Lou Michel (1)

I had just turned fifteen years old when the Oklahoma City bombing occurred; I distinctly remember being home from school (there was a teachers' inservice in the afternoon) and watching the news. Although I lived far away from Oklahoma City, it was the first time I remember thinking that the world wasn't safe.

Some may say that this book is sympathetic to McVeigh, but I didn't find it so. The authors are clear from the outset that they do not agree with McVeigh's politics or actions. If they painted McVeigh into a two-dimensional monster, that would be a travesty, to be honest, because he was not. Almost no one is, and to say that only cold "monsters" commit crimes does a great disservice to reality and society.

Instead, the authors do a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of McVeigh, from a teenager bothered by his parents' divorce to his stint in the Army to the lack of gainful employment to the road to building a bomb that would ultimately kill 168 people.

If you want to learn about McVeigh or more about the Oklahoma City bombing, I would highly recommend this book.… (more)

A well-written and riveting account of the one of most harrowing incidents in U.S. History. Authors Michel and Herbeck dig far beneath the headlines to give readers insights into McVeigh's psyche. Through meticulous research and interviews, they probe the relationships and events in McVeigh's life that may have had some influence on his horrific actions. Throughout the fast-moving book, the authors take clear steps to avoid making this tome an apology for McVeigh. Readers of true crime who are looking for a contemporary twist will devour "American Terrorist."… (more)