Violent Ends - Book Review

Violent Ends

What is it about:
It took only twenty-two minutes for Kirby Matheson to exit his car, march onto school grounds, enter the gymnasium, and open fire, killing six and injuring five others.

But this isn't a story about the shooting itself. This isn't about recounting that one unforgettable day.

This is about Kirby and how one boy—who had friends, enjoyed reading, played saxophone in the band, and had never been in trouble before—became a monster capable of entering his school with a loaded gun and firing on his classmates.

Each chapter is told from a different victim's viewpoint, giving insight into who Kirby was and who he'd become. Some are sweet, some are dark; some are seemingly unrelated, about fights or first kisses or late-night parties.

This is a book of perspectives—with one character and one event drawing them all together—from the minds of some of YA's most recognizable names.

What did I think of it:
I knew when I started this book it wouldn't be an easy read, but with Delilah S. Dawson being one of the participating authors (and me being curious in what kind of light the authors would paint Kirby) I had to give it a try.

And it had me crying by the second story.

There are seventeen authors who each wrote a part of this book. All telling a bit about Kirby and those around him using a different viewpoint character. The story they tell was one that was in many ways recognizable and that touched me. It wasn't an easy read, but it was a beautiful and emotional read.

Of the seventeen stories told there was just one that didn't fit in my opinion, and that's a story that's told from the viewpoint of the gun. Of the other stories there were characters I could relate to more than others, but all of them added to the overall story.

All in all this is a book I won't easily reread, but it will go on my keeper shelves, and I can recommend it to everyone who's looking for an emotional and powerful read.

Why should you read it:
It's a touching and thought provoking YA read.



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