Shot in the Heart

by Mikal Gilmore
Shot in the Heart cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 864
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780385478007
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 1995-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

Shot in the Heart is a deeply personal and harrowing account by Mikal Gilmore, the younger brother of Gary Gilmore, the notorious murderer executed by firing squad in 1977. The book explores the multigenerational cycle of abuse, crime, and violence within their dysfunctional family, offering a raw and unflinching look at the consequences of a troubled lineage. Mikal's narrative is a poignant exploration of guilt, shame, and the inescapable bonds of family, as he recounts the stories of his parents and siblings, each marked by their own struggles and tragedies. /n/n This memoir is not just a story of crime and punishment but a profound examination of the human condition, revealing the complexities of love, pain, and redemption within a family torn apart by its own demons. It is a book that challenges readers to confront the darker aspects of American life and the enduring impact of generational trauma.

Reviews
Frieze · 2025-09-21
profound 4.50

The book offers a unique perspective as a little brother's story, valuable for its personal insight rather than its contribution to the Gary Gilmore case.

The reviewer at Frieze highlights 'Shot in the Heart' as a valuable account from the perspective of Mikal Gilmore, the younger brother of Gary Gilmore. They appreciate the personal insight and emotional depth that Mikal brings to the story, making it a compelling read. While the book may not shed significant new light on the Gary Gilmore case, it is praised for its raw and honest portrayal of family dynamics and the impact of trauma. The reviewer finds the narrative haunting and profoundly affecting, offering a unique and intimate look into a troubled family history.

Quick quotes

    It is very much a little brother's story, and valuable, I think, more for that perspective than for any light it may shed on Gary Gilmore's case.

    Baby brother Mikal Gilmore's account is a haunting and profoundly affecting read.

    The book is praised for its raw and honest portrayal of family dynamics and the impact of trauma.

Beatles Freak · 2020-11-20
moving 3.50

The book is a sad story of a family with deep-seated secrets, lies, and abuse spanning generations. It pulls readers into the dark dynamics of the Gilmore family.

The reviewer at Beatles Freak describes 'Shot in the Heart' as a deeply sad story that uncovers the dark secrets and abuse within the Gilmore family, spanning several generations. The narrative is gripping and pulls readers into the complex and troubling dynamics of the family. The reviewer appreciates the raw emotional insight and the way the book sheds light on the darker aspects of human nature. Despite the heavy themes, the story is compelling and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's the sad story of a family with a lot of dark, dark secrets, lies and abuse that started several generations before the four Gilmore boys.

    The book is extremely interesting and pulls you into the Gilmore family's sick dynamics quickly.

    Mikal's unflinching honesty and raw emotional insight make this a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 1994-05-27
harrowing 4.00

The book is a haunting and dark exploration of a dysfunctional family. It reads like a mix of literary classic and a Johnny Cash ballad.

Michiko Kakutani from The New York Times describes 'Shot in the Heart' as a dark and troubling book that delves deeply into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Gilmore family. She draws parallels to 'The Brothers Karamazov' and Johnny Cash's music, highlighting the raw emotional depth and the haunting atmosphere of the narrative. The book is praised for its unflinching portrayal of family trauma and the complex relationships within it. Kakutani appreciates the way the author, Mikal Gilmore, navigates the dark corners of human nature and family secrets, making it a profound and disturbing read.

Quick quotes

    It is a dark, troubling book, 'Shot in the Heart', a book that reads like a combination of 'The Brothers Karamazov' and a series of Johnny Cash ballads.

    A haunting portrait of a dysfunctional family that molded a murderer.

    The book is praised for its unflinching portrayal of family trauma and the complex relationships within it.

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