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donnaburtwistle's review against another edition
5.0
I have such strong memories of this event, and as a teacher of sociology, it is a topic that I regularly use to demonstrate psychology in teens. However, Dave Cullen's book has given me an entirely new perspective on the destruction of a high school and fifteen lives. Divided into time periods, Cullen's book provides not only intimate details of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's actions and thoughts leading up to April 20, 1999, but of the people around them--victims and friends alike. To be honest, I am rarely drawn to non-fiction, but I could not put this book down. Cullen's journalism gained access to the infamous Basement tapes, police records, multiple interviews and media coverage. One does not doubt the validity of this book's revelations of the events at Columbine high school. Not only did this book quickly dispel the myths and stereotypes that permeated this tragedy, but provided unique insights into the personalities of Harris and Klebold. A fascinating read; highly recommended.
praetorian333's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read Spring 2022: I first read this for my MFA program back in 2010 and have thought of it often since then, so I figured it was time for a re-read. It was somehow easier to read this time around, even though I’m a parent. Probably somewhat numb to this type of situation by now.
Originally read Spring 2010: It seemed daunting, originally - over 400 pages in paperback?! The chapters are thankfully short - thankfully because I picked it up every time I had two seconds to spare, and could finish smallish portions of the book. Thankfully, because some sections are really hard to read. I had to squint through my tears several times, until I started putting the book down to cry several times. Powerful stuff. It as a tragedy, yes, but I think it says a lot about the writing if simple nonfiction, the retelling of facts, can bring me to tears.
We haven't had a class discussion of the book yet, but some of us talked about it while waiting for the teacher last week. One girl said it was one of the best books she's read, though it sounds strange to say that about such a horrible subject. I totally agree. Another girl said that she was glad the chapters were short, because they depressed her. I didn't necessarily agree with that. It's a sad tragedy, yes, but the book made me more paranoid (is that possible?!) than anything. These teenage boys had planned the attack for a year and a half! That is incredible, and unbelievably scary. They weren't bullied; they had friends, prom dates; they went to football games - they didn't hate jocks. The people explicitly named on the "Hate List" weren't even killed. This wasn't an impulsive killing by two boys pushed to the limit. This was a carefully calculated mass murder committed by two teenagers - one of whom was diagnosed a psychopath. It makes me antsy when I'm walking around campus and sitting in classrooms. I know it's paranoia, but it's not something to be disregarded, as shown by the Virginia Tech killer, and the other school shooters Cullen references in his book.
The book is very well-written and well-researched. Cullen includes big sections in the back about references, notes, drawings and notes from the killers, diagrams of the school and the crime scenes. His website has even more information about the tragedy and the case that followed. I remember hearing the media's spin on the case - that these boys were bullied, they targets jocks and blacks, they loved Hitler, and chose his birthday to commit the murders. All false. Cullen's book disproves them all, with significant evidence backing it up. He includes interviews with survivors, families, all who were affected.
Originally read Spring 2010: It seemed daunting, originally - over 400 pages in paperback?! The chapters are thankfully short - thankfully because I picked it up every time I had two seconds to spare, and could finish smallish portions of the book. Thankfully, because some sections are really hard to read. I had to squint through my tears several times, until I started putting the book down to cry several times. Powerful stuff. It as a tragedy, yes, but I think it says a lot about the writing if simple nonfiction, the retelling of facts, can bring me to tears.
We haven't had a class discussion of the book yet, but some of us talked about it while waiting for the teacher last week. One girl said it was one of the best books she's read, though it sounds strange to say that about such a horrible subject. I totally agree. Another girl said that she was glad the chapters were short, because they depressed her. I didn't necessarily agree with that. It's a sad tragedy, yes, but the book made me more paranoid (is that possible?!) than anything. These teenage boys had planned the attack for a year and a half! That is incredible, and unbelievably scary. They weren't bullied; they had friends, prom dates; they went to football games - they didn't hate jocks. The people explicitly named on the "Hate List" weren't even killed. This wasn't an impulsive killing by two boys pushed to the limit. This was a carefully calculated mass murder committed by two teenagers - one of whom was diagnosed a psychopath. It makes me antsy when I'm walking around campus and sitting in classrooms. I know it's paranoia, but it's not something to be disregarded, as shown by the Virginia Tech killer, and the other school shooters Cullen references in his book.
The book is very well-written and well-researched. Cullen includes big sections in the back about references, notes, drawings and notes from the killers, diagrams of the school and the crime scenes. His website has even more information about the tragedy and the case that followed. I remember hearing the media's spin on the case - that these boys were bullied, they targets jocks and blacks, they loved Hitler, and chose his birthday to commit the murders. All false. Cullen's book disproves them all, with significant evidence backing it up. He includes interviews with survivors, families, all who were affected.
lclindley's review against another edition
4.0
An exceptionally thorough yet perhaps slightly too long winded account of a tragedy that little people know the truth behind.
susancameron's review against another edition
4.0
It took me half a year to read this but once I got past the halfway point it really peaked my interest. I’ve seen this compared to In Cold Blood but I don’t think it is on the same level. Wouldn’t read this again but it was really interesting so 4 stars :)
ryan_heintzleman's review against another edition
5.0
The massacre at Columbine high school was one of many upsetting incidents that marked our collective childhood. This book does a great job of deconstructing the myths and misconceptions that have perpetuated since the first few hours after the attack. There’s so much to learn from here and even more to reflect on.
sleatherface's review against another edition
5.0
EDIT 8/2/16: I have recently been informed that this book is apparently comprised mostly of inaccuracies that directly contradict Eric and Dylan's journals and many students' accounts of what their lives were actually like. But I'm going to leave the 5 star rating since it was an enjoyable work of fiction.
An engaging and insightful account of the Columbine massacre and the people it affected. Dave Cullen clearly has a good grip on what the families went through as a result. I loved the look into the killers' lives and the way they thought. I was informed on the true definition of a psychopath. Such a good book!
An engaging and insightful account of the Columbine massacre and the people it affected. Dave Cullen clearly has a good grip on what the families went through as a result. I loved the look into the killers' lives and the way they thought. I was informed on the true definition of a psychopath. Such a good book!