Not New, Not Fiction but as moving as a book can get

"Columbine" by David Cullen

     I reviewed this book several years ago when it first came out, so I'm poaching my old blog and giving you an oldie but goodie.  I normally don't read nonfiction books maybe once or twice a year I'll give one a go, but usually find they fall flat and I struggle to turn the pages.  This book proved me wrong, it has become one of the most enthralling books I've ever read. and here's why. . . .

     Cullen could have easily made this a book bashing the killers and presenting a one sided story.  He spent years crafting this book and his efforts get you into the minds of the two boys who created this now iconic event.  You get thrown into the minds of the boys after Cullen spent years pouring over their journals and websites as well as interviewing countless people.  The fact that it took him 10 years to write this book can give you a sense of security that you are reading something that is well researched and factual but here's the kicker. . .  it doesn't read like non fiction, you can't stop turning the pages and you already know how it ends.  

     The two boys responsible for this tragedy, Eric and Dylan, are chronicled over the pages of the book, from the first weapon purchased to the wool they both pulled over the eyes of their family and friends.  Before reading this I could only think, how could these parents not have seen what was going on?  Now I realize the true sociopath that Eric was.  He was popular, did okay in school, had friends and a part time job.  He was just like scads of other high school students.  Dylan, on the other hand seemed to be a lonely kid who yearned for acceptance and he unfortunately found that with Eric.  Dylan was smart, had a crush on a girl, wrote a journal,  all seemingly normal teenage ups and downs, until it went tragic.

     Cullen also gives you accounts of what happened on the inside that day.  His countless interviews with survivors (teachers and students alike) provided a candid and horrifying portrait of what it must have felt like to have your school under siege by two of it's own students.  The accounts are touching and paint the picture well of those students and teachers who risked their own lives more than once to help save others.  At times I had to put it down while reading accounts of some of these kids held hostage, the shooter coming directly at them, hiding as best they could and watching their friends get murdered.  This is not an easy book to read.

     After finishing I realized they were lucky to have had so many survive this slaughter.  If plans would have unfolded as Eric and Dylan wanted there would have been no one left.  They intended to blow up the main exit of the school so that when they started shooting and kids started to flee to the exits they would blow up right at the moment they may have felt a little safer.  The bombs were faulty, but that didn't slow them down. 

     This is one of the best non fiction books I've ever read.  It was engaging and horrifying and despite the fact I knew how it ended I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.  I warn you though, there are some graphic scenes and if you don't have the stomach to read violence they you may want to let this one pass.  If you can stomach it you will agree it's one of the most compelling books you'll ever read.


Book Store Dork Gives it 5 stars out of 5!