A Mother's Reckoning Summary
Sue Klebold

A Mother's Reckoning Overview

Sue Klebold’s memoir, A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, delivers a poignant statement about what it means to lose a loved one to murder-suicide. Written sixteen years after her son Dylan’s involvement in the Columbine shooting tragedy of April 20,1999, Klebold opens up about the challenges she faced in coming to terms with her son’s tragic actions. Within the work, Klebold goes beyond recounting her own story and provides critical commentary on issues including the stigma surrounding mental health concerns, the normative culture of bullying in schools, and the media’s portrayal of violent acts. Utilizing her own personal journals, the videos and writings Dylan left behind and intensive research and interviews of mental health experts, Klebold offers readers insight and understanding in the hopes that other families will be able recognize if their own child is experiencing distress. Honest and compassionate, A Mother’s Reckoning takes on the prominent issue of mass shootings that has plagued the United States in recent years from an understanding and progressive perspective.