Flame-out: The True Story of Jeffrey MacDonald's Prosecutor - From Courtroom to Prison to Restaurant | Legal Drama, True Crime & Redemption Tale for Book Clubs

Having forced myself to plod through to the end of this book, I must say that it's one of the most self-serving books I have ever read. Not only does he continuously refer to himself as the man who prosecuted Jeffrey MacDonald, it seems that his whole life REVOLVES around his success in that case, and he's trying to recapture the "glory" of the famous conviction.As one who has suffered through depression, and still find myself battling it on an almost daily basis, I find this book particularly offensive - while I have been diagnosed with severe depression, I have NEVER stolen anything in my life - let alone steal something and then blame it on my "depression." Furthermore, it seems that Mr. Blackburn had PLENTY of people coming to his support, rightly or wrongly. He merely did as many criminals do - he tried to hide behind the mental illness defense, in order to avoid punishment. In spite of everything else, at least Jeffrey MacDonald didn't try to claim he was "depressed" when his family was murdered. Think about that, Mr. Blackburn!I also find the "verbatim" conversations he put into the book as very unbelievable.All in all, I find this book to be a pathetic attempt to excuse one man's greedy need for money. His "excuses" are unbelievable. His CONSTANT referrals back to the "Jeffrey MacDonald Trial" are embarassing, to say the least - like a small child who keeps yelling, "Look at me, Mommie!" while trying to stand on one toe, or trying to jump in order to show off for his parent. I also found myself wondering exactly WHICH monies paid for his trip to the psychiatric ward - the money he stole from the clients, or the money he stole from his law firm?Mr. Blackburn got off far too easy, as far as I'm concerned. Furthermore, his writing style is boring, amateurish, and not worth the trees that were killed to publish this trash. Mr. Blackburn had better concentrate on earning tips and not so much count on royalties. I can see now why it was selling for only a penny used - because it wasn't worth the price it took to ship it. Unless I can use it to make a nice bonfire next winter, I am sorely tempted to ask for my penny back.I found this book to be a real exercise in courage, humility and honesty on the part of James Blackburn, and I admire him for it greatly. The fall from grace that he experienced would have completely and utterly destroyed a weaker man. To be so high and to fall so low is truly not to be underestimated. Blackburn is to be commended for sharing as much of his personal story as he did.The honesty with which he deals with his depression are perhaps the most compelling parts of this book. It's rare that a reader is granted access to the inside of a depressed mind. Blackburn does a decent job of showing the reader what his state of mind was like at the time.All in all, however, the book suffers from Blackburn's storytelling skills. The book reads rather much like it was directly transcribed from dictation. There is very little art in Blackburn's writing.Nevertheless, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from work-related depression. It's truly a unique and useful read in that regard.I loved the book Fatal Vision and as a result, I have read just about everything I could find related to the case. I must say I was disappointed with this book. I found the story to be just a tad self-serving and not all that clearly detailed with regard to the author's reasons and behavior in stealing money from client's accounts.True, he did say that he had a nervous breakdown and also that he used the stolen money to pay to other clients concerning money that was owed to them. However, he also mentioned that he deposited money to his own personal checking account and paid clients from those funds. Did he also use that money to spend on himself for luxtury items? If he didn't I would be surprised. If he did, and I suspect he did, I'm disappointed that he glossed over this pretty important detail by only saying that he deposited funds into his own checking account. While I appreciate the story of someone baring their soul after hitting rock bottom, there is something that tells me there is more to the story than what the author revealed. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone else didn't also feel like this after reading the explanation of what the author said...or neglected to say. Funny, but like the explanation of the murderer he prosecuted, something in this story does not completely "ring true" to me.I have a great deal of respect for the author. Writing this book musthave been a daunting task; one that required an immense amount ofcourage. Mr. Blackburn's candor and honesty are unique and refreshing,and the story of his fall and relatively rapid return to gracesensational. Overcoming depression is a daunting task, one that manyindividuals are unable to conquer. The first step in the journey maybe to recognize that you need help. Admitting that you have a problemcan be difficult and painful. Once you admit the problem and findhelp, you must work extremely hard to conquer your demons! Overcomingdepression is a great deal of work. This book inspires readers toclimb their personal mountain to achieve and overcome obstacles. I amboth inspired and refreshed, and I sincerely admire the author forcoming back despite odds that appeared insurmountable. Although localreaders are likely to know the story of Mr. Blackburn's conviction,writing the book has turned the story into a national one. Iappreciate and admire the author for his honesty, strenth and courage,and wish Mr. Blackburn future success. I hope he continues writing!I think this is the best book I ever read. And I have read thousands of books. James Blackburn gives you not only the true story of the MacDonald travesty, but a walk-through the break-down he suffered afterwards. Excellent information about what can happen to a person when they are having a psychotic break..........and nobody notices.