Review - Rachel's Tears

I recently had the opportunity to read and review the 10th Anniversary Edition of Rachel's Tears, the story, and I was blessed beyond my expectations.

BOOK SUMMARY:
"I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus . . . If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will." -Rachel Scott

The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. We later learned that the teenage killers specifically targeted Rachel Scott and mocked her Christian faith on their chilling, homemade videotapes. Rachel Scott died for her faith. Now her parents talk about Rachel's life and how they have found meaning in their daughter's martyrdom in the aftermath of the school shooting. Rachel's Tears comes from a heartfelt need to celebrate this young girl's life, to work through the grief and the questions of a nation, and to comfort those who have been touched by violence in our schools today. Using excerpts and drawings from Rachel's own journals, her parents offer a spiritual perspective on the Columbine tragedy and provide a vision of hope for preventing youth violence across the nation.

MY REVIEW:
This is a beautifully written book and a tender tribute, not only to Rachel Scott’s faith but to the sovereignty of God. As a mom, I began reading this with some trepidation, for nothing paralyzes a parent’s heart like the prospect of losing a child, especially in such a violent manner. Rachel’s parents are painfully honest in their portrayal of the horror and grief they experienced, first in those early hours when Rachel was unaccounted for and then later when her death was confirmed, as well as in the weeks and months following. Yet the bulk of the book is a testimony of the hope found in Christ and the peace that comes from the assurance that she is spending eternity with Him. They repeatedly point out that Rachel was not perfect (they describe a few of her struggles and assure the reader that she had the usual spats with her siblings!) and that she is not the one to be placed on a pedestal. Rather, they aver that she simply exemplifies the impact one person can make when Christ has first place in his/her life. Excerpts from Rachel’s journal are sprinkled throughout, and an interview section with Rachel’s parents at the end of the book provides an update on how the entire family is coping 10 years after the tragedy.

As the Columbine shooting becomes an increasingly distant memory in the minds of most Americans, Rachel’s family is determined that it not be forgotten and that Rachel’s death (and the deaths of the other 12 victims) not be in vain. I highly recommend this book for teens and adults – it will encourage and challenge you to reevaluate your life and priorities.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Beth Nimmo is the mother of Rachel Scott, the first victim killed at Columbine High School. Beth is the co-author of Rachel's Tears and author of The Journals of Rachel Scott.

Darrell Scott has become a crusader since his daughter's death in the Columbine High School tragedy. He is the co-founder of The Columbine Redemption and is the co-author of the bestselling book Rachel's Tears and Chain Reaction.


You can purchase Rachel's Tears here.