Cher: The Memoir, Part One

by Cher
Cher: The Memoir, Part One cover
Good Books rating 4.33
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  • ID: 3976
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
theguardian.com · Unknown · 2024-12-18
hopeful 4.00

The reviewer found 'Parkland: Birth of a Movement' hopeful and engaging, focusing on the activism and resilience of the Parkland students. They compared it favorably to 'Columbine' but noted it was written more quickly and journalistically.

The reviewer enjoyed 'Parkland: Birth of a Movement' for its hopeful tone and focus on the activism and resilience of the Parkland students. They appreciated how the book documented the unique fallout of the tragedy, including the students' PTSD, determination, and efforts to change the political climate. The reviewer compared it to 'Columbine,' noting that while 'Columbine' was more impactful due to its thoroughness and decade of work, 'Parkland' was a fast and interesting read. They also highlighted the book's coverage of the students' interactions with urban Latinx and black gun activists, which they felt did not receive enough media attention.

Quick quotes

    It’s very hopeful.

    This one, besides also featuring a community affected deeply by a school shooting, is not really about the tragedy itself, but the unique fallout.

    It was a very interesting book, and I would recommend it.

bookreporter.com · Unknown · 2024-11-19
inspiring 4.50

The review highlights the unique approach of 'Parkland: Birth of a Movement' by Dave Cullen, which focuses on the personal stories of the Stoneman Douglas activists rather than the political debates surrounding the tragedy. The reviewer praises Cullen's decision to refer to the activists by their first names and not mention the killer, emphasizing the human aspect of the story. The book is seen as a powerful account of how the survivors responded to the tragedy and their efforts to bring about change.

The review of 'Parkland: Birth of a Movement' by Dave Cullen delves into the author's unique approach to covering the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. Unlike typical accounts that focus on the political debates or the killer's mindset, Cullen turns his attention to the vibrant personalities of the Stoneman Douglas activists. The reviewer appreciates Cullen's decision to refer to the activists by their first names and not mention the killer, which humanizes the story and emphasizes the resilience and determination of the survivors. The book is praised for its behind-the-scenes account of the March for Our Lives movement and the questions it raises about how to support survivors and bring about change. The reviewer, who has a personal connection to the area, reflects on the impact of the tragedy and the hope inspired by the activists' efforts.

Quick quotes

    The book emphasizes that those affected by the shooting are not broken beings or ghosts or actors

    they are human beings who want no other person to experience the level of violence that they did.

    People may expect this journalistic piece to be tuned to certain tropes of by-minute play-by-play or a look into the killer’s mind. But thankfully that’s not the case.

    Rather, PARKLAND is the culmination of questions that Cullen and all of us should be asking: How do you respond to an unfathomable tragedy?

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2024-11-19
inspirational 4.50

Cher: The Memoir, Part One offers an inspirational journey of the students from Margery Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) who created a movement about gun safety and common-sense gun laws. The book is not just about the tragedy but also about the students' activism and healing process. The reviewer recommends it for those curious about how a tragedy can turn into a movement for justice.

Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Dave Cullen provides an in-depth look at the students from Margery Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) who turned their tragedy into a movement for gun safety and common-sense gun laws. The book is not just about the shooting itself but also about the students' activism and their emotional journey. Cullen, known for his work on school shootings, offers extensive access to the students and their families, providing a unique perspective on their experiences. The reviewer appreciates how Cullen handles the students' emotions with grace and respect, allowing their uprising to take center stage. The book is recommended for those interested in understanding how a tragedy can morph into a movement for justice, offering both power and inspiration without being overly sentimental.

Quick quotes

    They felt so strongly and had the eyes of the nation (and the world).

    Cullen doesn’t sugar coat the emotions the MSD kids felt.

    The power and inspiration are palpable, but not saccharine.

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