A Few Seconds To Live: A True Story

STAN BAILEY has four decades of experience writing and reporting for daily newspapers in six states, covering law enforcement, victims' rights, state and federal trial and appeals courts, prisons, state government and politics. He retired in 2005 after 32 years in the Capital Bureau of The Birmingham News.

Before electricity came to rural North Mississippi in 1947, the only light we had was from kerosene lamps. The only warmth in winter was from wood-burning fireplaces.

Front and back covers here feature photo copies of original oil paintings by the author, depicting his favorite moments with each parent.