Columbine & Hate List

Geez, where to begin?
Anyone who saw the news reports from Columbine certainly stopped to ask themselves "How could this have happened?" Numerous reports, several books, countless interviews and speeches... we still have only a portion of the truth. Each perspective (students, teachers, parents, police, etc.)provides only a possible clue. Even after dissecting each of the killers diaries, we cannot claim to fully understand each motive. Cullen's focus in Columbine is to dispel many of the myths surrounding the massacre including the bumbling investigation following the event. I must admit that I believed that bullying, polarizing cliques, and a lack of parental involvement were always at the top of my list of explanations- but Cullen provides substantial evidence to suggest that these factors did not provide the flame for the fire. Columbine, the Titan Library Book Club non-fiction pick, is a bold-faced look at one of the worst tragedies in the U.S. and may not be one that everyone will agree with. My suggestion, read the entire book AND read other research about the event as well. Be sure to read authors notes and follow up on your own questions that the information will surely foster.

Now, for a review on Hate List. I feel a bit conflicted about combining the review for this one with the previous book based on the fact that although bullying was evident, in Columbine the bullying was not one-sided. In Hate List, we have a story that looks primarily at the after math of a school shooting based solely upon one group of students being bullied. Where a possible victim must grapple with the outcome of her boyfriend's actions against the bullies. I thought it was an interesting read and well written. I struggle to say that it is a good book only because I keep thinking that the reactions and actions of the characters are not intense enough nor are they logical. Now, I realize it is a work of fiction and that I have never been (and hope never to be) in a situation even remotely similar, but I just can't quite bring myself to accept the nice little bow at the end of the story.

I have heard a lot of comments from some of you already- I think this discussion will continue through the summer. Couldn't persuade you to post them here? No? Okay, next up The Bad Queen: Rules & Instructions For Marie-Antoinette, July 24th.