nancyflanagan 's review for:

Columbine by Dave Cullen

5.0

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Most of what we know and think about the incident--and aftermath--at Columbine High School, in 1999, is wrong. That's the first big aha! in this book. The other is that some people behaved admirably and with great compassion, kindness and sensitivity in unraveling what really happened and protecting the kids and community. And a handful of people moved to cover their own rears, or take advantage of a tragic event. Cullen's book does a good job of connecting lots of dots, weaving a whole cloth story-- but there are occasionally jarring moments, where two stories don't quite mesh, or tiny details are simply lost to time. Like any incredible, transformative event, there are always differences of opinion, as well. But--this is the definitive book on how this could happen, and why it will almost certainly continue to happen. A gripping and excellent read.