinely quite heartbreaking and all he’s been through must have been traumatic and yet, he’s still upbeat, positive and full of life. The way he describes his harrowing experiences is stunning and I hold this book quite close to my heart having looked him in the eye, shaken his hand and heard his story with his actual voice. An amazing read by an amazing man.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely moving account of a man sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. The author refreshingly accepts the part he played in his false conviction that resulted in living on death row for decades. His description of life in prison and on death row in particular is eye-opening but not graphic. The corruption within the judicial system - especially the prisons - is a topic too often ignored.

[Sarah Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has had me gripped for the past week! I have been unable to put it down, from morning to evening I have read it as much as possible, from reading it on the bus to forgetting to answer my dear partner when been asked a question, that is how gripped I was to this book!

I started this book with just reading about a stranger having no emotions involved to ending the book a week later knowing a man I have great respect for.
What Nick endured during his 20+ years in what I can only imagine must have been pure hell due to the corruption of the so called "law" this man should be extremely proud of himself!
He didn't give up, even after beatings, grief, innocence that he begged people to see and was just tossed aside by the officials.
This book shows true courage and strength, and even after it all he still smiles and just continues to live a happy life, what a guy!

Thank you Nick for writing this inspiring book.

[Richard Springer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why write a memoir if you have no intention whatsoever of telling the truth about yourself? I believe it is entirely possible that Nick Yarris was not the sole, or even primary, perpetrator of the rape; that is about as far as I will go towards believing his innocence. Of course, none of the details that allow me to make this judgement, like the fact that he was seen stalking the victim beforehand, the (uncoerced) confession, or many other things, are contained in the text itself.

This would actually be a very interesting book if the writer were capable of honesty and self examination. Alas, he is not.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read of a mans relentless (with occasional defeatist attitude) to clear his name and be released from Death Row in USA. His account of the prison system in USA is real, upsetting and torturous for him and reader. He persevered and is now a free man - years wasted but its made him the man he is today. An inspirational human being.

[Simon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this book or the author but decided to give it a go and am very happy that I did so. This is an amazing story of a man who was convicted of a crime he not only didn't commit, but also had no connection whatsoever to the victim. He describes his twenty-two years of brutal imprisonment in great detail and hides nothing from his reader. It's a compelling read.

[leanne sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart breaking

A fantastic insight into a life of a truly brave and inspirational person we all make mistakes some pay a higher price than others. brilliant read

[Nancy Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a story

Great read and story. Talk about twist and turns. He has to be a strong person to have survived this. Wishing you the best.

[Ruth Blake]

Remarkable

A very good well written book it puts you in the situation with Nick Harris you feel all his pain.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very human tale of the experience of being on death row, not for the faint hearted and not an easy read.

[Sharon Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible story.

[Paul Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly eye opening account of one mans battle to prove his innocence and his battle to survive what can only be described as appalling conditions and treatment.

[Jo Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book that can be devoured quickly, as it makes you stop and think a lot, although it is hard to put down. This is an incredible read. Nick Yarris finds himself on Death Row for raping and murdering a woman he never met. And stays there for 23 years. Yes eventually his innocence is proven and Nick’s tale is harrowing and heartbreaking. But what is most incredible and simply awe inspiring is his honesty and his strength. His understanding of his own failings and what he can do to become a better person is simply a lesson for us all. His words in the opening of the book will stay with me for a long time. “Yet if I had really known what was being offered to me in my life right now, then I’d like to think that maybe, just maybe I would have the courage to go through it all again....”
So please consider reading this book, you won’t regret it and Nick Yaris if you ever read this review there is so much I would like to ask and say to you but I will say just one thing....Hello.

[Barbara Beswick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of how Nick Yarris survived death row, - apparently a 'soon to be gripping drama on Netflix'. And my goodness if anyone had a story to tell, not many can be more deserving to be heard than Nick Yarris's. Feel bad for saying I enjoyed it, because this after all is a factual nightmare the poor man had to live through. Seems hardly decent therefore, to read of the injustices, attacks and utter horror he had to endure and then write that I enjoyed it. What the hell does that make me?! Of course it's a harrowing read, and knowing it actually happened is unthinkable, but still there's a part of me that feels honoured to have read his story and learnt how he eventually overcame living so many wretched years of his life imprisoned. Nick Yarris, you are one amazing man.

[Amy Gillings · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I really say about this book?

Nick Yarris is on death row, and has been for over two decades, he was innocent. but charged with the death sentence for raping and murdering a young woman, a young woman who he had never even met.

This books takes us through his life on death row, through escaping, through excelling, and through heartbreak and beatings. This story is truly terrible. How someone can go through everything that Nick did, and still be a nice person at the end of it all, and have compassion for others is beyond me.

It has been turned into a drama on Netflix, so I will definitely be watching it now that I've read it!

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Somewhere in each of us is the blackest pit from which few ever return. I had found mine.'

Nick Yarris was found guilty of a rape and murder of a woman he had never met. Sentenced to the death row for over 20 years, Nick finds books to keep him sane. A touching biography of how one mistake can spiral out of control.

While reading this book and soon after watching the documentary, I was deeply moved by how Nick had found a way to escape the pit that he had fell into and had never stopped fighting to escape his wrongly given punishment.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nightmare story. The author does a great job telling the story of a man wrongly accused of murder. His appeals have failed and the day of the execution is drawing near. The story will capture your attention and make you aware of how precious life is. I can not imagine what this man felt. The reader provides a glimpse into his world. This book is worth the time to read it.

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! With grace and humility, Mr. Yarris sheds light on his tumultuous journey to freedom. This story is a powerful testament to hope and compassion in the face of inhumane horrors. I couldn't put this book down, and I urge anyone with a few days to listen to Nick's captivating journey through hellish conditions as he transforms into a compassionate and free man.

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, brutally honest, Nicholas Yarris was found guilty of the rape and murder of a woman he never met, receiving the death sentence. He spent 22 years on death row until DNA evidence proved his innocence.

[Bill O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of wrongful imprisonment and how he coped with prisoners, guards, the system, false and real hope, and most importantly, eventually getting to understand himself and how he could cope/accept/forgive.

[Micky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

an amazing story of how a man survived in the prison system it's full of sorrow and hurt but what a man nick yarris is to pull through and not give up an extraordinary story

[Leah Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about (Nick Yarris) this book. I will come back to leaving a review soon.

[Pinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. The most inspiring story ever.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable book, could not put it down! My heart breaks for Nick and his family!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, I read out twice which in itself is a rare thing.

[Paula Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book! Couldn’t put it down. A rollercoaster of emotions. Made me have tears...