Customer Rating:  
Summary: Incrementalism
Comment: One of the facets of the story that appealed to me was the incrementalism of the family's lives. The shootings didn't just randomly happen. The foundation was laid and incrementally the layers were added on. Kali weaves the past with the present to illustrate why it happened, then follows Judith on her path to the bottom and her incremental climb back up. The basis for Judith's ascent was determined when Judith changed her perspective from being a victim to being responsible. The course of responsibility wasn't easy, but through persistence and patience, hope was being restored to the family. That's how the insidious nature of incrementalism shows itself. Yet there was one person of the family who didn't accept responsibility and didn't share in the hope. Some people recognize that they have a part in determining which direction they travel, even when it seems they are not moving at all.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary!
Comment: I recommend this book to anyone who reads. I could not put it down. I finished it in one sitting - I simply had to. Kali VanBaale does an excellent job of putting the reader in the main character's point of view - that of the mother of a shooter who killed not only himself but two high school classmates and a teacher. You really get a taste of what happens on the opposite side of the coin. It should be on every Junior High, High School and College reading list. Showing the aftermath of what the family goes through might be something to help deter such events. I went out this morning and purchased copies for not only my own son but for my grandkids and neighbor kids as well.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Emotional & Thought Provoking
Comment: It really makes you think. When something like this happens, it is easy to condemn the parents. But you read this book and recognize yourself and wonder if you're as good a parent as you think you are. Parts of the book are agonizingly difficult to read because they are so real.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Comment: Every so often I find myself wanting to take my time to finish a book because I like the characters so much. Every so often I find myself wanting to take my time to finish a book because it is so powerful. This book fit both situations. It is unforgettable.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wonderful read!
Comment: As a mother of a teen my heart went out to the main character. It made you think how you would react if you were the parent of any of the kids involved.
Well worth the read & would recommend to others!
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