The Volunteer

“Toboni portrays Scott Dozier with compassion while also acknowledging his flaws. Hers is an evenhanded account of a controversial subject, which ultimately becomes a powerful critique of the flawed and imbalanced U.S. punishment process.” –Booklist“Her portrait of Dozier himself is compelling… bringing Toboni’s account to a grimly memorable conclusion…[A] narrative that raises important questions about capital punishment.” –Kirkus Reviews“A gripping and deeply researched account of one of the most troubling and controversial issues of our time. Toboni writes with clarity, compassion, and a moral honesty that force the reader to confront the psychological turmoil faced by her subject and the systemic failures that underpin the death penalty. A deeply poignant story about morality, justice, and the human cost of a flawed system.” –Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent and author of On All Fronts“Gianna Toboni fearlessly dives into the state of capital punishment through the extraordinary story of one man. This enthralling work of reporting reveals a broken system that will fill you with shock and outrage – and keep you in suspense until the very end.” –Katie Couric, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Going There“The death penalty has proven itself cruel, inequitable, and inconsistent with basic human values. With The Volunteer, Gianna Toboni offers an absorbing, essential, and deeply investigated look at a shameful and dysfunctional system. Through Scott Dozier’s story, she shows us how even those who’ve been convicted of violent acts deserve our humanity.” –Sister Helen Prejean, New York Times bestselling author of Dead Man Walking

Gianna Toboni is a documentary filmmaker and journalist. Formerly a senior correspondent and producer for VICE News, she has won Emmy, duPont-Columbia, and GLAAD Media Awards, and a Webby Award for Best Documentary Series; was recognized by the Newswomen’s Club of New York; has been a Peabody finalist; and was named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list for Media. The Volunteer is her first book.