A review by nanvdand
Columbine by Dave Cullen
5.0
I hesitated starting this book - wasn't sure I could handle reading about this well known tragedy. But the positive reviews and my strong desire to gain a better understanding of what drives killers to perpetrate this type of crime goaded me on. I'm so glad I did. Mr. Cullen does an excellent job of documenting what happened before, during, and after without preaching to his audience.
For me, the description of what drives a psychopathic person (Eric Harris) to cause such mayhem was extremely enlightening. It really helped me to better understand psychopathy and the related behaviors.
In this most recent edition there is an epilogue (written within the last few years) which is the only place where the author inserts himself into the story. He summarizes areas that we, as a country and a culture, can improve upon to possibly minimize future occurrences but he doesn't dwell on one particular solution - gun control, teen depression, or the press's culpability - but rather discusses all three.
This is a fascinating book for someone who wants to gain a better understanding of such an event. It may not be for everyone, though; at times it is heart wrenching. It is never boring and, in fact, there were times I couldn't read it at night.
For me, the description of what drives a psychopathic person (Eric Harris) to cause such mayhem was extremely enlightening. It really helped me to better understand psychopathy and the related behaviors.
In this most recent edition there is an epilogue (written within the last few years) which is the only place where the author inserts himself into the story. He summarizes areas that we, as a country and a culture, can improve upon to possibly minimize future occurrences but he doesn't dwell on one particular solution - gun control, teen depression, or the press's culpability - but rather discusses all three.
This is a fascinating book for someone who wants to gain a better understanding of such an event. It may not be for everyone, though; at times it is heart wrenching. It is never boring and, in fact, there were times I couldn't read it at night.