What I’m Reading Now: We Need to Talk About Kevin

Book: We Need to Talk About Kevin

Author: Lionel Shriver

Have I Read This Author Before: No

Fiction/Nonfiction: Fiction

One Sentence Summary: In the form of letters to her husband, the mother of a school shooter and mass murderer recalls their lives leading up to the horrific event

The Best Thing About the Book: Although a very sad topic, it’s interesting to get the perspective of the murderer’s mother; also the book is very well-written

The Worst Thing About the Book: The sad topic makes it difficult to read at times and some of the shooter’s comments can be a little tough to hear

Did it Make Me Want to Keep Reading: Yes

What I Learned: Although the story is fiction, the book does reference some similar real-life tragedies and I learned some details about those situations that I had not known; also it’s a reminder of just how prevalent this kind of murder is

The Bottom Line: A very dark look at a tragic event including other’s reactions and questions about who is to blame; about 3/4 of the way through I thought I knew the whole story and was wondering what was left to learn but there were still surprises to come

Would I Read This Author Again: Yes

Next Book to Be Read by this Author: Big Brother