Lethal Passage by Erik Larson is a compelling exploration of America's gun crisis, tracing the journey of a single handgun and its impact on a school shooting. The book provides an in-depth look at the legislative and societal issues surrounding gun ownership and violence, offering a non-committal perspective that evolves into a clear stance on gun control.
Lethal Passage by Erik Larson is a gripping account of how a single handgun, the Cordray M-11/9, became the focal point of a tragic school shooting. The book meticulously traces the gun's journey from the factory to the hands of Nicholas Elliot, a teenager who used it to harm his classmates. Larson delves into the lives of those involved, including the victims, their families, and the broader societal and legislative issues that enable easy access to firearms. The narrative is both informative and thought-provoking, highlighting the alarming number of guns in circulation and the lax laws that facilitate their resale. While the book starts with a neutral stance on gun control, the extensive research and interviews lead Larson to conclude that America has a 'guns out-of-control' mindset. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of America's gun crisis and the urgent need for reform.
Quick quotes
Lethal Passage is well worth the read.
You may not agree with the politics of the book but I have to say that when the investigative process began, Erik Larson was non-committal when it came to pro or anti gun control.
It was only after much research and many interviews that he realized that we most definitely live in a society that has more guns per capita than any other in the world, we definitely live in a world with a 'guns out-of-control' mindset.