When it comes to interrupting vacation festivities, summer reading can often be a hindrance. However, there is a reason why students are required to crack open a book during their time off.

This year, juniors were assigned to read Columbine by Dave Cullen. This book is about two boys who plotted and executed the shooting of Columbine High Schools students and staff, revealing how the media got the truths of the story incorrect. This book was a heart-wrenching account of a true American tragedy with a lot of gruesome, but much needed sections.

For the most part it was a difficult read due to the constant transitions in the novel. Other than that the book was eye opening.

Primarily, teachers require their students to read this book in order to challenge them and establish awareness of to school shootings. Students might think that an event like a shooting could not possibly happen in their own school, but the cold truth is that it can. Instances like these make us realize how frequent shootings occur at other schools and one might often wonder if their school is next.

“Columbine” is a good example on why most school rules are shaped the way they are. They are put in place in order to prevent any circumstance that would cause harm to a student. Although, these rules are put into place, a shooting can still be possible. Having a plan is the best possible lifeline in these predicaments.

Although the book comes off as gray and dark, it is exactly those feelings that make the book so impactful. The tragedy’s explicit details were crucial to peoples’ understanding of what really happened and how such events actually play out. The full truth is needed for people to open their eyes and be aware of what world surrounds them.

“Columbine” makes known these occurrences and instead of brushing them off, it leaves a stained image in the back of our minds, revealing the truths of terror attacks.