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Columbine
Columbine
Author: Dave Cullen
In this remarkable account of the April 20, 1999, Columbine High School shooting, journalist Cullen not only dispels several of the prevailing myths about the event but tackles the hardest question of all: why did it happen? Drawing on extensive interviews, police reports and his own reporting, Cullen meticulously pieces together what happened w...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780446546935
ISBN-10: 0446546933
Publication Date: 4/6/2009
Pages: 432
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 91

4.2 stars, based on 91 ratings
Publisher: Twelve
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Shervivor avatar reviewed Columbine on + 97 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This book was utterly disturbing. I have been fascinated by the Columbine tragedy since that day in April of 1999. I think my fascination has always related to the question of "why did this happen?". The author tries his best to answer that question, although we will never truly understand why these two kids committed these atrocious acts. The author spent ten years researching information for this book, which was quite a feat considering the length of time it took for the police to finally release their investigation report (under court order), the covering up of information, and the initial media blunders in reporting incorrect information which took hold as fact.

I would recommend this book if you want the most concise account of what really happened that day. But I will warn you that reading the details of the killers rampage is difficult. It creeped me out and caused me to have difficulty being in dark rooms where I would invision Eric and Dylan in the corner with guns strapped to their bodies. Not for the emotional or faint of heart. Honestly, I am glad I have finished this book and can now move on to some lighter, less depressing reading.
MariaAlexis avatar reviewed Columbine on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Could not get enough of this book. I could have read another 400 pages. I confess to being oddly intrigued by these sorts of true life stories -- and especially this one, since it retells an event tragically relevant to my own generation. This is the best non fiction I've read since In Cold Blood, and it certainly borrows from Capote's narrative style. The details are riveting, and I basically discovered that everything I thought I knew about Columbine was utterly incorrect. Since starting this, I've been campaigning to get each of my family members to read it, because I desperately want to talk about it. Five stars.
reviewed Columbine on
Helpful Score: 2
As a new high school student in 1999, this event defined those four years for me. Security on campus increased; several students were suspended for wearing trench coats within days of the massacre. I started writing "Massacre in May," a fictional story with heavy Columbine influences, in order to try to comprehend the thought processes of both sides of something so traumatic and powerful as this.

Dave Cullen's book answered every question I had. Eric Harris, who in photos looked handsome and charming, was as such in real-life - but only to further his sociopathic goals. Dylan Klebold, the shy boy with a warm smile, was hiding thoughts of suicide. Three-quarters of the way through this work, I had trouble falling asleep because there were still some unanswered questions. By the end, they'd been answered. Cullen's journalistic style is just as the cover states: Capote would be proud.

To anyone who experienced this national tragedy, I highly recommend this book. To anyone who didn't, read it and understand. Compassion, understanding, and alertness to any warning signs are the ways to prevent a repeat of this type of horror.
familiagarduno avatar reviewed Columbine on + 164 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was utterly taken aback by how in depth this novel went into the events of Columbine. Whether you are a fan of the author or looking for more information into the situation, this novel will add a new light to the entire events that passed over 10 years ago.
Chocoholic avatar reviewed Columbine on + 291 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating and disturbing inquest into the Columbine High school massacre and the events leading up to it. The author leaves no stone unturned and exposes a number of details previously unknown to the public. The author also discusses several myths that have arisen from the tragedy and dispels them. A good, necessary book to read.
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reviewed Columbine on
This is a darn good book! It kept me so interested I couldnt put it down, even though its almost 500 pgs. But it gives all the facts and back stories of really happened that tragic day. It was amazing. I feel so sorry for all those families. Great Book!
laura2009 avatar reviewed Columbine on + 4 more book reviews
Fascinating, compelling explanation of the Columbine tragedy and the two boys who created it.
reviewed Columbine on
A 360 degree overview of the events of Columbine. I felt as though I had been deceived all of this time by the media. Really made me think about the twists/spins the public hears about. Startling, and very interesting.
reviewed Columbine on + 5 more book reviews
A haunting story. Very well written and very informative. I could not put this book down and looked for any opportunity to read it. However, the book affected me emotionally while reading it. I would recommend this book, great read!
reviewed Columbine on + 42 more book reviews
This book is a fast read though it contains a lot of facts regarding this horrible event. It contained many interesting details, which I had never heard of, condensed into one book. It definitely makes you think about the events and how people can band together against something whether it is right or wrong. It was tough to follow the author in the beginning until I got used to his writing style. The chapters don't flow all that well as he goes back and forth from after the attack to before the attack back to after the attack. Otherwise, if you're interested in learning what actually occurred from the people who witnessed it, then this is an excellent book.

Book Wiki

Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Eric Harris (Primary Character)
Dylan Klebold (Primary Character)
Dave Sanders (Average Character)
Matt Kechter (Minor Character)
Daniel Mauser (Minor Character)
(Show all 10 People/Characters)
Important Events

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