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Columbine

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Columbine

By: Dave Cullen
Narrated by: Don Leslie
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About this listen

**THE GROUNDBREAKING BESTSELLER AND CLASSIC**

'Excellent . . . amazing how much still comes as a surprise' New York Times Book Review

'Like Capote's In Cold Blood, this tour de force gets below the who and the what of a horrifying incident to lay bare the devastating why' People

'A staggering work of journalism' Washington Post

'The tragedies keep coming. As we reel from the latest horror...' So begins the epilogue, illustrating how Columbine has become the template for nearly two decades of "spectacle murders." It makes the imperative to understand the crime that sparked this flame more urgent than ever.

What really happened on April 20th, 1999? The horror left an indelible stamp on the American psyche, but most of what we thought we knew was wrong. It wasn't about jocks, Goths or the Trench Coast Mafia. Dave Cullen was one of the first reporters on the scene, and he spent ten years on this book, the definitive account. With a keen investigative eye and psychological acumen, he draws on mountains of evidence, insight from the world's leading forensic psychologists , and the killers' own words and drawings. Cullen paints raw portraits of two polar opposite killers. They contrast starkly with the flashes of resilience and redemption among the survivors.

©2009 Dave Cullen (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc Freedom & Security Politics & Government War & Crisis Crime Resilience Scary
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Cullen does an amazingly thorough job of analysing the Columbine massacre, the victims, the survivors and the perpetrators. It is a truly tragic story, respectfully recounted, even with a thorough and heart wrenching analysis of the two killers and their families.
My only criticism is of the audible recording. Don Leslie has a good voice but it sounded like he was slightly puffed out and the recording kept picking up his breathing as if the microphone were too close to his mouth. It was a bit distracting at times, but otherwise I cannot fault this Audible

Truly a tragic event respectfully and truthfully told

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(Light spoilers)

As an Australian, we don’t have to deal with school shootings, and I was less than a year old when this particular shooting occurred. Listening to this story was emotional at points and I think that’s due to how well it’s written. Dave Cullen focuses on the killers quite a bit, but I think it’s important so that it’s shown they aren’t the “loner” type that is bullied, and instead 2 outwardly normal boys who don’t fit the preconceived idea of who commits school shootings. I think focusing on the boys lives and comparing it to their writings is important to show that they were able to hide their true feelings quite well and were able to fit in with a friend group and hold steady employment without drawing suspicion. This book seems to challenge the medias initial reporting a lot, and since the media heavily focused on the motives of the shooters, for them to be completely inaccurate was interesting to me, but also incredibly frustrating.

The part about Patrick Ireland coming out the window was particularly emotional and hard to listen to. I truly can’t imagine the strength that would have taken. It was also amazing to see what he has done with his life after the incident and I can’t imagine the resilience that would have taken and I’m glad he was able to make such an amazing recovery.

I had heard of columbine but I hadn’t heard it in this much detail. I think this book done a good job of disproving the assumptions people had about the shooters as well as telling us about the victims in a respectful way and giving an all around, well researched account of the events.

I also think it’s important that Dave Cullen did speak to the police cover up, which I find absolutely repulsive. I feel for the victims families that had to fight so hard to get the truth and I can’t imagine how much that added to their grief that they weren’t given the answers they deserved.

Before starting this book, I was angry at Eric and Dylan’s parents. After reading the book and learning about the hatred they received, I mainly feel bad for them which is probably an incredibly unpopular opinion. After hearing the story and the evidence available after the attack, I feel like Eric in particular did a great job at manipulating everyone around him. Did Eric’s family have warnings? Yes. However I don’t think anyone expects their child to do this. I’m sure if their parents could have prevented the attack they would have in a heartbeat. No one wants their child to do this, and no one (including the shooters parents) want to lose their child in this way.

I’m glad the basement tapes have never been released. They sound repulsive and heartless. If the professionals have viewed them and come to the conclusion they have, I’m glad they haven’t been released to the public. I don’t think these boys need any more attention drawn to them and their hatred they seemed to spew in the tapes.

Overall, I think this was an important book for me to listen to. I had such strong opinions around Eric and Dylan’s family/friends in particular. After listening I was proven wrong, and to hear how much planning actually went into the attack, and how good Eric was at manipulating everyone he loved, this book changed my opinion on his parents and the people who knew them (coworkers, friends, law enforcement etc).

Gun laws are a tough topic, I was born 2 years to the day (April 28th 1998) of the Port Arthur massacre here in Australia so my birthday is shared with a day of remembrance, and I always take part of my day to remember the victims of the tragic event. Due to the strict and swift actions of the Australian government and our gun amnesty, I have been privileged to grow up in a world not having to be afraid of guns nor be afraid of being killed while I’m just trying to get an education. I wish that all kids, anywhere in the world, are able to have the same sense of security that I had and not be scared to go to school.

emotional

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A cleverly written book on the dreadful crimes at Collumbine. It describes the events as well as the development of the anger and desire to revenge themselves by the killers.

Well written

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An informed well written account of this still shocking story.
I do have to say though - I am so thankful that the author did not narrate the book. His voice is so jarring I would not have been able to listen. The beginning and end of the book in his voice is awful

The full story

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this is an excellent book. very detailed & in-depth, taking into account multiple perspectives. it wld be impossible to read about / listen to this topic without being upset and confronted, but I think the author does a really good job of not trivializing the incident or turning it into cheap entertainment. if u want a comprehensive analysis of the 2 perpetrators this is definitely the book to read.

great but harrowing

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In depth exploration of all those involved without judgement, presenting a range of viewpoints. Takes you beyond the media headlines and misinformed theories instead engaging you in the lives of all those affected by this tragedy before, during and after the event. Well researched and balanced to present a no bias look at the who, where, how and possible whys. Amazingly well rounded and expertly written to engage you write to the last word. Will listen to again.

Balanced, engaging and insightful.

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If you want the real story, both well researched and well told, I highly recommend this book.

Very Comprehensive

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This is one of the best books I've ever read. Extremely well researched and written.

One of the best books I've read

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Having read Sue Klebold's memoir, much of what the author says jell's with what I have heard from other books on Colombine, especially Sue Klebold. This book dives into Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's parents thoughts. Having read books on suicide and psychopathy, also helped me understand what the author was speaking about. I am not saying that you need to run out and listen to such books, I am just saying that because I had read such books, it helped me understand more precisely. A very good read on an intricate, delicate topic, especially for those a long way from Columbine. I am in Australia.

Hearing the Klebold and Harris PARENTS point of views.

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Overall really interesting. Narrator mostly fantastic except does he super cringey voice for the boys

Great story about a horrifying event

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