This is an interesting mixed media piece about our culture and how it shapes those who go on to commit violence. I really enjoyed the combinations of media.

I DNF:d it after 20%. This makes no sense at all. Sad to see this with such an important topic. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Miller has created a collection of heavy thought-provoking words comprised of art, an essay, poetry, and news articles. It is about how American culture and ignorance contributes to - and ultimately encourages - the formation of mass shooters.

Each poem is made up of 6 lines, each speaking harsh truths, but they go together in such a coherent manner that most definitely make them better when read in one sitting.

It’s stark, saddening and enraging - as it should be. Art is supposed to evoke a reaction and they’ve done just that with this book. I have many views and opinions on guns, gun usage, and gun control and this book really hits the nail on the head through a holistic piece of work that speaks on such a topical and urgent subject.

It most definitely is not a non-fiction book that dives deep into mass shooters or the psychology of them, like I have seen some reviews critique it for - but then it does not claim to be this. It is not meant to be a book that spews facts and figures - they are available if you look. I believe it’s written to enrage us and get us thinking.

This is a book that should be read by everyone, I believe. Whether or not poetry is part of your world, the truth of the matter is that gun violence and the realities of gun culture is part of our world and so having the conversations about it are necessary - as is this book.

This is a dreadful excuse for a serious book. Do not waste your money. You will feel cheated! This book was a total waste of my time.

When I started this book I really didn’t know what to expect, but I’m interested in the psychology of mass shooters so I thought I would give it a try. Having finished it I didn’t really know what to think; I don’t know how much of the information given was accurate, the book was primarily focused on the South Carolina shooter, so the perspective was quite limited and there was some information, then a number of not-great poems. Do with that what you will.

The author maintains that there are mass shooters in the U.S. because the country is racist and xenophobic. I mean, is that even close to true? Obviously, yes, the shooter in Charleston, South Carolina was clearly acting because of racism, Pulse nightclub, in Orlando was likely targeted because it was a gay bar, and there have been a couple of other mass shootings that one might argue…argue were influenced by racism or “other”-ism, but have any school shootings been due to racism? I can’t think of one. And many other mass shootings seem to be more influenced by the “mass” than anything, in my opinion, but I also don’t pretend to be an expert. However, I AM willing to believe that your average gun owner/strong 2A advocate might tend to be more xenophobic than a non-member, but that same person would also be, I’m guessing, statistically more likely to be a Republican, more likely to be pro-Trump, and on and on.

Miller quite emphatically doesn’t want us to assume all mass shooters are mentally ill. I think that is fair, but a fair number (I have no idea how many, so I’m really just speculating here) kill themselves before they are apprehended, so I think we don’t necessarily have a good number, do we? Miller is afraid that if society accepts that all mass shooters are mentally ill that it follows that comprehensive background checks will be enough to stop mass shootings. Given all the loopholes with gun ownership (gun shows, guns given as gifts, inherited guns) I don’t believe this is true, nor do I think people will believe this…I mean, look at the sheer number of guns already out there. If we stopped the manufacture of guns altogether, right now, there would still be plenty available. And then she says we need to regulate migration and jobs. What???

In her poetry she points out that almost without exception all of the mass shooters are male. There is that. It’s just that this is a much larger topic than she allows for in this small volume. This is really an op-ed piece, and not a very good one.

Miller sheds light on the underlying misogyny and lack of accountability that often surround these tragedies. I especially appreciated the decision to redact the names of real shooters, emphasizing that they do not deserve the recognition or infamy many receive.

The poems are brief yet impactful, with a rhythm that truly comes to life when read aloud. If you have the time and privacy, I recommend doing so to appreciate their cadence fully.

My only critique is the length—I wish the collection were longer. Just as I was getting into the flow of the work, it ended. Whether this abruptness is intentional, reflecting lives cut too short, or coincidental, it left me wanting more.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

I appreciate the emphasis on how misogyny is often at the root of so many mass shooters. The poetry is largely better than the short essays, though a bit too pithy in places. Perhaps the best part is the end, where <spoiler>there is a listing of how many shooters got their guns, the failings of government systems and people to stop them, and the result. It's stark, saddening, and enraging, and should really turn you into a pro gun control person if nothing else here does or you weren't one already</spoiler>.

All in all, it's an interesting book!