📚 Books to Read After The Shooter
Just finished the shooter? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Columbine by Dave Cullen
Rating: 4.30 / 5 (47,316 ratings), Published: 2009
When to read it: When you're looking to delve deep into the complexities of violence, trauma, and resilience.
This investigative and compassionate account of the Columbine High School massacre explores the aftermath of the tragedy, shedding light on the impacts of trauma and the search for understanding in the face of senseless violence. It's a powerful exploration of the human experience in the aftermath of tragedy.
Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Psychology, Sociology
After reading: Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of trauma, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable events.
📘 We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Rating: 4.07 / 5 (169,017 ratings), Published: 2003
When to read it: When you want to explore the nuanced nature of evil and the impact of a troubled mind on those around them.
Through a series of letters from a mother to her estranged husband, this novel delves into the chilling question of nature vs. nurture and the complexities of motherhood in the aftermath of a school massacre. Shriver's unflinching exploration of guilt, love, and the darkest corners of the human psyche makes this a riveting and thought-provoking read.
Genres: Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Family Drama
After reading: Readers will be left pondering the intricacies of human behavior, the complexities of parent-child relationships, and the haunting effects of past actions on the present.
📘 Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge
Rating: 4.40 / 5 (1,931 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you're seeking to understand the broader societal impacts of gun violence and the stories behind the statistics.
Through the lens of ten children killed by guns in America on a single day, Younge paints a poignant and powerful portrait of the impact of gun violence on families and communities. This deeply moving work humanizes the statistics, offering a stark and necessary look at the devastating effects of gun culture.
Genres: Nonfiction, Current Affairs, Sociology, True Crime
After reading: Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of gun violence and the urgent need for change in our society.
📘 A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
Rating: 4.06 / 5 (29,770 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you're ready to explore the perspective of a mother grappling with her son's involvement in a devastating act of violence.
Written by the mother of one of the Columbine shooters, this candid memoir offers a raw and introspective look at the author's journey through grief, guilt, and the search for understanding in the wake of the tragedy. Klebold's narrative is a poignant exploration of parental love, mental health, and the complexities of navigating life in the aftermath of a public trauma.
Genres: Memoir, Psychology, True Crime, Parenting
After reading: Readers will be moved by Klebold's courage and vulnerability, gaining insight into the complexities of culpability, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope in the face of profound loss.
📘 Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy
Rating: 4.35 / 5 (10,725 ratings), Published: 2015
When to read it: When you want to explore the systemic issues underlying crime and violence in American society.
Through the lens of one murder investigation in South Los Angeles, Leovy delves into the complexities of race, justice, and the pursuit of truth in a community plagued by violence and neglect. This gripping and thought-provoking work shines a light on the realities of inequality and the challenges faced by those seeking justice in marginalized communities.
Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Sociology, Race Relations
After reading: Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to violence and crime in marginalized communities, prompting reflection on the need for change and empathy in our society.