I'm a little late mentioning it, but my good friend Gilbert King just came out with a fascinating book about a poor young man who has the unfortunate distinction of being the only man in American history who was executed twice.

The Execution of Willie Francis, the true story of an African American youth accused of killing a white businessman in a small town in Louisiana, circa 1946, is a riveting, disturbing, and ultimately moving account that says as much about race relations and the American system of justice today as it does about the America in the 40's. Can't recommend it highly enough -- get a copy and read it.