Oh, Notes on an Execution....
I had to sit with this one for a while before giving it my final review (and if I'm being truthful, I still don't know if I'm giving this book the rating and review it deserves because I just can't make a 100% decisive decision). Let me start with saying that I think a large part of my disappointment in this book is due to the fact that while I'm not sure what I 'thought' I was going to read, it was not what I actually read. The only information I had about this book was from a trusted BookTuber who rated it their top book of 2022. So, for me, that was enough praise and conviction to go ahead and make the impulse purchase. And, I'm pretty proud of myself because I pulled this off the shelf AHEAD of other anticipated reads because I was that excited to dive into it. Ultimately, I was disappointed. While I was reading it, there were a lot of times where I wanted to 'DNF' the book and move on, but something kept me going. Maybe it was because I was hoping it would end different, or there was some big plot twist that would be worth it (there was not). Immediately after finishing the book, I graciously gave it 2 out of 5 stars (and I wanted to give it 1). As I sat with it a little longer and came back to write up this review, I went ahead and bumped my rating to a 3 out of 5 stars. I don't really have an explanation for the increase in one whole star other than the fact that as much as I sit here and claim that I disliked the book; it's sticking with me for some reason and that must be accounted for in my honest opinion. All of this is to say; I just don't think the book was 'for' me, or maybe I just didn't get out of it what I was suppose to; but I don't think it was terrible, or horrible, or that you shouldn't read it yourself. 

Now, onto the book..
Basically in this book you're following Ansel Packer, a serial killer who is living the last 12 or so hours of his life before being given a lethal injection in order to 'pay' for the price of his crimes. While a large majority of the book is obviously surrounding him and the emotions/thoughts he's experiencing leading up to his end; that's not the only perspective you have. You are also seeing perspectives from Ansel's mother who gave him up (it's always the Mother), the twin sister of the woman that Ansel ultimately marries (or lives with - I honestly can't remember), and the cop who knew Ansel in the foster home and is hellbent on proving he committed these heinous crimes. You also get a brief insight into the lives of Ansel's sister-in-law and niece, later on in the story. 

This story is told from each of their perspectives; from their first (and later) interactions with Ansel; to how they feel about him being executed. Each of these perspectives help to paint the picture of who Ansel is, or was, and their feelings towards what he is facing. These perspectives are being told simultaneously as you watch the countdown to the end of his life tick closer and closer and closer..
While I would agree that multiple perspectives are necessary for this book and the story it was trying to tell, I'm going to be completely honest and express that I feel that a lot of the information being given was just 'filler' information and I'm not sure that it was necessary to the story being told (If I'm brutally honest - I don't think it was). Each of the perspectives were unique in their own way, and in some way that I'm unable to identify, 'might' have been necessary. Again, I just can't make a decision to if they were or were not.

While I don't have a lot of positive things to say, one thing I can give praise for is the author's ability to take a touchy (read: strong opinion subject) and write about it in a way that doesn't attempt to sway or help formulate your opinion. They're simply just writing the story and allowing you to draw your own conclusions and feelings. While I don't typically read books with an opinion that is opposite my own; I feel like this book allows you to read the story and get something no matter what side of the spectrum you're on regarding capital punishment. If you're for it; it may allow you to see some ways that would make you think twice. If you're against it; this story may allow for you to see some ways that would make you be in favor of it. It might confuse you more. Your opinion might stay the same. But, I ultimately like that the decision is yours and no one can make you feel otherwise; right or wrong. 

The story line wasn't overly boring, though there were parts that to me felt like they were dragging. I'd find myself zoning out while reading and forcing myself to pick it up and 'power through' to finish. I've been really good about putting down books that I'm just not jiving with - and while I felt like this was a 'non-jive' book; I kept going because as I mentioned previously; I wanted to see it through in hopes something else would happen. Multiple perspectives helped, because when I found was becoming uninterested or frustrated with one particular character, there was a good chance that the next chapter was circling back to someone else; making it worth while. 

Finally, my intention here is not to deter anyone from reading the book if they so choose. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who like the book, or even love the book; it's just not me. It's not really a thriller or cozy mystery; it sort of stands alone. I guess if I had to label it - it's perhaps Literary Fiction? I'm honestly not even sure. 

If you're looking for a book with a heavy topic, that allows some intellectual perspective/thoughts on the subject matter; I recommend it. If you're not looking for a 'slow-burn' book and appreciate things that make you think outside the book; then this might be the one for you.