Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott

I accepted this book with reservations. Some might ask why I would have reservations with respect to someones experiences at Columbine. Well, it is easy for me to answer that question: Because it scared the living daylights out of me! I have children, and when this happened, I felt that their innocence was marred. I kept imagining myself in these kids parents' place. It made me cry! I still to this day remember Columbine and pray that kids that suffer from the issues that the two murderers had will seek help before they take it out on innocent peers.

But, I went against my reservations about the book, and I am glad I did. While it is essentially written for younger adults, I enjoyed reading it. Right from the first chapter, I was getting tears in my eyes as I read the parents' perspective, and I was gripped by the words they said. As I read, I put myself in their shoes, and it made me cry.

This is a really great book for teenagers to read. If nothing else, I think it would give them insight as to why parents act like they do sometimes. Our reactions to things are primarily driven by our love for our children! I still drop my daughter off at school with a nagging fear that someone will do the same sort of thing at her school. I suppose most parents that know of the Columbine tragedy would feel the same.

By saying this is a great book for teens to read, that does not mean older adults and parents should not read it. You know, this really put words to the absolute adoration I have for my kids! I really think parents would do well to read this book, especially those dealing with tragedy with their children.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book were the excerpts from Rachel's own diaries. While this seems to be very personal information, it gives the reader an in-depth look into the heart of Rachel. I really do believe that these writings are very sincere because one never expects folks to read your diary entries; they typically are very private.

Some of the drawings were rather gripping as well. This young lady had a heart for the Lord that was truly amazing. As her parents state many times in the book, she had a relationship with the Lord that was beyond her years.

I would very much recommend this book to folks at any age, starting with the teenage years (because I think it may be a little too much for younger folks). I did enjoy this book, and both my wife and youngest daughter are really wanting to read it!