Columbine in Around the World in 80 Books

Sep 29, 2016 Ryan rated it really liked it

Shelves: borrowed, 2016, audiobooks

Fascinating contrast of the facts and the fictions; equally fascinating look at what one event can do to all involved.

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Sep 04, 2011 Jim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: true-crime, craziness

Thoroughly researched. An engrossing and impartial look at the tragedy, the perpetrators, and the aftermath of the Columbine murders.

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Jun 24, 2009 Sera rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, non-fiction

I read this book after finishing We Need to Talk About Kevin. Shriver's book was written after Columbine had happened, and both Harris and Kebold are mentioned in her book. I'm glad that I read that book first, because even though it was fiction, Shriver did an excellent job of seeing Kevin from the perspective of his parents. It is not until late in the book that Kevin gives any outward insight in regard to himself. In Columbine, the story of many is impacted by the tragedy, but very little is I read this book after finishing We Need to Talk About Kevin. Shriver's book was written after Columbine had happened, and both Harris and Kebold are mentioned in her book. I'm glad that I read that book first, because even though it was fiction, Shriver did an excellent job of seeing Kevin from the perspective of his parents. It is not until late in the book that Kevin gives any outward insight in regard to himself. In Columbine, the story of many is impacted by the tragedy, but very little is told from the perspective of the parents of the teen shooters, who have for the most part kept quiet since the tragedy had occurred.

With this context, I found myself less interested in Harris and Kebold and the "whys" and more interested in how the survivors, the families of the those who were killed, and the community handled the tragedy. In addition, it amazed me about how much was initially reported about the shooting, which continued for a time thereafter, was wrong. Interestingly, it was the Sheriff's department that provided the misinformation. The same Sheriff's department that is later discovered covered up evidence that it had that might have prevented what happened on April 20, 1999.

Cullen has a nice writing style (he is a reporter after all) and the book is well-researched. He includes the layout of the high school where the shootings occurred. He also provides excerpts of the writings of the two boys and an abundance of additional details from his notes that led to the creation of a website related to this book that is filled with even more information. Cullen is present during certain times of his storytelling, but he claims that left himself out of the book, because he didn't want to get into the way of the story itself. At the least, this approach did provide more an objective perspective to the telling of one of the saddest days that America has faced.

Overally, I highly recommend this book. It made me contemplate the notion of "it's always the parents' fault", and it provided a comprehensive view of what was really going on in the minds of Harris and Klebold, while exploring whether there is really anything that we can do to stop someone from committing these types of acts if he is predisposed to do so. For example, I didn't realize that psychopaths are MORE likely to commit a violent crime if they begin psychiatric treatment for psychopathy. Therefore, these people are untreatable, but doctors are hopeful that they will figure it out at some point. I know that I didn't feel good about hearing that information. ...more

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Mar 25, 2010 Katie rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, male-author

This book is a comprehensive report of the shooting at Columbine High School. The author has done a lot of interviews and research, and gives a complete picture of the events leading up to the shooting, the shooting itself, and the aftermath.

Obviously, the book was not pleasant to read and my stomach was turning during much of it. It is hard to comprehend the brain of a psychopath, and very scary.

The research was very well done and challenges much of the reporting that immediately followed the ...more

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Mar 06, 2010 Erin (NY) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, non-fiction, read-in-2010

I have been reluctant to read this book, because the whole thing just makes me so sad! But I am glad I finally read this book. It definitely helped me to understand what happened. I only vaguely remember Columbine, because I was only 15 when it happened, so I was glad to have such a great book written about it. The author does an excellent job in describing the motives, the event and the aftermath.

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Feb 27, 2011 mstan rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, american

Cullen sometimes takes on the killers' 'lingo', which is rather jarring to me (it's like watching an accountant paint). Otherwise, though, he has done a pretty awesome job of unravelling the motivations behind the Columbine High School shooting, and mapping the far-reaching consequences of the event. ...more

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Sep 23, 2010 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: popular-nonfiction

Obviously this book is disturbing and as a teacher it really hits home. However, I think it's important to analyze how the media got things wrong and all the other pieces that followed. It's almost like a modern In Cold Blood and worth the read if you can stand the dive into the psychosis of two boys who decided to shoot up their school. ...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Annie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Thanks to James Oberndorf for this rec. Great example of good, honest, impartial reporting. I definitely think it could have been prevented, although not necessarily from the school's standpoint. Everyone should read this (particularly if you DO work in a school). ...more

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Jul 10, 2009 Julie rated it really liked it

Simply stunning. Difficult to read in parts, but so worth it. My perspective of the events surrounding Columbine and of the media have been forever changed. One of the most amazing books I've read all year. This one stays with you . . . ...more

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