A review by donnaburtwistle
Columbine by Dave Cullen

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.