Review: Violent Ends edited by Shaun David Hutchinson

Authors: Shaun David Hutchinson, Kendare Blake,Steve Brezenoff, Delilah S. Dawson,Trish Doller, Margie Gelbwasser,E.M. Kokie, Cynthia Leitich Smith , Tom Leveen, Hannah Moskowitz, Elisa Nader, Beth Revis, Mindi Scott, Neal Shusterman, Brandon Shusterman,Courtney Summers, Blythe Woolston, Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Number of Pages: 384

Synopsis:

"It took only twenty-two minutes for Kirby Matheson to exit his car, march onto school grounds, enter the gymnasium, and open fire, killing six and injuring five others. 
But this isn't a story about the shooting itself. This isn't about recounting that one unforgettable day.
This is about Kirby and how one boy—who had friends, enjoyed reading, played saxophone in the band, and had never been in trouble before—became a monster capable of entering his school with a loaded gun and firing on his classmates.
Each chapter is told from a different victim's viewpoint, giving insight into who Kirby was and who he'd become. Some are sweet, some are dark; some are seemingly unrelated, about fights or first kisses or late-night parties. 
This is a book of perspectives—with one character and one event drawing them all together—from the minds of some of YA's most recognizable names."

I don't think I have ever read a book like this one. It was not only powerful but unique as well. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year.

I can't say too much about the characters because you only read about each for a chapter. But, you did learn a lot about Kirby as the book went on. The reader gets a lot of mixed signals about his character as a whole, and I think that's partially because each chapter is by a different author. Still, I think that that displayed reality in that not everyone is going to like you and everyone has a different view on your personality.

The plot alone seemed different for each chapter, but there was always the focal point of Kirby. I thought this was a very interesting concept that keeps the reader guessing and emotional because each character's story was different, and you start to feel for all of them. Some of the chapters were a little uncomfortable for me, but when I think back to it I know that it's really just reality.

I would recommend this for everyone over the age of 13, and I really hope you guys pick it up. It's a very powerful book, and one that will definitely be one of my favorite books of the year.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars