Title: I was Scared to Death When I Died: The True Story of Bryan Killebrew
Author: Bryan Killebrew
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1796018455
Genre: Biography
Pages: 64
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Read Book Review

Author Bryan Killebrew’s intriguing I was scared to Death When I Died draws readers into a world of quirky memories where chaos, life, death, God and the Devil, all intersected within the life/death of Bryan Killebrew.

This is a short but heartfelt biographical work, which highlights a recollection of specific events stemming from the very unique childhood of the author, within which he also experienced an ongoing relationship with God, as a young boy. Based on his “true” death experience and not a near death experience, Bryan Killebrew’s biographical story almost comes across as a fictional work, mainly because of the recounted, bizarre childhood experiences; especially when it comes to his father, whose brash personality and involvement working for an underworld crime organization made life for his two sons, especially author Killebrew a truly bizarre part of his past.  Initially, Bryan Killebrew’s childhood is the focal point of the book, not following any particular timeline, he seems to move from memory to memory with well detailed ease.

As he dwells on some of the more prevalent aspects of his childhood, he explains events surrounding his parents, and their relationship. He also focuses on the chaotic and daring kidnapping of himself and his younger brother by his father when both were very young – he was two and his brother six months – he candidly delves into their bizarre experiences had while living with their father. However, not all his experiences were shocking or odd as a matter of fact. One particularly touching aspect of the book is the loving, fond memories of his paternal grandmother whose unshakable faith in God helped to instill that faith in him as well. However, ultimately his story progresses to the nucleus of his biographical work which was his death experience, where he encountered both God and the Devil.

Fundamentally, Bryan Killebrew’s short but touching life story made for an intensely intriguing read, which overall, I found to be easy to engage with and enjoyable. In particular, I liked the added touch of his personal, inspiring and sage quotes that are found between each story chapter; they made for a distinctive added touch, which added to the appeal of the book.

This turned out to be an engaging and memorable read with heart that I do recommend for a great quick summer read.