A fascinating and impressively informative read from beginning to end, [Until I Could be Sure] was written with the able assistance of Maurice Possley and is unreservedly recommended for both community and college/university library Criminology collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Midwest Book Review

Governor Ryan’s actions are a pure beacon of light in a dark era in our nation. His is a resounding voice of conscience in a time of corrosive political maneuvering. As for Gov. Ryan’s commutation of the sentences of those on death row - I see this as his most inspiring act of moral courage. He could easily have left the condemned languishing in legal limbo, but he followed his moral stance for a moratorium through to a righteous conclusion for those remaining on death row, freeing them from the anguish and terror of death at the hands of the state. Gov. Ryan’s act of moral integrity triumphed over political expediency and has illumined a path for our nation. May we all walk in his light.

Sister Helen Prejean, Author of "Dead Man Walking"

There’s a Greek word— peripeteia — that describes the moment Governor George Ryan realized everything he believed about the death penalty was wrong. Thirteen innocent men on Illinois’ death row had been exonerated and it might only be the beginning. Knowing he would stand alone, George Ryan faced a soul wrenching decision that would shock the nation. It’s a story of integrity and a choice made because he believed it was the right thing to do despite life changing odds. This book tells us why he chose the most difficult path. It should be placed on the shelf of every politician in America.

Bill Kurtis, Documentary Producer and Television Anchor

George Ryan’s courageous act made our dreams reality. It was, in my view, one of the single most impactful events in propelling the abolition movement forward, making possible the successes we've seen ever since.

Mike Farrell, best known as 'BJ Hunnicutt' of television's legendary "M*A*S*H", President of Dealth Penalty Focus, Author of “Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist” and “Of Mule and Man”

This book is the compelling, personal and highly evocative story of a man who finds himself confronting a long-held belief – that the death penalty was a necessary part of the criminal justice system – and finding that belief shattered by the facts. After seeing wrongful conviction after wrongful conviction, Governor Ryan found himself unable to sign his name to any more death warrants. He first imposed a moratorium on executions, then pardoned four innocent men on death row and commuted the rest of those on death row to life sentences. Many accused Governor Ryan of doing this to “cover” his so-called corruption. Nothing could be further from the truth – taking these actions were much more likely to inflame those in law enforcement than distract them from prosecuting him. George Ryan’s transformation from death penalty supporter to death penalty opponent is fascinating, instructive and ultimately inspiring.

Andrea D. Lyon, Professor Emeritus, Valparaiso University Law School, principal at Lyon Law

Illinois Governor George Ryan’s decision to commute the sentences of all Illinois death row inmates will go down in history as an act that shifted the momentum of the death penalty debate in the United States. In Until I Could be Sure, he presents us with a rare glimpse inside his journey from being an ardent supporter of the death penalty to becoming one its most powerful critics. The story is both a personal one and a story reflecting America’s rapidly changing views about capital punishment.

Lawrence C. Marshall, professor, Stanford Law School