There were a lot of consensus picks, though only two made all six lists: In Cold Blood (#1 on two) and Columbine (#1 on one). After that:
I just got back from Denver and Boulder (so nice!) and signed Columbine copies at Denver's Tattered Cover on Colfax, and the Westminster Barnes & Noble. (I went to Tattered Cover's LoDo store, too, but they were out, or hidden somewhere. Inventory showed two, but none on the shelf.) More info and pix coming. Info here on ordering autographed Columbine copies. (The NYC B&N has the most copies and your best bet if you're ordering from afar.) I'm really sorry I didn't get to the Boulder Bookstore, or the B&N in Boulder. I was planning to, but dinner ran late the night before my plane, and of course I left late for the airport. Oh well. It was a short trip, and so much to do. I'll definitely hit
It's based on Michael's bombshell book The Operators, itself based on his Rolling Stone story The Runaway General. (Which caused Pre
BTW, if you are a teacher or know one, please spread the word about the guide. Links help! It's free, and I've gotten great feedback
Meanwhile, I wasn't planning to buy any books, but man did I. (I thought it would be a nice night to catch up on signing, get some cardi
This really made me happy. Reader's Digest just compiled a list of"10 True Crime Books That Are So Chilling, You Shouldn’t Read Them at Night" and Columbine is on it — and first on the list. (Right ahead of In Cold Blood!) It's a great list, including Devil in the White City (which I loved, and which helped me structure Columbine), Helter Skelter, The Executioner's Song (which I didn't care for, but others did), and my friend's book The Good Nurse. It makes me tingly to be included in that company. Update: I started a reddit discussion about it. Also, Publishers Weekly put out a similar list, which Columbine also hit.
I can't wait. I'll be teaching at a week-long Writing Intensive program in Vermont this July. It's open to all, but offers free tuition for all veterans, military spouses, gold star children, and active, reserve or guard duty! They asked me to teach and speak based on Columbine, obviously, but also because of my experience as an Infantry grunt, and years spent writing my next book on two gay soldiers. Marlboro College is a unique institution, set up by veterans. (See the text from their site in the pic.) Veterans especially are encouraged to write through their experiences, but there are many non-vets, and you may gain unexpected insights into how to access and write about your own feelings
How great meeting Nick Bilton at his Vanity Fair book launch party Tuesday night. (I sheepishly approached, and when I said my name for him to sign, he said, "You're Dave Cullen?!" Turns out he is a big fan of Columbine. That made my day, and gives me hope that I'm on the right track.) I got home, took a peek at chapter 1 before going to bed, and couldn't stop reading. I've been devouring it ever since. It's called: American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road. Nick turned out to be a really nice guy, too. And so was his editor, Niki Papadopoulos. I can see them as a great fit. American Kingpin is in stores now. Grab a copy. Or more info at Nick's site. U
