Blessed Are the Bank Robbers

January 10, 2022
Journalist Smith (Now Go to Hell) delivers a rollicking portrait of his cousin Daniel David Courson, the scion of a prominent evangelical Christian family who is also a notorious bank robber. According to Smith, the Coursons are “a gilded evangelical Christian Camelot,” with members serving as megachurch pastors and missionaries in California and Oregon and appearing regularly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. A Bible college graduate and physician’s assistant, Daniel David Courson robbed his first bank in 2006, shortly after his marriage collapsed. After a string of 19 bank robberies across the West Coast, he was arrested and served eight in years in prison. Three months after his release, he nearly got caught during an “art-and-jewel heist” and became a fugitive. Vicariously fascinated by his cousin’s life “on the lam,” Smith started corresponding with Danny, and he incorporates their communications into the narrative, as well as Danny’s PowerPoint presentation on “how to make a living as a serial bank robber.” Elsewhere, Smith comments on surfing culture; the nuances of being a “PK,” or pastor’s kid; the links between evangelical Christianity and Republican politics; and the history of bank robbing in the U.S. Though disjointed at times, it’s an intriguing tale of rock bottoms, daredevil escapes, and life on the wrong side of the law. Readers will enjoy the ride.

January 14, 2022

Smith (Welcome to Paradise, Now Go to Hell) tells the story of his bank robber cousin Danny Courson. Smith and Courson were brought up in a close-knit Baptist family of preachers, and Courson was the favorite grandchild. Courson started robbing banks to fund a gambling addiction, but eventually substituted theft for the thrill of gambling, as he robbed more than 40 banks over the course of his career. Courson was caught by law enforcement, served his time, and eventually robbed again, which forced him to live as a fugitive before he was apprehended once more. His correspondence with Smith provides intriguing insights into his methodology and mindset. Smith examines aspects of his cousin's character in an attempt to analyze Courson's behavior. He looks into their shared religious upbringing, gambling addiction, fugitives, and famous bank robberies, and muses on the role of the media in romanticizing stories of bank robbers and felons. Throughout, Smith reflects on his own need for adventure and rebellion; the book has a contemplative feel. VERDICT A fascinating exploration that will appeal to those who appreciate the intersection of true crime and memoir.--Rebekah Kati

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