Tom’s Comments (group member since Jun 17, 2009)

Tom’s comments from the Q&A with Dave Cullen group.

Dave,

I think "Columbine" will stand as a definitive document for future readers who will want to understand this unthinkable incident.

(One reason I was excited to learn of your book, besides its compelling subject matter, is that I have been a fan of your BBM site.)

I was worried, early in reading the book, that more time would be devoted to recreating the inner lives of the two perpetrators than to understanding and paying tribute to the victims and survivors. By the time I finished, I was completely won over by your technique. It's a page-turner, a thoroughly researched and emotional work.

I still can't help feeling little stabs of regret that Eric's wish, that he would be remembered and that the incident was staged for an "audience", way has come to pass. Was this ever a dilemma for you?

SPOILER:
Of all the many incidents described and dramatized, the one that really startled me was the death of Ann Marie's mother. It represented, in a gut-punch, the overwhelming sadness and loss that everyone there faced.

Nice work. Thank you!