169 Pages in length, Lost Cries is not an easy book to read, despite the short length. This book recounts the days and events that transpired after Thomas Willis, a legal medical marijuana farmer in Northern California, accidentally shot a federal agent on his land. This “novella” is based on a diary that Thomas Willis kept during his 13 day ordeal, which was found amidst the ruins of his burned house, in a fire proof safe. The writing style is rough, rambling, and difficult to follow, which is quite understandable considering the conditions it was written under.
One thing does get across very clear, however. These were decent people, married with children, who were unfairly targeted by federal agents through no fault of their own. This story is along the same lines as Ruby Ridge or Waco.
I don’t want to give away what actually takes place in the book in this review. Instead, I’d like to comment on the message the author wanted to convey:
The Federal War on Drugs is completely out of control. It is obvious, after reading this book, that this incident isn’t the only one of its type. Most likely these sorts of abuses go on regularly. The federal agents involved in this incident certainly seemed to have practiced before targeting the Willis’s home and farm.
This book puts you directly in front of the barrel of a gun. You can feel, in some small way, the emotion and raw terror as the stand-off between federal agents and two families gets under way. The cruel psychopaths who wear federal uniforms and command military fire power are exposed for who they are.
Their tactics and the misinformation they supply to the media is also exposed.
Let me tell you, it’s not pretty and is actually quite disturbing. There were many evenings when I wanted to read a chapter or two, where I simply could not bring myself to do it. The events that unfold in these pages are so disturbing and depressing at times that I simply couldn’t read it before bed.
This is a very sobering book, not because it is written well, documented, edited and proofed…..but because it is a true story and you get to read words infused with raw emotion that only people in war can comprehend. The smells, sounds, sights and horror all comes through loud and clear.
I can’t say I enjoyed reading this book. There are enough sorrows in life, to where sometimes I don’t feel like adding more. And make no mistake, this book is full of the worst kind of sorrow….unnecessary tragedy. At the same time, I am very glad I was able to read it and I definitely said more than a few prayers for some of the people involved.
The Drug War must stop. Whatever damage “drugs” might do, the war on drugs is infinitely more destructive. Lost Cries from the Emerald Triangle makes this perfectly clear.169 Pages in length, Lost Cries is not an easy book to read, despite the short length. This book recounts the days and events that transpired after Thomas Willis, a legal medical marijuana farmer in Northern California, accidentally shot a federal agent on his land.
This “novella” is based on a diary that Thomas Willis kept during his 13 day ordeal, which was found amidst the ruins of his burned house, in a fire proof safe. The writing style is rough, rambling, and difficult to follow, which is quite understandable considering the conditions it was written under.
One thing does get across very clear, however. These were decent people, married with children, who were unfairly targeted by federal agents through no fault of their own. This story is along the same lines as Ruby Ridge or Waco.
I don’t want to give away what actually takes place in the book in this review. Instead, I’d like to comment on the message the author wanted to convey:
The Federal War on Drugs is completely out of control. It is obvious, after reading this book, that this incident isn’t the only one of its type. Most likely these sorts of abuses go on regularly. The federal agents involved in this incident certainly seemed to have practiced before targeting the Willis’s home and farm.
This book puts you directly in front of the barrel of a gun. You can feel, in some small way, the emotion and raw terror as the stand-off between federal agents and two families gets under way. The cruel psychopaths who wear federal uniforms and command military fire power are exposed for who they are.
Their tactics and the misinformation they supply to the media is also exposed.
Let me tell you, it’s not pretty and is actually quite disturbing. There were many evenings when I wanted to read a chapter or two, where I simply could not bring myself to do it. The events that unfold in these pages are so disturbing and depressing at times that I simply couldn’t read it before bed.
This is a very sobering book, not because it is written well, documented, edited and proofed…..but because it is a true story and you get to read words infused with raw emotion that only people in war can comprehend. The smells, sounds, sights and horror all comes through loud and clear.
I can’t say I enjoyed reading this book. There are enough sorrows in life, to where sometimes I don’t feel like adding more. And make no mistake, this book is full of the worst kind of sorrow….unnecessary tragedy. At the same time, I am very glad I was able to read it and I definitely said more than a few prayers for some of the people involved.
The Drug War must stop. Whatever damage “drugs” might do, the war on drugs is infinitely more destructive. Lost Cries from the Emerald Triangle makes this perfectly clear.
Review by Doc Bud – 420 Magazine Staff Writer
Purchase Lost Cries from the Emerald Triangle by Paul Allih
