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Columbine
496 pages, 2010
history
999 booksTragedy strikes again and again, and we are reeling. As we grieve over the latest horror, a new generation of killers is applying their own template to these atrocities. We feel the imperative to understand these crimes rising every year in the wake of so many mass shootings.
Can we really know what happened nearly two decades ago? What really motivated this killer? Dave Cullen was one of the first reporters on the scene, and he spent ten years working on an in-depth account of the Columbine tragedy.
At long last, he answers many of our lingering questions about what really happened that April day. His book is widely recognized as the definitive account, with insight from leading forensic psychologists and from Eric Harris himself.
Columbine by Dave Cullen is not just a recounting of a tragic event. It's a deep exploration into the minds of the two teenagers who caused the tragedy. Cullen spent years researching and interviewing those involved to provide a comprehensive look into what led to the event.
One of the key takeaways from Columbine is the debunking of many myths surrounding the event. Cullen shows that the killers were not part of the 'Trench Coat Mafia', nor were they outcasts seeking revenge on bullies. He digs into the facts to reveal the truth.
Cullen's book also explores the role of media in shaping the narrative of the tragedy. He points out how the media's rush to judgment and their reliance on unverified information led to the spread of false narratives.
Cullen provides a deep dive into the psychological profiles of the killers. He shows that they were not just angry teenagers, but individuals with serious mental health issues. This book encourages readers to look beyond the surface and understand the complexities of human behavior.
Finally, Columbine takes a look at the aftermath of the tragedy. It explores the impact on the survivors, the community, and the nation as a whole. It's a reminder of the long-lasting effects of such events and the importance of addressing mental health issues.
Quotes 5
Columbine is a non-fiction masterpiece, a book that has the power to change hearts and minds. It's a riveting read.
Jon Krakauer - Author, MountaineerColumbine is an excellent work of media criticism, reminding us where coverage went wrong; and a powerful act of storytelling.
Rachel Maddow - TV Host, Political CommentatorColumbine is a heartbreaking, beautifully crafted and deeply moving book. It's a story of tragedy, but also resilience.
Pat Conroy - Novelist, StorytellerColumbine is a chilling, heartbreaking testament to the complex reality behind the headlines. It's a book that will leave you stunned.
Chuck Palahniuk - Novelist, JournalistColumbine is a powerful, gut-wrenching account that offers insight and details that only a skilled journalist like Dave Cullen could provide.
Gayle King - TV Host, Editor-at-LargeRecommendations
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