Edmund Kemper: 9 Books Narrated by the Co-ed Killer During His Prison Time
A Chilling Look at Literary Contributions Behind Bars
Edmund Kemper, known as the Co-ed Killer, gained notoriety for his heinous crimes in California during the 1970s. While serving his life sentence, Kemper participated in an unexpected program that allowed him to contribute positively to society.
During his incarceration, Edmund Kemper narrated audiobooks for the blind, completing at least 9 books as part of this initiative. This unusual facet of Kemper's prison life stands in stark contrast to his violent past. The program provided an opportunity for inmates to engage in meaningful work while serving their sentences.
1) 'The Glass Castle,' by Jeannette Walls
'The Glass Castle' is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that recounts her unconventional upbringing. Published in 2005, the book has received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Walls' life experiences.
The memoir details Walls' childhood with her eccentric and often neglectful parents. Her father, Rex Walls, was an intelligent but alcoholic man who struggled to maintain steady employment. Her mother, Rose Mary, was an artist who often prioritized her painting over her children's needs.
Despite facing poverty and instability, Walls and her siblings developed resilience and resourcefulness. The family moved frequently, living in various desert towns and eventually settling in Welch, West Virginia.
The title of the book refers to Rex Walls' unfulfilled promise to build a grand glass castle for his family. This dream symbolizes the hope and disappointment that characterized Walls' relationship with her father.
'The Glass Castle' explores themes of family loyalty, poverty, and the pursuit of dreams. It has been adapted into a major motion picture, further expanding its reach and impact.
2) 'The Road,' by Cormac McCarthy
'The Road' is a post-apocalyptic novel written by Cormac McCarthy and published in 2006. The book tells the story of a father and son traveling through a desolate American landscape after an unspecified catastrophe.
McCarthy's stark prose and vivid imagery create a haunting atmosphere that captures the bleakness of their journey. The novel explores themes of survival, love, and morality in a world devoid of hope.
'The Road' received critical acclaim and won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Its success led to a film adaptation in 2009, starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Edmund Kemper narrated this book during his time in prison, lending his voice to McCarthy's powerful narrative. The combination of Kemper's deep, resonant voice and McCarthy's intense storytelling likely created a chilling audio experience.
The novel's exploration of human nature in extreme circumstances may have resonated with Kemper, given his own experiences and actions. His narration of this work adds an intriguing layer to both the book's legacy and Kemper's prison activities.
3) 'Misery,' by Stephen King
'Misery' is a psychological horror novel written by Stephen King, published in 1987. The story revolves around Paul Sheldon, a bestselling author, and Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number one fan.
After a car accident, Paul finds himself bedridden and under the care of Annie, a former nurse. She holds him captive in her isolated farmhouse, forcing him to write a new novel featuring her favorite character.
The book explores themes of obsession, creativity, and the dark side of fandom. King's vivid storytelling brings to life the claustrophobic atmosphere and psychological torment experienced by Paul.
'Misery' received critical acclaim and won the Bram Stoker Award for Novel in 1987. It was later adapted into a successful film starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes.
The novel's gripping narrative and intense character dynamics make it a standout in King's extensive bibliography. It remains a favorite among his readers and continues to captivate new audiences decades after its initial release.
4) 'A Song of Ice and Fire Series,' by George R.R. Martin
Edmund Kemper narrated George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" during his time in prison. The series began in 1996 with "A Game of Thrones" and has since expanded to five published novels.
Martin initially planned the series as a trilogy but later expanded it to seven volumes. The story unfolds in a fictional world where seasons can last for years, focusing on the struggle for power among noble houses.
The books feature intricate plotlines, a large cast of characters, and rich world-building. They blend elements of medieval history, fantasy, and political intrigue.
Martin's work gained widespread popularity following the HBO adaptation "Game of Thrones." The series has earned critical acclaim for its complex characters and unpredictable narrative.
Kemper's narration of these books showcases his ability to bring diverse characters to life through his voice acting skills. His rendition likely added a unique dimension to Martin's already captivating storytelling.
5) 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' by Stieg Larsson
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is the first novel in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series. Published posthumously in 2005, it quickly became an international bestseller.
The book introduces readers to Lisbeth Salander, a complex and enigmatic character with a dragon tattoo. Alongside journalist Mikael Blomkvist, Salander becomes entangled in a decades-old mystery involving a wealthy Swedish family.
Larsson's novel combines elements of psychological thriller and crime fiction. It explores themes of corruption, violence against women, and family secrets.
The story begins with Blomkvist's conviction for libel against a powerful financier. This event sets the stage for his involvement in investigating the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, missing for over 40 years.
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' received critical acclaim and numerous awards. It was adapted into successful films in both Swedish and English. The book's popularity sparked renewed interest in Scandinavian crime fiction worldwide.
6) 'American Psycho,' by Bret Easton Ellis
'American Psycho' is a controversial novel published in 1991 by American author Bret Easton Ellis. The book follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker in 1980s Manhattan who leads a double life as a serial killer.
Ellis uses Bateman's character to satirize the materialistic and shallow culture of the yuppie era. The novel is known for its graphic depictions of violence and explicit sexual content.
'American Psycho' received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised its dark humor and social commentary, while others condemned its violent content. Despite initial controversy, the book has since gained recognition as a modern classic.
The novel's exploration of themes such as consumerism, identity, and sanity resonated with readers. It offers a critique of the excesses and moral bankruptcy of 1980s Wall Street culture.
In 2000, 'American Psycho' was adapted into a film starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. The movie helped introduce the story to a wider audience and further cemented its place in popular culture.
7) 'Catch-22,' by Joseph Heller
'Catch-22' is a satirical war novel by American author Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. The book is set during World War II and follows the experiences of Captain John Yossarian, an American bombardier stationed on a fictional Mediterranean island.
The novel's title refers to a paradoxical military regulation that becomes a central theme throughout the story. This absurd rule exemplifies the circular logic and bureaucratic insanity that Yossarian encounters in his attempts to avoid flying dangerous combat missions.
Heller's work is renowned for its non-chronological narrative structure and dark humor. It presents a scathing critique of war and military life, exploring themes of sanity, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of conflict.
'Catch-22' has become a significant part of American literary culture. The term itself has entered common language, used to describe situations where contradictory circumstances prevent a desired outcome.
Edmund Kemper's narration of this complex and satirical novel showcases his ability to tackle challenging literary works. His involvement with such a thought-provoking text raises questions about his own perceptions of institutional power and societal paradoxes.
8) 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' by Harper Lee
Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was narrated by Edmund Kemper during his prison time. Published in 1960, this classic of American literature quickly became a bestseller and remains widely read in schools across the United States.
The story is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. It follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime.
Lee's novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence. The character of Atticus Finch is believed to be based on Lee's own father, a compassionate lawyer who once defended two African American men accused of murder.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' has been translated into over 40 languages and adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its high ranking on bestseller lists and its status as required reading in many educational curricula.
Kemper's narration of this influential work adds an intriguing layer to his prison activities, given the novel's focus on justice and morality.
9) 'The Shining,' by Stephen King
'The Shining' is Stephen King's third published novel, released in 1977. It quickly became a bestseller and solidified King's reputation as a master of horror fiction.
The story follows Jack Torrance, who becomes the winter caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Jack moves there with his wife Wendy and young son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities called "the shining."
As the family becomes isolated by harsh winter weather, the hotel's dark history and supernatural forces begin to influence Jack's behavior. The Overlook's sinister presence threatens the family's safety and sanity.
King drew inspiration for the novel during a stay at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. The author and his wife were the only guests in the hotel, which was about to close for the season.
'The Shining' explores themes of isolation, addiction, and family dynamics. It delves into the psychological horror of a man's descent into madness and the terrifying consequences for his loved ones.
The book's popularity led to a 1980 film adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson. While the movie differs from the novel in some aspects, both versions have become classics in the horror genre.
Background of Edmund Kemper
Edmund Kemper's life was marked by a troubled childhood and a series of heinous crimes that shocked California in the 1970s. His story involves early signs of disturbing behavior and a killing spree that targeted young women.
Early Life
Edmund Emil Kemper III was born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California. He had a difficult relationship with his mother, who was allegedly abusive and alcoholic. As a child, Kemper displayed concerning behaviors, including cruelty to animals.
At age 15, Kemper committed his first murders, killing his grandparents in North Fork, California. This act led to his confinement at Atascadero State Hospital.
Deemed rehabilitated, Kemper was released at age 21. He returned to Santa Cruz, California, where he lived with his mother.
Crimes and Arrest
Between May 1972 and April 1973, Kemper embarked on a killing spree in Santa Cruz. He targeted young female hitchhikers, earning the moniker "Co-ed Killer." Kemper murdered six college students during this period.
His final victims were his mother and her friend in April 1973. After these murders, Kemper drove to Colorado. He called the Santa Cruz police to confess his crimes and turn himself in.
Kemper was arrested and subsequently convicted of eight counts of first-degree murder. He received eight concurrent life sentences. Since then, he has been incarcerated at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville.
Life in Prison
Edmund Kemper's prison life involved a range of activities and psychological assessments. His time behind bars saw him engage in rehabilitation programs and undergo evaluations to understand his mental state.
Prison Activities
Kemper became involved in an audiobook narration program for the blind while incarcerated. He spent over 5,000 hours recording hundreds of books onto tape cassettes. This initiative allowed him to contribute positively to society despite his confinement.
Kemper narrated diverse literary works, including popular titles like "Star Wars" and "Flowers in the Attic." His dedication to this program resulted in the creation of more than four million feet of recorded tape.
The narration project provided Kemper with a structured activity and a sense of purpose during his life sentence. It allowed him to utilize his time productively while serving as a form of rehabilitation.
Psychological Evaluation
Mental health professionals conducted regular assessments of Kemper throughout his incarceration. These evaluations aimed to understand his psychological state and monitor any changes in his behavior or thought patterns.
Experts analyzed Kemper's childhood experiences, including his dysfunctional family relationships and early violent tendencies. They examined how these factors contributed to his criminal actions.
Kemper's towering height of six feet nine inches and his above-average intelligence were noted in psychological reports. These traits, combined with his troubled past, presented a complex case for mental health professionals to study and evaluate.
