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katieodonnell_21's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
toph821's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
kearl100's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
On the the 25th anniversary of Columbine, I needed to read this. I love this book because it builds empathy. I cannot imagine anything worse than losing a child in a murder-suicide. It is interesting how so many people blamed Sue for her parenting, rather than see the much scarier truth. I believe that it is too unimaginable for most people to accept that a great mother might bear a depressed person or a psychopath. That ANYONE can have a kid who kills. The dynamic between Eric and Dylan was fascinating. Such a toxic friendship. I love that Sue turned her tragedy into social action and suicide prevention.
uly_mckown's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
One of the most heartfelt, sincere reads on Suicide and mental health. A must read for those interested in Psychology or wanting a greater understanding on why people feel the need to commit acts of violence both directed at themselves and others.
teddereadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Mass/school shootings, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Hate crime, Child death, Racism, Suicide, Grief, Mental illness, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Xenophobia, Gore, and Bullying
suvata's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book purely out of morbid curiosity. That's probably the same reason that most people will read it. It seems like only yesterday that the Columbine shootings took place. It's really hard to believe it was almost 17 years ago.
When I started reading this book I had a chip on my shoulder. I was one of those who thought "How could these parents not know this was going on right under their noses - right in their own home for crying out loud".
I totally sympathize with Sue Klebold and I don't doubt that she is sincere and tormented by what her son and Eric Harris did that horrible day. I can even buy into her theory that teenagers can have a "secret life" of sorts that their parents don't know about.
Having said that, I couldn't help but notice throughout the pages the differences in how I would've handled Dylan's behavior and how they did. One glaring example of this is when he and Eric got arrested for breaking into a van. She was consoled when her lawyer friend told her that it was typical boy stuff and he's a basically a good kid. Not to worry. Really? I shutter to think how I would've reacted if my son had found himself in that same situation.
I have very mixed emotions about this book. But then, hindsight is 20/20 after all. I just know that I would've handled these incidences differently. But, who's to say that would've made any difference at all.
When I started reading this book I had a chip on my shoulder. I was one of those who thought "How could these parents not know this was going on right under their noses - right in their own home for crying out loud".
I totally sympathize with Sue Klebold and I don't doubt that she is sincere and tormented by what her son and Eric Harris did that horrible day. I can even buy into her theory that teenagers can have a "secret life" of sorts that their parents don't know about.
Having said that, I couldn't help but notice throughout the pages the differences in how I would've handled Dylan's behavior and how they did. One glaring example of this is when he and Eric got arrested for breaking into a van. She was consoled when her lawyer friend told her that it was typical boy stuff and he's a basically a good kid. Not to worry. Really? I shutter to think how I would've reacted if my son had found himself in that same situation.
I have very mixed emotions about this book. But then, hindsight is 20/20 after all. I just know that I would've handled these incidences differently. But, who's to say that would've made any difference at all.
lisaar91's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book got me fascinated with the Columbine massacre. I've watched a lot of YouTube today...
I didn't love the book. Which is kinda hard to say as it's a true story. Being true... it isn't fast paced. No twists. No unknown endings... which is what helps turn the pages.
That being said the insight into the life of a mother who 'raised a murderer' was brilliant. I can't imagine the emotions you'd go through, and the blame to deal with from all directions including yourself.
Strong lady. This book has a place with the historical event. It just isn't a page turner for me
This book got me fascinated with the Columbine massacre. I've watched a lot of YouTube today...
I didn't love the book. Which is kinda hard to say as it's a true story. Being true... it isn't fast paced. No twists. No unknown endings... which is what helps turn the pages.
That being said the insight into the life of a mother who 'raised a murderer' was brilliant. I can't imagine the emotions you'd go through, and the blame to deal with from all directions including yourself.
Strong lady. This book has a place with the historical event. It just isn't a page turner for me