columbine
by sam on 09/15/2010
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thoroughly researched and, more importantly, gripping to read. I was a bit dumbfounded at the number of things we take for granted about the columbine massacre that are simply not true. The in-depth analysis of Eric Harris’s possible psycopathy was incredibly enlightening, and shifts at least some of the responsibility away from alleged bullies (who may never have existed in the first place) and towards the multitude of adults (including professional therapists) who were duped by him. Dylan Klebold is actually the more tragic situation, since it is fairly obvious from a significant amount of his behavior that he was deeply depressed. Of course, this doesn’t serve to excuse his horrific actions in following what was most likely Harris’s plan, but it does teach a lesson moving forward for adults (parents, teachers, therapists) to be conscious and conscientious in the interactions with “troubled” children they encounter.
On both a sadder and more hopeful note, I was very moved by the struggles of the survivors, both those who ultimately couldn’t get through the aftermath, and those who pushed through and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Tags: books