Customer Reviews:
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 Truly Appalling Tale of True Crime and Presumed Guilt January 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Before I read this book, I had no idea that the Great Flood of '93 was attributed entirely to the doings of one single man. Having grown up in Missouri, I grew accustomed to hearing about various floods, but it had not occurred to me that there was such an amazing story behind this particular flood.
The law against "Causing a Catastrophe" is alive and well in Missouri, and a Class A felony.
Missouri Revised Statutes 569.070.
1. A person commits the crime of causing catastrophe if he knowingly causes a catastrophe by explosion, fire, flood, collapse of a building, release of poison, radioactive material, bacteria, virus or other dangerous and difficult to confine force or substance.
The problem with Mr. Scott's trial was just how was the prosecution able to know that Jimmy "knowingly" caused a catastrophe? This book gives you the opportunity to be the judge.
"Damned to Eternity" could have been written to tell the story from a non-personal viewpoint and still have been a good non-fiction book. What sets this book so much apart from its non-fiction counterparts is the way it brings you to the events that happened. You literally get into the mind of Jimmy Scott and learn about the things that caused law enforcement to go out and practically hang this guy before even being benefited the "luxury" of a trial. Mr. Scott's trial afforded him no "luxuries", however. Had this trial and flood occurred today, no doubt it would have been all over Court T.V. Had the public been more informed about this trial, perhaps the outcome would have been different as well. Pitluk's work certainly brings that question to light.
This book reminded me of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" because of the intense relationship you develop with Jimmy Scott as you read. Having a legal background, I am appalled at the events surrounding the trial and the course of events that took place in convicting and sentencing Mr. Scott. The way the prosecution established Mr. Scott's "intent" and motive is unbelievable.
Pitluk's research, investigating, and writing are guilty of "Intentionally Causing the Writing of a Good Book". A+++++!
Wonderful Account of a Great Controversy January 8, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Adam Pitluk has successfully captured the events and emotions of the great flood of '93 and has relayed them in a gripping and well written manner. His non-fiction style continues to keep the pages turning. The story of James Scott as told by Pitluk is excellent. I recommend this book to everyone.
Top Rate Novel January 8, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a compelling story that really was written thoughtfully and demonstrates injustices uncorrected. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the story as depicted by the author. Well done and I highly reccommend this book.
 An gripping, well-done read January 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The author has done an admirable job in recreating the atmosphere surrounding the Floods of '93 and compellingly illuminates the psyche of the Scott family and James in particular. Clearly Pitluk spent time carefully choosing words that we recreate Quincy and its milieu for the readers. I lived in Quincy from 1980-1990, and while I left for college in 1990, I remember well the Webster School burning and learned much interesting information about it. The only qualms I have are a typo or two, and a few things that could have been taken care of with fact-checking and double-checking. There are no 7-11s in the area. Quincy's population was never as low as 35,000 during the time in question. I found the rest of the details pretty much spot-on, and Pitluk has a breezy yet descriptive style that is apropos for the subject matter. Well done!
Another Hit For Pitluk! December 24, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Just when I thought I had read the best this author has to offer I read 'Damned To Eternity' and am once again blown away! A must read, but one caveat: do not start this book unless you have time to spare, once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down.
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