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Murder by Family: The Incredible True Story of a Son's Treachery and a Father's Forgiveness
This is the tragic story of Kent Whitaker's heart-wrenching journey toward forgiveness and faith after the brutal murder of his wife and one of his sons. Straight from the headlines comes an incredible true story of a son's treachery. For the first time, readers are offered inside access to the emotional drama that went on behind the scenes. At the core is the remarkable healing power of forgiveness, demonstrated by Kent Whitaker, which shows how the survivors of such atrocious events can still forgive those who have permanently damaged their lives. One evening, the Whitaker family returned home after dinner, celebrating a son's impending graduation from college. On opening the front door, they faced a gunman lying in wait. The gunman opened fire, instantly killing the younger son and Kent's wife, leaving Kent and his older son lying wounded until police and ambulances arrived. While recovering in the hospital, Kent resolved in his heart to forgive whoever was responsible for the deaths of his wife and son. Over the next few weeks, it was discovered that the whole murder plot had been orchestrated by the surviving son -- whom Kent had unknowingly forgiven. After a trial that resulted in a death sentence for his son, Kent emerged from this harrowing ordeal to share their astonishing journey toward forgiveness and redemption.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
37 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 19, 2018
What a terrible self centered guy this author is! I knew of this story because I had read Savage Son by Corey Mitchell and I had decided to give this guy a fair chance because Corey Mithcellwas not a fan.
Well I am not a fan either. At first while reading the first thing that I thought was remarkable and weird was that the author hardly mentioned his wife's death. He was so busy showing how good he is,look at me! I am such a real believer,I can even forgive my son for killing my youngest son and my wife.
It is all about him.How he is so good.This book he is constantly preaching his religion but he did not practice it I don't think. He was so nasty about the police,about lawyers about his wife's family who obviously got angry about him supporting his killer son and himself.
Nothing about how his son became a killer.No of course not because then he would have to take a look at himself and that's something this man does not want to do. Itis easier to say it is all God's doing.
His son was going to be married.The police want to to talk with her.What does he tell her,You should not talk to them and if you have to bring a lawyer. He did not want to see that his son was guilty but when he couldn't deny it any longer he worked against the police.
O and his family was killed because God wanted Bart to be saved.Yeah right.He wants to see things that way and makes them in his head like that.
People like him are in my opinion some of the most dangerous. Zealots is the name I think they're called .
I am not against religion but this is a perfect example of a man so rigid in his believes that in his mind he makes everything about him or how he wants to see it..
Well I am not a fan either. At first while reading the first thing that I thought was remarkable and weird was that the author hardly mentioned his wife's death. He was so busy showing how good he is,look at me! I am such a real believer,I can even forgive my son for killing my youngest son and my wife.
It is all about him.How he is so good.This book he is constantly preaching his religion but he did not practice it I don't think. He was so nasty about the police,about lawyers about his wife's family who obviously got angry about him supporting his killer son and himself.
Nothing about how his son became a killer.No of course not because then he would have to take a look at himself and that's something this man does not want to do. Itis easier to say it is all God's doing.
His son was going to be married.The police want to to talk with her.What does he tell her,You should not talk to them and if you have to bring a lawyer. He did not want to see that his son was guilty but when he couldn't deny it any longer he worked against the police.
O and his family was killed because God wanted Bart to be saved.Yeah right.He wants to see things that way and makes them in his head like that.
People like him are in my opinion some of the most dangerous. Zealots is the name I think they're called .
I am not against religion but this is a perfect example of a man so rigid in his believes that in his mind he makes everything about him or how he wants to see it..
November 2, 2014
I picked up the book after seeing the '48 Hours' episode on television. While the story is heartbreaking, the book is hopeful. Kent Whitaker manages to relate the murder of his wife and younger son while leaning heavily upon his faith in God. His older son choreographed these murders, hoping to include his father as one of the dead. Instead, his father survives to tell an amazing tale of forgiveness.
His writing is exceptional. I was certain that there must be a ghostwriter who would be acknowledged at the end of the book, but there wasn't.
The beauty of this book is that anyone can appreciate the shock and despair felt by Whitaker. Here is a man with a strong faith. He goes a step further and actually practices what he professes to believe. Even without faith in God, any reader would benefit from reading Kent's rendering of his older son's problems, the murders, and the trial that followed. Whitaker epitomizes what it means to truly forgive someone.
His writing is exceptional. I was certain that there must be a ghostwriter who would be acknowledged at the end of the book, but there wasn't.
The beauty of this book is that anyone can appreciate the shock and despair felt by Whitaker. Here is a man with a strong faith. He goes a step further and actually practices what he professes to believe. Even without faith in God, any reader would benefit from reading Kent's rendering of his older son's problems, the murders, and the trial that followed. Whitaker epitomizes what it means to truly forgive someone.
January 18, 2016
I had several issues with this book. Kent Whitaker is in denial, was before the killing and still is after the killing. His son was forced to live a double life because if you were not perfect and were living the idea life style then you were an outcast. You can feel it throughout the whole book.This is a horrific act and his sugar coating the whole thing disgusted me. I felt an unfeeling Kent but forgiving man. I keep trying to figure out, just who is he trying to look good for?
July 31, 2022
I found this true crime/ memoir (a thrift store find) to be quite gripping. This is written by a father who came home with his family after a meal only to be ambushed; his life changing instantly. I found this account honest and unflinching. Written by a man who stayed true to his faith despite all odds. I found his perspective interesting, how he didn’t make excuses for, yet managed to demonstrate understanding. It was thought-provoking and admirable in many ways. I was worried it would have a theme of denial- which would have been understandable given the circumstance, but would have ultimately been frustrating to read. I believe the author possessed so much insight yet managed to balance this with an extraordinary amount of forgiveness.
Some of the letter excerpts seemed to demonstrate a void and lack of empathy. It was interesting as though it was a psychopathic personally trying to explain the emptiness it had always felt. I thought that perhaps this is what the author realized although it wasn’t said in so many words. A very sad case indeed, written by someone who tried to find meaning in tragedy and loss.
Additionally, I can’t help but feel that some anger at the life taken away from his son and wife is justified. They deserved to live and clearly meant so much to others. The focus became on redemption and forgiveness for the killer above all else but I wonder, do some things really deserve automatic and complete forgiveness, as per the Bible? Or is anger and a level of un-forgiveness a wholly justifiable, important, and healthy facet of pain and grief? The closeness of this crime definitely creates muddy waters here. There is a likeness to the documentary Life with Murder on Prime, which raises similar questions.
Some of the letter excerpts seemed to demonstrate a void and lack of empathy. It was interesting as though it was a psychopathic personally trying to explain the emptiness it had always felt. I thought that perhaps this is what the author realized although it wasn’t said in so many words. A very sad case indeed, written by someone who tried to find meaning in tragedy and loss.
Additionally, I can’t help but feel that some anger at the life taken away from his son and wife is justified. They deserved to live and clearly meant so much to others. The focus became on redemption and forgiveness for the killer above all else but I wonder, do some things really deserve automatic and complete forgiveness, as per the Bible? Or is anger and a level of un-forgiveness a wholly justifiable, important, and healthy facet of pain and grief? The closeness of this crime definitely creates muddy waters here. There is a likeness to the documentary Life with Murder on Prime, which raises similar questions.
January 5, 2013
I applaud Kent Whitaker for undertaking this book, and recognize and respect the difficulty that he had in its writing, and toeing that line between support of his son, forgiveness, and navigating a path through healing.
HOWEVER, I struggled with whether I could give this book 2 stars. I read it in less than 24 hours as it was written as a very low reading level. Normally a book (whether fiction or memoir) is written with some semblance of chronology (even if the book jumps around a lot, you can tell what happened when), but this book missed this mark completely. The crimes themselves were not even discussed until the last couple of chapters, and by then it was simply cursory.
What was so interesting about this story is the forgiveness that this father has for his son who orchestrated the murders of his entire family. We know going into this book that there will be an element of religiosity, however there is religiosity that is presented in a matter of fact way (it is what it is, and we are all the better because of faith), and that which is in-your-face preachy. Whitaker falls in the latter category... and it was a turn off from page 1. It is clear that Whitaker's goal in this book is minister to those who he believes need to be brought to God/Christ, but as a non-Christian I felt that this was nothing more than a turn-off. I would have perhaps been more receptive to the story and the idea of God's/Christ's teachings of forgiveness had it not been so preachy.
Yet I kept reading. Why? because I hoped that Whitaker might talk about some of the things that may have led his child to orchestrate multiple attempts on he, his wife, and his brother. And with each page turn, I realized that these answers weren't going to come out. I found myself wondering in the end, perhaps was he too quick to offer forgiveness?
forgiveness comes without conditions, and it is something that many of us can benefit from both giving and receiving. But does forgiveness mean that we have to overlook or protect those whom we have extended forgiveness to? As I read, I was certainly convinced that Whitaker had forgiven his son, and he believed that this was a good opportunity to proselytize, however had he ever really accepted and acknowledged how sick his son was or how much help he needed? he references it in passing that his son wasnt allowed mental health assistance in prison, but how about some insight.
feeling like an imposter does not lead a child to do something like this. feeling frustrated that your school friends are saying they are "christian" yet watching them binge drink and have promiscuous relationships does not lead a person to want to kill his entire family. something doesnt add up. and in the end, while i am convinced that Whitaker has forgiven his son, I am left wondering if Whitaker will ever forgive himself for failing his family in such a grievous way, and then failing to help others understand what went so wrong in that home.
HOWEVER, I struggled with whether I could give this book 2 stars. I read it in less than 24 hours as it was written as a very low reading level. Normally a book (whether fiction or memoir) is written with some semblance of chronology (even if the book jumps around a lot, you can tell what happened when), but this book missed this mark completely. The crimes themselves were not even discussed until the last couple of chapters, and by then it was simply cursory.
What was so interesting about this story is the forgiveness that this father has for his son who orchestrated the murders of his entire family. We know going into this book that there will be an element of religiosity, however there is religiosity that is presented in a matter of fact way (it is what it is, and we are all the better because of faith), and that which is in-your-face preachy. Whitaker falls in the latter category... and it was a turn off from page 1. It is clear that Whitaker's goal in this book is minister to those who he believes need to be brought to God/Christ, but as a non-Christian I felt that this was nothing more than a turn-off. I would have perhaps been more receptive to the story and the idea of God's/Christ's teachings of forgiveness had it not been so preachy.
Yet I kept reading. Why? because I hoped that Whitaker might talk about some of the things that may have led his child to orchestrate multiple attempts on he, his wife, and his brother. And with each page turn, I realized that these answers weren't going to come out. I found myself wondering in the end, perhaps was he too quick to offer forgiveness?
forgiveness comes without conditions, and it is something that many of us can benefit from both giving and receiving. But does forgiveness mean that we have to overlook or protect those whom we have extended forgiveness to? As I read, I was certainly convinced that Whitaker had forgiven his son, and he believed that this was a good opportunity to proselytize, however had he ever really accepted and acknowledged how sick his son was or how much help he needed? he references it in passing that his son wasnt allowed mental health assistance in prison, but how about some insight.
feeling like an imposter does not lead a child to do something like this. feeling frustrated that your school friends are saying they are "christian" yet watching them binge drink and have promiscuous relationships does not lead a person to want to kill his entire family. something doesnt add up. and in the end, while i am convinced that Whitaker has forgiven his son, I am left wondering if Whitaker will ever forgive himself for failing his family in such a grievous way, and then failing to help others understand what went so wrong in that home.
December 10, 2008
This book was not what I had expected. A memoir of a mans very moving and sad story of his son's plot to kill his family which ended in success. What was so moving was how his faith in God allowed him to forgive his son for taking away the people he loved the most. The only criticism I have is I wish he had talked more about the power of forgiveness. Also, the counselor in me would have liked to know more about the sons upbringing that would have led him to this disastrous ending.
December 2, 2008
remarkable story of a guy whose wife and son were murdered [and the author was shot and nonfatally wounded] in a contract hit arranged by his other son. The son who hired his friends to kill the family is now on death row. The book mostly concerns the father's Christian faith and his decision to forgive the mudering son.
The story itself is gripping. The writing is just ok. One limitation is that the author was unaware how resentful his son had become [and unaware that the son wasn't enrolled in college, for that matter]. Although they talked a lot later, it seems that he still doesn't really understand why the son was so enraged. Would have been interesting, if feasible, to get cooperation from the murderer son in telling the story.
The other limitation, from my point of view, is the omnipresence of the religious perspective. Obviously that has a lot to do with the author's thoughts on forgiveness, and the story would make no sense without including it, but at times it reads like an infomercial --- God arranged for me to catch the first bass on that fishing trip, and then God intervened to prevent us from finding a parking space so I could learn that........and so on.
The story itself is gripping. The writing is just ok. One limitation is that the author was unaware how resentful his son had become [and unaware that the son wasn't enrolled in college, for that matter]. Although they talked a lot later, it seems that he still doesn't really understand why the son was so enraged. Would have been interesting, if feasible, to get cooperation from the murderer son in telling the story.
The other limitation, from my point of view, is the omnipresence of the religious perspective. Obviously that has a lot to do with the author's thoughts on forgiveness, and the story would make no sense without including it, but at times it reads like an infomercial --- God arranged for me to catch the first bass on that fishing trip, and then God intervened to prevent us from finding a parking space so I could learn that........and so on.
September 9, 2016
This book is very intriguing and helps to flesh out the truth from the sensational way this story was reported by the media. It would appear that Kent really didn't know his son at all. He can't really fill us in on why Bart wanted his family dead. However, the excessive Christianity and superficial materialistic suburban milieu may explain partly why Bart became so alienated, but it doesn't explain the murders.
To me Bart was clearly mentally ill, but undiagnosed and untreated despite the early warning signs e.g., being involved in school burglaries and a failed murder plot was partially revealed, but dismissed by his family and police. The media only focused on the horror of the murders. But the bloodthirsty attitude of the ADA disgusted me. There was no plea allowed despite Bart admitting his guilt and the death penalty was pursued vigorously despite surviving victim, Kent Whitaker pleading for it to be taken off the table. All because the ADA Felcman was up for re-election that year and wanted to raise his profile in the media... Never mind the financial and human cost, it's all about his career.
As for Bart, he now languishes on Texas' notorious Death Row and goes by his first name Thomas Whitaker. He writes on Minutesbeforesix in a way which shows that he has changed and now has sound morals. That site led me to want to read his father's story too.
To me Bart was clearly mentally ill, but undiagnosed and untreated despite the early warning signs e.g., being involved in school burglaries and a failed murder plot was partially revealed, but dismissed by his family and police. The media only focused on the horror of the murders. But the bloodthirsty attitude of the ADA disgusted me. There was no plea allowed despite Bart admitting his guilt and the death penalty was pursued vigorously despite surviving victim, Kent Whitaker pleading for it to be taken off the table. All because the ADA Felcman was up for re-election that year and wanted to raise his profile in the media... Never mind the financial and human cost, it's all about his career.
As for Bart, he now languishes on Texas' notorious Death Row and goes by his first name Thomas Whitaker. He writes on Minutesbeforesix in a way which shows that he has changed and now has sound morals. That site led me to want to read his father's story too.
June 15, 2009
I picked up this book because of its forgiveness theme. Although I do not totally agree with this man's theology, I found his journey toward forgiveness and the rotton core of his son fascinating. The son was said to always wear a "mask." I wonder if he got that from the father. It felt as if the author was not totally honest with the reader or himself--but who could be in his situation? He also seemed very careful to put himself in the best light. I also felt that they were both trapped in a very narrow religeous view; the continued emphasis on evangelism in the face of the obvious dysfunction of this family felt a little creepy to me. But maybe that's because my religeous views tend to be more introspective rather than evangelical. Nevertheless, this would make an interesting basis for a study on forgiveness.
August 20, 2014
An interesting story, because for once I dealt with the religious aspects quite well. I admire how Kent's faith helped him, without understanding or relating to it. I honestly might have preferred reading about this story secondhand, because this isn't a case I'd heard of previously. I find I can read true crime, but prefer a more gentle memoir or biography. Reading crime reminds me of my father, who seemed to only read Australian history, crime and Native American books. These he devored, and it was his love of books that first inspired mine. It was interesting as well that this book was about a father and child too.
An odd book, but I was satisfied with it. Three stars.
An odd book, but I was satisfied with it. Three stars.
December 4, 2015
This true story is chilling. I read the book in a single gulp because quite frankly I couldn't stop. I don't feel that I could fully comprehend what the author was saying underneath the words on the page and I didn't understand why the horrific events at the core of the book had to happen at all. Maybe nobody knows. To me, it seemed like an incredibly sad waste of life, but the author is a man of immense faith and forgiveness and the lessons he teaches are powerful and rare. I'm glad I read this book. This father is a truly remarkable man.
September 22, 2013
While I do appreciate the compelling message of forgiveness and the clarity with which the author (a victim of the crime) states how his faith sustained him through tragedy, I feel that he lacks objectivity. Although that's certainly understandable, I feel that in the hands of an outside writer, this could have been perhaps a more objective and insightful take.
Note: becoming accustomed to Ann Rule's style and exquisite sense of timing has spoiled me on almost all other true crime.
Note: becoming accustomed to Ann Rule's style and exquisite sense of timing has spoiled me on almost all other true crime.
October 10, 2015
This was the first book that hooked me from the beginning. I read about 100 pages in 1 dat. It was so interesting and had a few unexpected moments. Towards the part with the trial, I wasn't so hooked because I knew what the result of the trial already was. This book is about a tragic story that was able to be turned around into a fathers forgiveness, Gods help in healing and how a troubled son started to believe in God. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
November 18, 2008
This was a true story of two sons in a family. One son was leading a double life and was extremely mixed up.
I read the book in one day. To me it was unbeliveable or incredible how no one in the family knew how he felt all those years. It held my interest. I was very impressed with the attitude of the Father.
I read the book in one day. To me it was unbeliveable or incredible how no one in the family knew how he felt all those years. It held my interest. I was very impressed with the attitude of the Father.
June 9, 2008
A story of a man that chose to forgive the one that murdered his wife and youngest son, only to find out later it was his oldest son Bart, that organized the whole thing. Kent writes about his story and his sons trial in this true story. Bart is now serving time on Texas death row.
October 31, 2008
This is a true story about a young man who struggled with who he was for many years, hiding behind a false bravado and envy, no self-esteem and decided to do away with his family because of this and his father's forgiveness.
January 15, 2009
I really liked this book, because it is a real life story set in my hometown in sugar land. What is amazing about the book is Kent Whitaker's forgiveness of his son, and what he shares about his faith and how it brought him through this terrible ordeal.
Want to read
October 14, 2008saw this family on Oprah and want to read the story
Read
December 22, 2008This was great book about forgiveness. If you are having trouble with that aspect of your life, read this!!
May 10, 2024
Rating 5 stars.
This is a true story written by a father who forgives his elder son for murdering his wife and younger son (and wounding him).
Kent Whitaker writes honestly about the unbelievable events before during and after the murders which took place on December 10, 2003. The writing combines Whitaker’s experiences, Bible stories, and letters written by Bart, which give insight into the depth of darkness Bart walked.
It is not often that the psychology of the criminal is explored, and that is my kryptonite. This book shows the power of faith, community, and forgiveness to invite change spiritually and emotionally. Whitaker’s humility and faith shine brightly as he points people to God’s saving power and provision. It’s weird to say I love a book about murder. But this book is much more about how God takes all things and redeems them for good. I loved this story and message.
“But what lesson can we learn from my experience? Perhaps it is that we always have the power of choice: to trust or not to trust God and his Word.”
“Grief takes over your whole life, and it doesn’t just evaporate; you need to pass through every one of its dark rooms, and that takes time and effort.”
This is a true story written by a father who forgives his elder son for murdering his wife and younger son (and wounding him).
Kent Whitaker writes honestly about the unbelievable events before during and after the murders which took place on December 10, 2003. The writing combines Whitaker’s experiences, Bible stories, and letters written by Bart, which give insight into the depth of darkness Bart walked.
It is not often that the psychology of the criminal is explored, and that is my kryptonite. This book shows the power of faith, community, and forgiveness to invite change spiritually and emotionally. Whitaker’s humility and faith shine brightly as he points people to God’s saving power and provision. It’s weird to say I love a book about murder. But this book is much more about how God takes all things and redeems them for good. I loved this story and message.
“But what lesson can we learn from my experience? Perhaps it is that we always have the power of choice: to trust or not to trust God and his Word.”
“Grief takes over your whole life, and it doesn’t just evaporate; you need to pass through every one of its dark rooms, and that takes time and effort.”
May 4, 2009
Murder by Family by Kent Whitaker is an unbelievable story of betrayal and forgiveness. What would you do if someone killed your spouse and child, shooting you as well? Could you forgive? Could you do it if you found out that it was your other child? Kent Whitaker faced just that dilemma. Returning home one night after celebrating his eldest son Bart's graduation from college, his life changed forever. He heard a shot when younger son Kevin walked into the house, another as his wife stepped forward, and as she fell, he saw a figure wearing a face mask, before Kent was hit in the shoulder from another shot. When a fourth shot rang out, Kent thought that Bart must have been shot as well, and as he lay in wracking pain and bleeding out, believed that his entire family had been killed. While lying in the hospital, Kent felt God's peace come over him, and he forgave the shooter and murderer of his wife and Kevin, but as the police quickly focused in on Bart as their number one suspect, that forgiveness was tested. Kent compares his suffering to that of King David with the betrayal of son Absalom; even though his son tried to have him killed, he did all he could to model God's unconditional love and forgiveness. Kent's story is absolutely amazing and could only be told by someone with enormous faith. I've read some poor reviews of this book, and I don't think that those reviewers can comprehend the power of faith. Kent doesn't excuse Bart's actions and faces all of the consequences of the shooting, however, I do think that he spent too much time trying to explain the inexplicable. It's a powerful story of a father's love.
February 3, 2016
Based on a true story, Murder by Family is a jaw dropping story of a son’s grave decision solely driven by greed and hatred. Narrated by the author himself, Kent Whitaker puts the reader in his shoes when life throws him a major curveball. Limits are tested as Whitaker’s very own foundation is shaken when tragedy hits his family.
This book takes the reader through the author’s thought process as his life is ripped apart by a thief in the night. Religion being his cornerstone, Whitaker put his faith and devotion to God over all aspects of his life. When the biggest test of his faith and devotion occurs, he shows just how strong of a person he is both mentally and physically.
Being a forgiving person is one of the hardest things to be, people can hold grudges over the littlest things for the longest time. “Murder by Family” shows what kind of life being a forgiving person leads to. The pure love a father has for his son and the lengths a father will go to be by his son’s side is shown in this book.
If you are a person interested in a person’s true limits and how far they’ll go to not reach their breaking point, then this book is definitely for you. This tragedy-thrill filled book will have you yearning to read what's on the next page. The author couldn't have done a better job of telling his story, he makes you feel like you are in the book and feel every emotion he is feeling.
This book takes the reader through the author’s thought process as his life is ripped apart by a thief in the night. Religion being his cornerstone, Whitaker put his faith and devotion to God over all aspects of his life. When the biggest test of his faith and devotion occurs, he shows just how strong of a person he is both mentally and physically.
Being a forgiving person is one of the hardest things to be, people can hold grudges over the littlest things for the longest time. “Murder by Family” shows what kind of life being a forgiving person leads to. The pure love a father has for his son and the lengths a father will go to be by his son’s side is shown in this book.
If you are a person interested in a person’s true limits and how far they’ll go to not reach their breaking point, then this book is definitely for you. This tragedy-thrill filled book will have you yearning to read what's on the next page. The author couldn't have done a better job of telling his story, he makes you feel like you are in the book and feel every emotion he is feeling.
December 14, 2017
I read this book in one sitting, it was that gripping, Any true account of children killing family members is especially horrific. Whitaker the father writes the account as if he is currently living the experience. He captures the emotional strain of an incredible situation, first thinking his whole family has been shot to death, then wondering about the rumors of his son's involvement. Now as the lone family member he must be his son's advocate even though his heart is crushed. Whitaker is honest about his doubts in the judicial system and comes to understand later what had to be kept off limits to him. He finally makes peace with the primary detective.
His faith is that as Jesus has forgiven him, so must he forgive Bart. Other reviewers poke fun at this 'religiosity' as if it is an act or obligation.The reality is that only God can so soften a heart that the victim yearns to pour out forgiveness. We are all capable of the same extreme acts. Only God can give us extreme forgiveness; after all we have needed it ourselves.
The book could have been more extensive in family history and dynamics, but it was OK to limit it to the murders and aftermath. It would be interesting to have a followup book regarding the father and imprisoned son's relationship over the next year of court appeals, then perhaps facing Bart's death together.
His faith is that as Jesus has forgiven him, so must he forgive Bart. Other reviewers poke fun at this 'religiosity' as if it is an act or obligation.The reality is that only God can so soften a heart that the victim yearns to pour out forgiveness. We are all capable of the same extreme acts. Only God can give us extreme forgiveness; after all we have needed it ourselves.
The book could have been more extensive in family history and dynamics, but it was OK to limit it to the murders and aftermath. It would be interesting to have a followup book regarding the father and imprisoned son's relationship over the next year of court appeals, then perhaps facing Bart's death together.
January 12, 2013
Faith in god is a powerful thing. Kent's love and belief in God is so strong that it allowed him to do what many people would not be able to do.. to forgive the murderer of his son and wife. The murderer was his very own first born son Bart. The crime itself is unthinkable. A son Bart who tried twice before successing, to kill his family. Bart was struggling with many internal demons. It was a very sad story. My heart really went out for Kent and all that he has had to endure. I have admiration for him for being able to still love Bart and to forgive him for what he did.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it didn't drag on with uneccesary information. Some true crime books go on and on about the police involved and their personal lives, even if it has nothing to do with the case. This book also didn't drag on about Kent and his wive's marriage and how they met etc. To have put that in this book would have been irrelevant and I am glad it was't in the book. I was able to read this in one sitting and I would recommend it to faith believers of God and his love and true crime readers as well.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it didn't drag on with uneccesary information. Some true crime books go on and on about the police involved and their personal lives, even if it has nothing to do with the case. This book also didn't drag on about Kent and his wive's marriage and how they met etc. To have put that in this book would have been irrelevant and I am glad it was't in the book. I was able to read this in one sitting and I would recommend it to faith believers of God and his love and true crime readers as well.
February 16, 2013
This is a true story written by a father whose grown son arranges to have him, his wife and youngest son murdered. Only the author survived, and he recounts his story of the aftermath, how he came to understand that his son was responsible, and how he forgave him.
Unfortunately, like so many books with a Christian theme, this one felt sanitized of raw human emotion. I did get a good sense of the strength of his faith after the fact, but I didn't really get a good sense of the author's actual struggle to arrive at that point. There are moments when he recounts unfavorable emotions which he felt at the time, but he is always careful to balance that out with some statement of fairness which likely didn't actually exist for him at the time. While I applaud his strength of character in writing a book in which absolutely no one (including his own son) is cast in a completely unfavorable light, it just appeared too easy for him to get to that point in this book. Christians can struggle mightily, especially with something like this, so I wish that had been better conveyed in this book to better serve as the inspiration I feel the author wished it to be.
Unfortunately, like so many books with a Christian theme, this one felt sanitized of raw human emotion. I did get a good sense of the strength of his faith after the fact, but I didn't really get a good sense of the author's actual struggle to arrive at that point. There are moments when he recounts unfavorable emotions which he felt at the time, but he is always careful to balance that out with some statement of fairness which likely didn't actually exist for him at the time. While I applaud his strength of character in writing a book in which absolutely no one (including his own son) is cast in a completely unfavorable light, it just appeared too easy for him to get to that point in this book. Christians can struggle mightily, especially with something like this, so I wish that had been better conveyed in this book to better serve as the inspiration I feel the author wished it to be.
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January 11, 2018Man, this book is just impossible to rank through the star system. I bought it from a second hand book street vendor in Bali based on nothing but the title thinking it was just a true crime story. And it is, but it is also and mainly a piece of Christian literature exploring how faith and Biblical forgiveness helped a man cope with the murders of his wife and son, and his own shooting, at the hands of his other son. I am not religious and I found that this lens meant that the darkness of this time and is complexity was obscured but, at the same time, who am I to say that?? I have no idea what it takes to get through what happened to these people. One thing I did find interesting was the letter from the son describing what it is like to feel like he is missing the core of his own humanity and self, which he can observe in everyone else, which sounds like a clear articulation of what it is to be a psychopath by a psychopath. The other interesting component is the reflections on the US death penalty in a case where none of the surviving victims wanted it and indeed would find it harmful to their recovery.
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June 1, 2013Coming from a graduation, an intruder was in Kevin's and Tania's house. The intruder fires 4 shots and kills Tania and Kevin. once the intruder ran off the investigators take a while to find the person. Burt is the first to see who killed the family members.Its very suspenseful because it takes over 4 months to find the killer. The father doesn't sleep, or eat until the killer is found. He is still in shock of what happened to his sons.
I didn't like this book, it didn't give much detail of what happened to Tania and Kevin. This book contains to much drama, i would get lost a lot. I would only recommend this book to people who love suspenseful moments. This book needs more action.
Its really sad when you realize that one of your family members kills you son and daughter. This book actually taught me why the saying is never judge a book by its cover. the cover made the book look very interesting when in fact it was boring. Though i did learn to value life due to the fact that it may end abruptly by any incident.
I didn't like this book, it didn't give much detail of what happened to Tania and Kevin. This book contains to much drama, i would get lost a lot. I would only recommend this book to people who love suspenseful moments. This book needs more action.
Its really sad when you realize that one of your family members kills you son and daughter. This book actually taught me why the saying is never judge a book by its cover. the cover made the book look very interesting when in fact it was boring. Though i did learn to value life due to the fact that it may end abruptly by any incident.
September 10, 2014
First, let me say that this "story" is a tragedy.
My neighbor loaned me this book because it is about a family whose house is across the street from me. My neighbor (and friend) happened to be very good friends with the family, especially the mother Trish.
Unfortunately, this is a heartbreaking true story. I only gave it a three star rating because of my "feelings". This is not a reflection on the author's writing. It is pretty well written for a non-writer.
There is a section where the father states that he is not a professional therapist, yet throughout the story I feel the father is analyzing his son and his personality. I do understand that the father IS trying to understand his son's actions. Yet I felt as if he was making excuses for his son (not always) in order to forgive him.
Also, I myself have a very difficult time trying to understand how a father can put everything in God's hands and forgive his son for killing his wife, other son, and attempting to kill him (the father) as well.
My neighbor loaned me this book because it is about a family whose house is across the street from me. My neighbor (and friend) happened to be very good friends with the family, especially the mother Trish.
Unfortunately, this is a heartbreaking true story. I only gave it a three star rating because of my "feelings". This is not a reflection on the author's writing. It is pretty well written for a non-writer.
There is a section where the father states that he is not a professional therapist, yet throughout the story I feel the father is analyzing his son and his personality. I do understand that the father IS trying to understand his son's actions. Yet I felt as if he was making excuses for his son (not always) in order to forgive him.
Also, I myself have a very difficult time trying to understand how a father can put everything in God's hands and forgive his son for killing his wife, other son, and attempting to kill him (the father) as well.
November 6, 2009
The story itself is gripping; the writing in the book is just OK. A family of four is attacked by a gunman one evening upon returning home from a family dinner. The mother and younger son are killed; the father and older son just injured. The father decides in the hospital to forgive the murderer -- whoever he may be -- and later learns that his own son (the injured one) plotted the whole thing. The book is very religious in nature as the father discusses how he was able to forgive despite losing everything. I love that he points out the difference between believing in God and believing HIM -- that God asks us to forgive, but then GIVES US THE POWER to do the impossible. I was really impressed by the author, who, by the way, is channeling the proceeds of this book to a non-profit org. He's truly an exemplary man.
February 17, 2009
It's a little hard for me to review this because the writer isn't an accomplished writer, but a man who has suffered much loss.
This is the story of Kent Whitaker's forgiveness of his son Bart for murdering his wife and son and his own attempted murder.
It is really hard to understand Bart's motive. Although the press made it seem like Bart would inherit close to a million dollars, that was far from the truth. It didn't seem like Kent or his wife treated Bart badly. What caused him to go so wrong? Kent tries to explain it, but he may never know the whole truth.
Has Bart really repented and received salvation? Kent hopes and thinks so. Many others may have trouble believing this.
I'd like to give this a 3 1/2, because Kent is so earnest.
This is the story of Kent Whitaker's forgiveness of his son Bart for murdering his wife and son and his own attempted murder.
It is really hard to understand Bart's motive. Although the press made it seem like Bart would inherit close to a million dollars, that was far from the truth. It didn't seem like Kent or his wife treated Bart badly. What caused him to go so wrong? Kent tries to explain it, but he may never know the whole truth.
Has Bart really repented and received salvation? Kent hopes and thinks so. Many others may have trouble believing this.
I'd like to give this a 3 1/2, because Kent is so earnest.
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