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Missing Collection
Time Out
The riveting true story of the crime, punishment, and transformation of a Seattle boy who came of age inside the adult prison system and who, once on the outside, rebuilt a new life as a man.
After twenty years of incarceration, little was familiar to newly released Willard Jimerson. His once-gritty city was a technology hub. An African American was president. And with a six-inch screen, he could access a vastly changed world. From Claudia Rowe, author of The Spider and the Fly, comes the story of the life Willard took and the life taken from Willard, the story of everything he had to regain and was yet to discover.
Claudia Rowe’s Time Out is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
October 6, 2023
Time Out, by Claudia Rowe, follows thirteen year old Willard Jimerson, who killed a fourteen year old girl, when he shot her in the back. Willard went on to spend twenty years in prison and we watch his transformation from a young boy to a man who used everything good, at his disposal, to make something of himself, despite his past. Now he works to help disadvantaged youths to make correct choices in life.
A Kindle Unlimited selection
Claudia Rowe’s Time Out is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring.
A Kindle Unlimited selection
Claudia Rowe’s Time Out is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring.
August 19, 2018
This is essentially a magazine-article length story of a kid who commits murder. For me, the only interesting thing is how much a teenage mind is different from an adult mind and how much he changed during his years incarcerated. I'm passionate about changing our ridiculous "justice" system and the appallingly high rates of incarcerating people, but I've read much better books on the subject.
July 18, 2025
"He didn’t know the healthy infants in those snapshots, but they show up in other pictures through the years, growing into children, sprouting into teenagers."
Time Out
by Claudia Rowe
3.5 stars.
This book is about Williard Jimerson. It is a true story.
Williard Jimerson was convicted of murder after shooting a 14 year old girl by the name of Jamie Lynn Wilson in the back. Williard himself was only 13 at the time.
He was tried as an adult. And he was given a long sentence, over twenty years.
Much happens in those years but what Time Out focuses on is the human growth and changes Williard goes through while in jail. He becomes a voracious reader, earns a college degree, and eventually makes a new life for himself, both while behind bars and after he gets out. He also weds his childhood sweetheart, Yinka.
On one hand, I liked this book. Actually I really did overall enjoy the story. I always love to read redemption stories, be they fiction or Non fiction. Williard, in one sense, did not stand much of a chance. He was from Seattle, from a family where his dad was notorious on the streets and Williard himself was often on those very streets, seeing himself as someday being his dad's successor.
The murder happened at a time when Seattle's streets were plagued with crime and people couldn't take it anymore. There were many who thought that a 13 year old should never have been tried as an adult but his circumstances and also the circumstances of Seattle , made it impossible for that not to happen.
The book is on the short side, more a Novella and I kind of wish it had been longer. There were questions I had that were not answered. But most of all there was Jamie.
Jamie Lynn was the victim and there really was no reason for her to be killed except peer pressure. At the time of the murder, she was running through the streets away from Williard and his crowd and they gave chase. Williard and another boy shot her for no apparent reason.
As other reviewers have mentioned. I wanted to know more about the murder itself. Why were the kids mad at Jaime? Why did they follow her? What happen ed to the other boy who also participated in the murder? This stuff is never explained.
The writer does provide pictures of many of the people in this book including Jayme, who looked like a lovely and kind person. Although I had sympathy for Williard and was very glad he turned his life around..against all odds...the victim should not be forgotten either. I realize the focus of the book is Williard himself and his journey but I'd have still liked more information on the questions I raised above.
Still..the writing was excellent. It is an easy to follow story that can and did stir up emotions. It would make an excellent book club selection as there would almost certainly be differing opinions on this story.
To summarize , this was a well written and engrossing read that I would recommended to people, particularly true crime readers or people who enjoy reading about the Justice system.
Time Out
by Claudia Rowe
3.5 stars.
This book is about Williard Jimerson. It is a true story.
Williard Jimerson was convicted of murder after shooting a 14 year old girl by the name of Jamie Lynn Wilson in the back. Williard himself was only 13 at the time.
He was tried as an adult. And he was given a long sentence, over twenty years.
Much happens in those years but what Time Out focuses on is the human growth and changes Williard goes through while in jail. He becomes a voracious reader, earns a college degree, and eventually makes a new life for himself, both while behind bars and after he gets out. He also weds his childhood sweetheart, Yinka.
On one hand, I liked this book. Actually I really did overall enjoy the story. I always love to read redemption stories, be they fiction or Non fiction. Williard, in one sense, did not stand much of a chance. He was from Seattle, from a family where his dad was notorious on the streets and Williard himself was often on those very streets, seeing himself as someday being his dad's successor.
The murder happened at a time when Seattle's streets were plagued with crime and people couldn't take it anymore. There were many who thought that a 13 year old should never have been tried as an adult but his circumstances and also the circumstances of Seattle , made it impossible for that not to happen.
The book is on the short side, more a Novella and I kind of wish it had been longer. There were questions I had that were not answered. But most of all there was Jamie.
Jamie Lynn was the victim and there really was no reason for her to be killed except peer pressure. At the time of the murder, she was running through the streets away from Williard and his crowd and they gave chase. Williard and another boy shot her for no apparent reason.
As other reviewers have mentioned. I wanted to know more about the murder itself. Why were the kids mad at Jaime? Why did they follow her? What happen ed to the other boy who also participated in the murder? This stuff is never explained.
The writer does provide pictures of many of the people in this book including Jayme, who looked like a lovely and kind person. Although I had sympathy for Williard and was very glad he turned his life around..against all odds...the victim should not be forgotten either. I realize the focus of the book is Williard himself and his journey but I'd have still liked more information on the questions I raised above.
Still..the writing was excellent. It is an easy to follow story that can and did stir up emotions. It would make an excellent book club selection as there would almost certainly be differing opinions on this story.
To summarize , this was a well written and engrossing read that I would recommended to people, particularly true crime readers or people who enjoy reading about the Justice system.
January 8, 2019
At 13 years old Willard Jimerson shot and killed a 14-year old girl. He was tried and sentenced as an adult because of the severity of the crime. Life in Prison. A child. A kid who never had a chance.....
Time Out tells Jimerson's story....his family, his absent parents, the crime and his conviction, his years in prison.....and his reform. This is a story of hope. Jimerson picked up the shattered pieces of his life and grew up in prison, realizing he wanted more than life in a 6' by 16' cell. He wanted to be more than a murderer. Jimerson wanted to help others to avoid the path he chose at 13.
I had mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand, I was joyful that Willard Jimerson changed his life. That he spent 20+ years in prison, but came out a changed man who brings hope to others now. On the other hand, he shot a little girl in the back -- took her life -- there is nothing in this universe that will give that little girl back the life he stole. For no reason. But, ultimately, at the time he took the decision to shoot a gun, Jimerson was a child. He had never been taught any better. He grew up on the streets...his parents were both criminals. His grandparents did their best, but it wasn't enough. Kids make mistakes. Jimerson just made a very, very large and everlasting mistake that he regrets. One line from the book made me realize this is a wonderful story. Jimerson commented that he couldn't make up for what he did...so he was going to make sure to live enough life and do enough good for two lives. He can't give that girl back the life she lost or heal her family's pain.....but he can make sure to do good things with the rest of his life. Reformation is possible. Jimerson is living proof of that. Lovely story!
Time Out is part of the Missing Collection from Audible/Amazon Originals. I listened to the audio book version of this story. At just over an hour long, the audio is an easy listen. J.D. Jackson narrates. His voice is pleasant and he reads at an even pace. All in all, an enjoyable listening experience. I have partial hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book.
The Missing Collection gathers six true stories about people dealing and recovering from extreme loss.
Time Out tells Jimerson's story....his family, his absent parents, the crime and his conviction, his years in prison.....and his reform. This is a story of hope. Jimerson picked up the shattered pieces of his life and grew up in prison, realizing he wanted more than life in a 6' by 16' cell. He wanted to be more than a murderer. Jimerson wanted to help others to avoid the path he chose at 13.
I had mixed feelings about this story. On the one hand, I was joyful that Willard Jimerson changed his life. That he spent 20+ years in prison, but came out a changed man who brings hope to others now. On the other hand, he shot a little girl in the back -- took her life -- there is nothing in this universe that will give that little girl back the life he stole. For no reason. But, ultimately, at the time he took the decision to shoot a gun, Jimerson was a child. He had never been taught any better. He grew up on the streets...his parents were both criminals. His grandparents did their best, but it wasn't enough. Kids make mistakes. Jimerson just made a very, very large and everlasting mistake that he regrets. One line from the book made me realize this is a wonderful story. Jimerson commented that he couldn't make up for what he did...so he was going to make sure to live enough life and do enough good for two lives. He can't give that girl back the life she lost or heal her family's pain.....but he can make sure to do good things with the rest of his life. Reformation is possible. Jimerson is living proof of that. Lovely story!
Time Out is part of the Missing Collection from Audible/Amazon Originals. I listened to the audio book version of this story. At just over an hour long, the audio is an easy listen. J.D. Jackson narrates. His voice is pleasant and he reads at an even pace. All in all, an enjoyable listening experience. I have partial hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book.
The Missing Collection gathers six true stories about people dealing and recovering from extreme loss.
August 5, 2018
An excellent read. It was only 49 pages (too short) and the narrator was an exceptional speaker.
January 14, 2025
Time Out is a powerful and heartfelt read that reminds us of the potential for change and the importance of compassion. I love that the book included real pictures of Willard’s life.
November 4, 2021
It is a moving account of regrets, remorse and transformation. When Willard pulled that trigger, he had no understanding of the consequences. For him, the consequence was two decades in prison among other things. This story is about how the prison shaped him and how he was reborn in the confines of a tiny cell.
August 7, 2018
I have no idea what happened to my 1st review...
This was a good read as Willard's growth and maturity was shown throughout the years during his incarceration.
This was a good read as Willard's growth and maturity was shown throughout the years during his incarceration.
August 9, 2018
this one will pull at your heartstrings for sure, from the Missing Collection this would be my 2nd fave, the strongbox one first ... i can not imagine??! this is a listen you will totally be yelling, no, run the other way, and just talking back to it, trust me ... wrong place and the wrong time ... so many people you can feel for ... i hope he will continue to help others and that those kids will be able to follow in easier, safer, more helpful ways. the shoes we walk in. loved this series ... i think it is called the Missing Series by AMAZON ...such a great listen ... opens your mind and hearts more. ( ;
August 9, 2018
This is the true story of a teenager that murdered a teenage girl. It touches on the punishment of being sentenced as an adult but it mostly a story of Redemption. This young man determined to make something of himself.
I'm certain that he is a wonderful example to any that listen to him speak. I think it's great that Willard takes other young black boys under his wings. They listen to him and respect him. They know that he is speaking with authority, knowledge, and compassion.
I do think that we need Justice reform but I wouldn't know where to begin. On the one hand, Willard just shot and killed someone for no reason. He deserves punishment. On the other hand, do we, as a Nation, really think that young children should be spending time in adult prisons? Willard was rehabilitated but sadly, this is not the case with many of the young men and women that are incarcerated.
This was well written.
I'm certain that he is a wonderful example to any that listen to him speak. I think it's great that Willard takes other young black boys under his wings. They listen to him and respect him. They know that he is speaking with authority, knowledge, and compassion.
I do think that we need Justice reform but I wouldn't know where to begin. On the one hand, Willard just shot and killed someone for no reason. He deserves punishment. On the other hand, do we, as a Nation, really think that young children should be spending time in adult prisons? Willard was rehabilitated but sadly, this is not the case with many of the young men and women that are incarcerated.
This was well written.
September 13, 2018
Rehabilitation does work
This is a short story of a teenager who made a fatal mistake that would effect the rest of his life. But instead of letting himself be just another “killer”, he turned his life around and is now an example that everyone should aspire to be like.
This is a short story of a teenager who made a fatal mistake that would effect the rest of his life. But instead of letting himself be just another “killer”, he turned his life around and is now an example that everyone should aspire to be like.
January 30, 2019
I listened to the audio of this story; J.D. Jackson did an excellent job of narrating. This audio told the story of a 13-year-old boy who shot a neighborhood girl, was tried as an adult, and spent 20 years in jail.
June 5, 2019
A story of a teenager who committed murder, and was charged as an adult. 20 years in prison resulted in this man graduating high school and finding motivation to improve his life.
A quick, short story that was nice to listen to while completing daily chores.
A quick, short story that was nice to listen to while completing daily chores.
October 21, 2018
Sad story about young boy tangled up in crime. Good quick read.
October 23, 2018
This short novella is part of the Amazon Prime Reading Missing Series. It’s the story of Willard Jimerson, a young man who, at the age of 14, is convicted of killing another teenager as a part of a group harassing the young women as she ran from them. It’s an intimate, unflinching look at crime, punishment and redemption through the eyes of Willard. Watching Willard grow and in many ways mature in the prison system is offset by the knowledge that a young women lost her life and never got the chance to get an education and have a family as Willard did. This book isn’t making policy statements or answering questions but is a narrow look at the human side of a very complex issue.
September 11, 2018
Beacon of hope
The true story of teen violence, Time Out may be short but it is all story, no filler. Rowe shares the story of a young boy who travels the path expected of him and lands in prison for murder at the age of 13. What happens next defies all the statistics, though, as Willard finds his way towards a transformation into a responsible adult. Sharing studies regarding teenage vs adult brain development and the impact on how that affects their decision making, the author provides enough for background on the case though obviously not a full study.
This is an important story to share, one of hope that people can change and one of forgiveness. It's another example of how important it is to connect and stay connected with your kids. It's the human side to teen violence, and though it doesn't recuse anyone from responsibility of their actions, it does show how they can learn from consequences, and how maintaining emotional support from family through their rehabilitation is important. It may be short, but it delivers an important message.
The true story of teen violence, Time Out may be short but it is all story, no filler. Rowe shares the story of a young boy who travels the path expected of him and lands in prison for murder at the age of 13. What happens next defies all the statistics, though, as Willard finds his way towards a transformation into a responsible adult. Sharing studies regarding teenage vs adult brain development and the impact on how that affects their decision making, the author provides enough for background on the case though obviously not a full study.
This is an important story to share, one of hope that people can change and one of forgiveness. It's another example of how important it is to connect and stay connected with your kids. It's the human side to teen violence, and though it doesn't recuse anyone from responsibility of their actions, it does show how they can learn from consequences, and how maintaining emotional support from family through their rehabilitation is important. It may be short, but it delivers an important message.
September 29, 2018
A true story about something I never want to happen to my worse enemy.
Wow, what can one say about a thirteen year old boy who shot and killed a girl and spent the next 23 years behind bars? This is the story of his life or what there was of it before after and during incarceration. She tells about his drug addicted mother who bore him while in prison and his never there father. He was brought up by his grandmother and had basically no supervision. Where else would he end up? It's a quick read and I definitely recommend it.
Wow, what can one say about a thirteen year old boy who shot and killed a girl and spent the next 23 years behind bars? This is the story of his life or what there was of it before after and during incarceration. She tells about his drug addicted mother who bore him while in prison and his never there father. He was brought up by his grandmother and had basically no supervision. Where else would he end up? It's a quick read and I definitely recommend it.
April 6, 2022
Willard's experience feels like a catch 22. He certainly should not have been tried as an adult - he wasn't one. Willard was barely even a teen.
But if he had not been incarcerated for the length of time he was, would he have grown in the manner he did?
And what creates a prison survivor - what determines who can turn their life around for the better of themselves and their community versus those who succumb to what society deemed them to be - incorrigible, irredeemable.
But if he had not been incarcerated for the length of time he was, would he have grown in the manner he did?
And what creates a prison survivor - what determines who can turn their life around for the better of themselves and their community versus those who succumb to what society deemed them to be - incorrigible, irredeemable.
November 12, 2024
The last of the Missing collection, where I presume the missing in question is Willard's youth, as he is found guilty of murder while a young teen and essentially grows to adulthood in prison.
While the story is interesting and brings up thoughts of justice and racism, it feels off-putting to have a white journalist report it.
While the story is interesting and brings up thoughts of justice and racism, it feels off-putting to have a white journalist report it.
January 25, 2025
A thirteen year old black boy commit murder and goes to adult prison.
June 18, 2022
A well-written, touching story that highlights the issues of the American correctional system. I highly recommend this book.
October 14, 2025
Claudia Rowe’s Time Out is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
Willard was only 13 years old when he pulled out a gun and shot 14 year old Jamie Lynn Wilson twice in the back. He was tried as an adult and served twenty years of his twenty three year sentence for her murder.
Instead of wasting away in prison, Willard gained his associates degree and completed certificates in several other fields. He fought to better himself, though he did get in many fights while incarcerated. When he got out, his beloved neighborhood was nothing like it used to be, Barack Obama was president, and life was so completely different.
Willard was only 13 years old when he pulled out a gun and shot 14 year old Jamie Lynn Wilson twice in the back. He was tried as an adult and served twenty years of his twenty three year sentence for her murder.
Instead of wasting away in prison, Willard gained his associates degree and completed certificates in several other fields. He fought to better himself, though he did get in many fights while incarcerated. When he got out, his beloved neighborhood was nothing like it used to be, Barack Obama was president, and life was so completely different.
September 3, 2018
A powerful story of black youth in the inner city and choices made to 'fit-in'. Willard's tragic story is heart wrenching as he faces and endures 20 years in prison for murder. At the same time his story is redemptive as he faces his truths and becomes a leader with good intent and a story of hope to share. Although it was a short book it was packed with powerful messages of truth, hope and the strength of the human spirit.
August 30, 2018
Time Out: A true story about the effects of deficits in our "Civilized" society. A very quick read, written by a journalist who knows how to write her story and express the information needed for me to personally form my opinion. After I read of a horrific crime, I always wonder what happened afterwards - to the victim, the perpetrator, the families, etc.. Time Out follows the people involved and tells just that...the after story ! Take the evening to read this book. People are so much more than the headlines you may read on a particular day.
August 24, 2018
A sweet story of a man who he to grow up
The fact that Willard grew up in prison , a kid himself when going in was hard to read. He took a life which he never doubted but he knew then he had made a mistake and wanted something positive to happen out of it.
His story shows that good people make be choices that they truly do regret . He turned his life around, got out and speaks to troubled kids . He is an inspiration to kids who have had a hard life.
This site first book I have read from this author, and I commend her on writing a great book and emphasizing the bad and good side of Willard.
The fact that Willard grew up in prison , a kid himself when going in was hard to read. He took a life which he never doubted but he knew then he had made a mistake and wanted something positive to happen out of it.
His story shows that good people make be choices that they truly do regret . He turned his life around, got out and speaks to troubled kids . He is an inspiration to kids who have had a hard life.
This site first book I have read from this author, and I commend her on writing a great book and emphasizing the bad and good side of Willard.
August 5, 2018
This one did break my heart a bit. No one wins when a young girl is killed for no bloody reason and an equally young kid is sent to prison for twenty plus years. The girl can't be brought back and the young man was sent to an adult prison on to come out lost and trying to catch up from being a teenager to being a 32-year-old man with a red letter A on his record and trying to catch up.
It sounds like he made it with a massive stumble and another child left without a 24/7 father, not that I'm one to buy into those thoughts that one needs both parents to rise above. I still think it can't be easy for anyone involved.
True stories like this always leave me conflicted. Even I can look back through my decades and see those that were lost and those that were plain evil and I was lucky enough to be brought up in an affluent area.
I shelved this as one of my favorites, yet as I said there is the confliction and the jury is still out for Willard Jimerson and his child and future children. I wish him the best.
It sounds like he made it with a massive stumble and another child left without a 24/7 father, not that I'm one to buy into those thoughts that one needs both parents to rise above. I still think it can't be easy for anyone involved.
True stories like this always leave me conflicted. Even I can look back through my decades and see those that were lost and those that were plain evil and I was lucky enough to be brought up in an affluent area.
I shelved this as one of my favorites, yet as I said there is the confliction and the jury is still out for Willard Jimerson and his child and future children. I wish him the best.
August 12, 2018
How an afternoon can go bad!
How does the life of one child, taken by another child. In less than a heartbeat, more like a video game. In that moment the boys life is now 25 years to life in jail. And the girl's family is broken. Taking into account of how a day goes wrong, and everyone in America is affected by these moments.
How does the life of one child, taken by another child. In less than a heartbeat, more like a video game. In that moment the boys life is now 25 years to life in jail. And the girl's family is broken. Taking into account of how a day goes wrong, and everyone in America is affected by these moments.
August 6, 2018
Reads like longform journalism, and in that way, it is done very well. That said, the entire concept-or conceit-of missing is a bit mislaid. Now that I'm two books into this collection the series is explores the absence of a thing, not so much the story of a person that went missing (which is sort of what I thought I was getting into). Even so, it was interesting enough to read through and want to continue on, so if you like stories of truth, finding oneself after doing the unspeakable, and the power of redemption through commitment to doing better, this is certainly for you.
January 16, 2019
This was a short, interesting, and heartbreaking read. Young Willard was only 13 when he killed a 14 year old girl, not fully understanding what he was actually doing at the moment. He would be tried as an adult and go on to serve two decades in prison. This short non-fiction book tells of his time in prison and his transformation. You get a glimpse into his family life and how he was raised as well as how he was seen by those who loved him and those who hated him. What I found most intriguing about this book was learning more about the difference between the teenage mind and the adult mind and how we change over the years. Reading about Willard's transformation in prison was quite remarkable and it gives a sense of hope and shows that a person truly can change and that one heinous act does not always make them a monster.
July 11, 2023
Heartbreaking
I went into this blind. I didn’t know what the story was about, but I was drawn in by the cover photo. It turned out to be a touching story of redemption. But the journey to get there was incredibly sad. There was a fourteen year girl gunned down by a thirteen year old boy in the most senseless crime. I felt her mother’s pain. I hurt for this boy that altered so many lives including his own. I felt proud when he methodically worked to evolve and grow over two decades. His crime was remarkably similar to the crime that took my first cousin. This story was relatable in the most painful way. His experience needed to be shared. This was an incredibly valuable cautionary tale.
I went into this blind. I didn’t know what the story was about, but I was drawn in by the cover photo. It turned out to be a touching story of redemption. But the journey to get there was incredibly sad. There was a fourteen year girl gunned down by a thirteen year old boy in the most senseless crime. I felt her mother’s pain. I hurt for this boy that altered so many lives including his own. I felt proud when he methodically worked to evolve and grow over two decades. His crime was remarkably similar to the crime that took my first cousin. This story was relatable in the most painful way. His experience needed to be shared. This was an incredibly valuable cautionary tale.
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