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The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts
The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts: Murder and Memory in an American City | Laura Tillman
In Cold Blood meets Adrian Nicole LeBlancs Random Family: A harrowing, profoundly personal investigation of the causes, effects, and communal toll of a deeply troubling crimethe brutal murder of three young children by their parents in the border city of Brownsville, Texas.On March 11, 2003, in Brownsville, Texasone of Americas poorest citiesJohn Allen Rubio and Angela Camacho murdered their three young children. The apartment building in which the brutal crimes took place was already rundown, and in their aftermath a consensus developed in the community that it should be destroyed. It was a place, neighbors felt, that was plagued by spiritual cancer. In 2008, journalist Laura Tillman covered the story for The Brownsville Herald. The questions it raised haunted her, particularly one asked by the sole member of the citys Heritage Council to oppose demolition: is there any such thing as an evil building? Her investigation took her far beyond that question, revealing the nature of the toll that the crime exacted on a city already wracked with poverty. It sprawled into a six-year inquiry into the larger significance of such acts, ones so difficult to imagine or explain that their perpetrators are often dismissed as monsters alien to humanity. With meticulous attention and stunning compassion, Tillman surveyed those surrounding the crimes, speaking with the lawyers who tried the case, the familys neighbors and relatives and teachers, even one of the murderers: John Allen Rubio himself, whom she corresponded with for years and ultimately met in person. The result is a brilliant exploration of some of our ages most important social issues, from poverty to mental illness to the death penalty, and a beautiful, profound meditation on the truly human forces that drive them. It is disturbing, insightful, and mesmerizing in equal measure.
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Christine11
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Mehso-so

There were some aspects of this book that were really interesting like the sections about the death penalty and the huge spectrum of poverty in some areas of America. Unfortunately I found myself a little bored in some parts when the author wandered off topic. The crime the book is about is truly horrifying and I just felt the author could have examined certain points of view and opinions more closely relating to the events themselves.

Reviewsbylola This was so-so for me too. 6y
Christine11 @Reviewsbylola Yeah something about it just didn‘t work for me 😕 Glad someone else feels the same! 6y
43 likes2 comments
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Christine11
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Christine11
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I just started this one which I found on a couple of lists of good true crime books. I‘d be really interested to know if anyone on here has liked/disliked it. I‘m finding it interesting so far but I‘m only a couple of chapters in!

Wife Swipe left on your post to see reviews and blurbs from other Littens. 🌹 6y
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JennaAZ
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Mehso-so

This was uneven, but at times poignant and insightful about the ways that tragic events affect a community and a physical place. Three stars.

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BekahB
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I'm reading some #truecrime with my pumpkin spice waffles and drinking coffee out of my mug from the My Favorite Murder podcast.

The author was interviewed on the Sword and Scale podcast. She not only discusses the tragic crime, but weaves in issues like poverty, the death penalty, and mental illness. Her interview with Mike Boudet is interesting (ep. 74), although this case involves the death of 3 kids, so be warned that it's rough to listen to.

NCNY Murderino! SSDGM!! 8y
BekahB @NCNY Yessss! I love the MFM podcast. I look forward to each episode. I love listening to two kick-ass ladies talk about true crime. I especially love that they tell women that when they're feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, they should trust their gut and not worry about hurting someone's feelings. Just get outta there and f*ck politeness! 8y
Godmotherx5 How did I not know about that podcast? I have to move from under this rock. 8y
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My_novel_obsession I just recently discovered the MFM podcast and I ❤️️it!!!!!!!!! I want to hang out with those ladies. 8y
shanebeth Elvis, want a cookie? 8y
BekahB @Godmotherx5 it's so good! They're 47 episodes in, so if you like it, you'll have a nice back catalogue to listen to, but it's also not an overwhelming number to get through. 😀 8y
Godmotherx5 @BekahB I downloaded two episodes so far. The first & the one you recommended. I can't wait to listen. Thanks so much for the post. 8y
BekahB @Anovelobsession me too! I wish I lived near one of the cities they're visiting on tour. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that eventually they will. 😀 8y
BekahB @shanebeth I never get tired of hearing Elvis meow at the end of the episode. It's like a little ray of sunshine. 😂 8y
BekahB For those who are interested in discussing true crime books with other MFM fans, I just recently joined a Goodreads group that reads a non-fiction and fiction book each month. I think they're going to read Who Killed These Girls, the book Georgia and Karen discussed at the top of episode 46, next month as their non-fic book. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/186082-my-favorite-true-crime-book-club 8y
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Kelly
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I kept picking it up then not reading it but the time has come!

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Reviewsbylola
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Mehso-so

This was almost a pick for me but I ended up getting bored at rimes. The story, while horrifying, is interesting, and Tillman can write. I just felt Tillman proselytized too much. Some of it, like the part on the death penalty, was interesting. Some of it, such as the parts about spirits and demons, just put me to sleep. It was a food read, just fell a bit short for me.

MyNamesParadise I had been interested in reading this! Well now I know it's only so-so! 8y
Reviewsbylola I think what didn't work for me may work for others, so don't write it off completely. You may love it! @MyNamesParadise 8y
AmyWrites I don't think I could read this. I can't even think about violent crimes involving children any more. Motherhood wrecked me. 😰 8y
Reviewsbylola I know, this story is especially horrific. I really can't even fathom what those poor children went through. @AmyWrites 8y
AmyWrites That's all I need to hear. I definitely need to stay away then! 😖 @Reviewsbylola 8y
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Kelly
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I'm reading two at once after a bit of a no-read period. Going one nonfiction and one YA.

brendanmleonard I'm really curious about Small Ghosts. Let me know how it is. 8y
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Hoopiefoot
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Some heavy reading for a dreary Sunday.

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Sue
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Mehso-so

1. I enjoyed this book. 2. Some content is harrowing and awful 3. I was surprised to come across an argument against the death penalty - a lot of material she could have used to back the argument had been presented with a different slant. An interesting look at how violent crime impacts community.

MyBookLife Why were you surprised? Is the book pro death penalty otherwise? 8y
Sue @MyBookLife No, it wasn't pro death penalty. It wasn't mentioned at all in the beginning of the book. I feel as though she tiptoed around this point in fear of criticism. Her initial drive was around whether the building should be demolished, so this seemed to come out of the blue. 8y
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Sue
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And some more murdery content. I've so far learned that people are bizarre and weird, and that there is a lot of suffering in the world, more than we can imagine. 😣

Notafraidofwords I want to read this, but how graphic is it? 8y
Sue @Notafraidofwords I'm not far into it yet, but I'll let you know. There has been some mention of the state the bodies were in when they were found but the language for that side of things has been pretty sterile this far. 8y
Notafraidofwords @Sue thank you. I appreciate it. 8y
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Liberty @Notafraidofwords @Sue There is a chapter 2/3 of the way in about the murders, very graphic, called "Don't Read This Chapter Before Bed." 8y
Notafraidofwords @Liberty thanks Liberty. Sometimes I wish books came with a warning label. 8y
Ukulelebob Reminds me of majoring in history, full of tears on repeat. 8y
Sue Thanks @Liberty. Having studied crim law I find the language makes a big difference - if it's factual I'm fine. Not so much if it's very emotive. @ukulelebob I am still amazed at the things people can and have thought up just to be cruel to one another. 8y
Sue @Notafraidofwords the descriptions are taken from the police statements of the accused, but are still pretty harrowing. Bring your tissues. 8y
Notafraidofwords @Sue I think I'm going to pass. Certain books are just no good for me. 8y
Sue @Notafraidofwords I completely understand. 8y
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BookMusings
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I cancelled my Scribd membership so I have a few credits to use up by the end of the month. Their player drives me crazy but it was worth it back in the days of unlimited listening! Ahem, I may have been the reason they put an end to that program... Thanks for the book rec @Liberty

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kristen.werefox.long
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The event is a black hole.

kristen.werefox.long Tillman articulates well the feelings and thoughts such a crime generates. 9y
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librariankris
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Pickpick

There was a lot to consider in this examination of the murders of three children by their parents - poverty, mental illness, the death penalty. Tillman's newspaper background served the book well; what could have been sensationalized was instead deeply researched and thoughtful.

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Notsowiseowl
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I know this is going to make me cry but I've been waiting to get my hands on a copy.

Orbeck33 Let us know what you think! 9y
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TheWellReadOwl
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Preordination ... posits that we are all destined to commit the acts and make the decisions that form the content of our lives, and that free will is a delicious illusion ... Am I a helpless participant in my own life ... laboring under the misguided belief that I'm choosing to type this sentence?

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TheWellReadOwl
Pickpick

Gripping read. Incredibly well written. Even when the author seems to go off on a tangent, you realize she is filling in the canvas of the story, adding fullness to the narrative. I read it in one sitting, then went and hugged my kids.

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Liberty
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Pickpick

The subject matter is horrifying but the writing is stunning. I was transfixed. It has me thinking a lot about the ways in which people choose to spend their time.

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