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kristalula's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely fascinating, engrossing report on this tragedy that reads like a novel. Clarifies misinformation and takes you into the disturbed minds of the killers. I had a hard time putting it down - an incredible read that will have you shaking your head and murmuring "Oh my God" in every chapter.
loriraderday's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books that's hard to say you "liked" because of how hard it was to read. I learned a lot, was surprised by a lot. It's obviously well-researched and thoughtfully written. Somebody has to write the hard books.
lizanneinkan's review against another edition
4.0
Moving from past to present, from perpetrators to victims to families to criminologists and psychologists, from interviews to video footage to police documents to newspaper sources to studies to journals, this book offers a comprehensive look at the Columbine shootings and all involved parties.
One of the most thoroughly covered aspects was the diff bw the story as initially reported and the facts. As students both huddled under desks in the school and watched coverage on their phones, myths took hold. Reportage contributed to a false narrative as those at the scene conflated what they had experienced w what they were watching. The Cassie Bernal story is just one example. Cullen untangles layers of what was perceived v what is documented to re-cast the event.
Interspersing writings, interviews, etc w Harris and Kleybold throughout is key. Cullen begins w their actions and builds a sense of each young man’s evolution by presenting them at diff points.
The afterward is a sloppy mess, esp in comparison to the orderly progression of the rest of the book. It was good to read updates and to see some justice served after the CYA perpetuated by the sheriff’s dept, but there is just too much of Cullen’s personal difficulties and a wild array of last stab diagnoses. This does not, however, diminish the investigative journalism that precedes it.
One of the most thoroughly covered aspects was the diff bw the story as initially reported and the facts. As students both huddled under desks in the school and watched coverage on their phones, myths took hold. Reportage contributed to a false narrative as those at the scene conflated what they had experienced w what they were watching. The Cassie Bernal story is just one example. Cullen untangles layers of what was perceived v what is documented to re-cast the event.
Interspersing writings, interviews, etc w Harris and Kleybold throughout is key. Cullen begins w their actions and builds a sense of each young man’s evolution by presenting them at diff points.
The afterward is a sloppy mess, esp in comparison to the orderly progression of the rest of the book. It was good to read updates and to see some justice served after the CYA perpetuated by the sheriff’s dept, but there is just too much of Cullen’s personal difficulties and a wild array of last stab diagnoses. This does not, however, diminish the investigative journalism that precedes it.
amysteele's review against another edition
5.0
thorough and well-researched. so many signs before this shooting from both boys. amazing how easily to buy guns, makes bombs and plan this. one of the shooters was depressed. The other on meds for anger. sometimes we need to listen more. Pay attention to those in schools. I didn't get asked to the prom. I asked many but no one would or could go (I think most already had dates). it doesn't have to end like this.
kguelzow's review against another edition
4.0
Really opens your eyes to school shootings and psychopaths.
baco's review against another edition
3.0
Not as engaging as it could be, but definitely an interesting read. I was amazed to learn that so much of what's considered common knowledge surrounding the Columbine tragedy are actually myths. It's interesting and a little scary the way an event and the media coverage of an event get tangled up to make a kind of... bizarre hybrid of fiction, speculation, and fact that's presented as truth.
mswhite0615's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Incredibly detailed and thorough deep dive into this tragedy, including well before and well after. The level of depth is remarkable.
sharaya's review against another edition
4.0
This book is super heavy and dark because of the event it’s covering but it very thorough. A comprehensive overview of the events before, during and after Columbine. It also covers a lot of myths surrounding the killers and the crazy media coverage around it.
damnittisa's review against another edition
One of the best books I have ever read. No detail is missed. Everything makes sense at the end...even though it doesn't.
anxious_cryptid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0