The Nine Lives of John Aslin: A Non-Fiction Novel

by Jill Creech Bauer

“Beautifully written book which will pull at your heartstrings.” – Reviewer A gut-wrenching story of discrimination, injustice, and the fight to free a man unfairly sentenced. Born into poverty in a crime-ridden town and unaware of his Ojibwe heritage, John Eric Aslin's earliest memories are of a harrowing childhood rife with abuse. This troubling upbringing led him to an adolescence full of crime, when at 21 he was sentenced to life in prison for an accidental death. 36 years later, he's still behind bars and almost a senior citizen. This heart-breaking account explores the life of John Aslin, painting a poignant and eye-opening picture of the struggles he faced during his upbringing and the unfortunate hardships that led his to crime. Intertwining gritty, real-life facts with artful prose and a gripping narrative, "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" shares the story of Michigan's longest serving nonviolent offender, spanning multiple generations to provide a thought-provoking look at inter-generational trauma and the cycle of families trapped in poverty. This book stands as a testament to the bigotry and discrimination behind John Aslin's sentencing, echoing the long-lasting unfair treatment of the Ojibwe Nation and its people. It seeks to touch the heart of readers and raise awareness of little-known injustice. "The Nine Lives of John Aslin" is an enlightening read for anyone who wants to learn more about American history, the treatment of First Nation people and the dark history of state persecution. Help uncover John Aslin's story and the fight for justice.

Genres: Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2020

About the author

Jill Creech Bauer is an attorney from Flint, Michigan. Jill loves to create. In addition to writing, she dabbles in painting and filmmaking. She is an avid reader and independent film fan. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received her law degree from Michigan State.

Jill's nonfiction novel, "The Nine Lives of John Aslin," is a true story of a Native American man who spent 39 years in prison for a nonviolent crime and the experience that his father's generation had when they were forcefully relocated to a "Home for the Feeble Minded" in the 1930's simply for being Ojibwe. John Aslin was released from prison in 2023.

Jill's memoir, "The Civil Death Penalty: Losing Children to the State," covers her decade of experience representing parents whose children were caught up in the foster care system.

"The Soul's Echo: Thirteen Pieces of Short Fiction" is a collection of literary and speculative fiction stories.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a heartbreaking story. So many things went wrong over two generations of people involved in this book. I learned a lot about the treatment of Native Americans and their cultural heritage. This is such a sad story but very important. John Aslin has done well trying to make a positive impact while behind bars.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free electronic ARC of this work, noted as a Non-Fiction-Fiction novel on September 21, 2020, from Netgalley, Jill Creech Bauer, and publisher BooksGoSocial. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of The Nine Lives of John Astin. We dart back and forth between the 1930s and the present day. Jill Creech Bauer is a lawyer in Flint, Michigan, which is the homeland of the Ojibwe Indian Tribe and the center of their heritage. And this true-crime tale is one not to be forgotten, representative of the problems and histories of all our native tribes. This sort of discrimination should be eliminated across the board. And with more information like this, shared among the compliant hordes of we WASP Americans, perhaps it can be. Native lives matter, as well.
Pub date July 2, 2020
Received September 21, 2020
BooksGoSocial
Reviewed on Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, BuckBub, and Kobo. Not available on GooglePlay.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story that reads like a novel The author Jill Creech Bauer shows her thorough research as to why John Aslin should be freed. He accidentally caused the death during a burglary. The victim died as a result of a heart attack that the authorities indicated was brought on by the burglary. This man has more than served his time. It is sad that a book about this case is needed to bring to light Mr. Aslin's plight.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my voluntary, honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book that can be difficult to read in some places. The author’s use of language allows the reader to have a clear and vivid picture of what she is talking about so the reader is able to easily picture the scenes and the emotions. This is a book that shines the light on injustices and bigotry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is tragic to think that this pattern of unequal treatment of Indigenous people is common across so many countries and communities. I found this a fascinating book as it gives great clarity of this man’s experience and the framework of governance which allowed it to happen. It is also a reminder of the importance of prevention - education, support in early years and understanding of cultural and community dynamics.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story about John Aslin. A tragic story that demands to be corrected. The author does a brilliant job of telling John's story and you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. You will also feel compelled to want to help and luckily the author provides for that.

[Michelle Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells a story of how the past interconnects with the present~the author did a wonderful job interweaving both which shows how John's family did not receive the help they needed and how that had an affect on John's life and the choices he made~The system and people failed John and his family~
This story is beautifully written~I found it hard to put down~I pray this brings John home~

[Sally Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book excellently presents the story of John Aslin and the many ways injustice has permeated his life. Well written and accurate, it is hard to believe it is true. The author does not gloss over John’s troubled teen years and his early lawbreaking. Yet also does not and will not gloss over the completely unfair and unjust over-sentencing and his years of incarceration. A well written and compelling book. Hopefully John Aslin will experience freedom soon.

[Karen Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book particular interesting because it took place in Flint, MI where I grew up and then when he was in prison in the UP that is where my in-laws lived. Names and places were familiar. It brought to light the injustice in the laws of this state and in particular the injustice of the Lapeer Home. The word “Home” never should have been associated with its name. I did hear of some of the things that happened there after it was closed but had no idea to the extent the abuse had happened to the residents there. That was shameful.

I will send messages to the Governor, Attorney General & Genesee County Prosecutor on behalf of Mr. Aslin. Thank you Jill for this life story. We are friends of your parents and I’m so glad I read this account.

[Kaye Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free John Aslin

Wow! Not only is this John Aslin's story but also of Michigan's history I didn't know anything about. A sad story of bigotry of our Native American brothers and their treatment in our "justice" system. It is frustrating to read his story and wonder how those with the power to make this right don't. Thank you Jill for bringing this story to the public's attention. It is a definite page turner.

[Sandra Montanino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is beyond belief how a civilized society has tolerated such a miscarriage of justice. To Jill Creech Bauer’s credit, she has brought this sad commentary of our society to light. As a writer and an attorney, Jill has the background, education and talent to weave this powerful story and the imbalance that exists with those that have and those that have not and the tragic consequences that can result.

While we all like to think that the scale of our judicial system is fair and reasonable, it can also be callous and irrational which is the case in “The Nine Lives of John Aslin.” It is unfathomable how murderers have actually spent, in some cases, as little as a few years in jail and returned to society, and John Aslin is locked behind bars for nearly four decades and never murdered anyone. Bravo, Jill! Well done!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of John Aslin's life. It's a very sad pathetic account of what the state of Michigan has done to him and his extended family. John is Ojibwe Indian, and the state used eugenics to try to eliminate his tribe. This book exposes the bigotry and discrimination behind John Aslin's sentencing and the unfair treatment of the Ojibwe Nation and its people.

John was sentenced to life in prison without parole at the age of 21 for a nonviolent crime. John was born into poverty and had a troubling childhood, raised by an alcoholic mother in Flint, MI. The hardships led to a life of crime as a child and teenager, it was inexcusable, but it was what his neighborhood taught him. His story truly gives the reader a thought-provoking look at the cycle of families trapped in poverty.

The author did an excellent job of telling his story.

[Tammy Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written account of one man's struggle with prejudice and injustice. Highly recommend!