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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
Thorough investigative journalism which dispells some of the myths surrounding the entire tragedy. Sobering yet compelling.
I’ve read only a small handful of true crime books and this is one of the best ones so far. All of the different perspectives provide so much insight leading up to April 20, 1999, that day itself, as well as the events that took place after. My heart goes out to all of the families of the victims including the Harris’ and Klebold’s.
An incredibly in-depth and unbiased account of the events leading up to and after April 20,1999. The author has done his research and I learned quite a few things, despite the glut of reports on-air at that time.
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
I was a bit apprehensive at first since it gave me In Cold Blood vibes, but ultimate Columbine delivers because it’s about as factually accurate as you can get without experiencing an event first hand. You can truly see the care Cullen took in working with all of the families impacted in telling their story. Dope dope dope
I could have used less of the shooters perspectives though, Cullen ironically writes about how the media should focus primarily on the victims, yet every other chapter is excerpts from the shooters journals
I could have used less of the shooters perspectives though, Cullen ironically writes about how the media should focus primarily on the victims, yet every other chapter is excerpts from the shooters journals
This book is heavy. I didn't know many details about the event, just general basics, so it was interesting to learn more about this shooting that seems to still echo in today's society. There has been some controversy about this book, and how Cullen states that the two shooters were not bullied, and how the shooting occurred just the fact that they were psychopathic and depressed. Since I have not done a lot research on this subject, I do not feel like I can properly comment on this, but after reading an AMA from Brooks Brown (https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/gulaf/iama_columbine_survivor_named_brooks_brown_i_was/), I am a little dubious of Cullen's claims.
However, the information about the actual event and the time that followed was really interesting to read. I was only 8 when the shooting happened, so I don't remember anything from the time. Learning about the police and how they handled the case was really disheartening, and how some of those poor kids were left overnight outside in the snow was really heartbreaking.
Overall, I am really glad I read it. This shooting is one of those things in life that is a defining moment for a generation, and I felt that I needed to know more about it than reading the wikipedia page. I'd give it a 4.5, just because of some of Cullen's conclusions seem to be off base, but it was a highly readable book that lingered in my mind while I wasn't reading it.
However, the information about the actual event and the time that followed was really interesting to read. I was only 8 when the shooting happened, so I don't remember anything from the time. Learning about the police and how they handled the case was really disheartening, and how some of those poor kids were left overnight outside in the snow was really heartbreaking.
Overall, I am really glad I read it. This shooting is one of those things in life that is a defining moment for a generation, and I felt that I needed to know more about it than reading the wikipedia page. I'd give it a 4.5, just because of some of Cullen's conclusions seem to be off base, but it was a highly readable book that lingered in my mind while I wasn't reading it.
I listened to this book, rather than read it, and I found it to be incredibly interesting and compelling. Dave Cullen is a journalist, so his style is very engaging and easy to read. Seemed well researched and explored the shooting as well as preparations for it. It went beyond chronicling Columbine itself by looking into the victims as well as the media coverage of the event.
I'm not really sure how to put into words what my thoughts are after finishing this book. I was a sophomore in high school when Columbine happened. I remember watching it unfold on tv. The book delves much deeper into the initial reports versus the final findings. The fact that this was premeditated makes it that much worse. The author did a really good job of making me feel like I was there at the scene. I found it highly disturbing the 'lost' file as well as the amount of misinformation that was reported. I also feel disgust at the way it seemed the police department tried to hide certain things.
While Columbine wasn't the defining moment of my life, it definitely was the defining moment for my high school years.
While Columbine wasn't the defining moment of my life, it definitely was the defining moment for my high school years.
something fun (and by that i mean not fun) to do is revisit all the major crimes of the past few decades and realize how the police absolutely bungled 99% of the investigation as well as oftentimes outright ignored blaring hints that said crime was going to occur! acab!
This is a long, tough, very detailed account of the massacre and so gripping. It also debunks a lot of what the media reported on about the shooters, victims, motive, and aftermath.