The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. In December 1999, we 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.
Rachel's Tears
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
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.
Steve Rabey is an award-winning author and speaker. He has written nearly twenty books and over 2,000 articles about religion and popular culture in the New York Times, Christian Retailing, and Publishers Weekly, among many others.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By A. Attaguile
Format:Paperback
I read this book several weeks ago but struggled to write a review after I did some internet research on the Columbine trajedy itself.
I would love to give this is a 5-star review. It's obvious that this young lady was a deeply devoted child of God and wasn't afraid to tell others what she lived and believed in. The parents did a remarkable job in bringing this book to life, especially by including excerpts of Rachel's diary...lends itself to crediblity. The parents also do a wonderful job of stressing that although their daughter was a devoted Christian, she was not above temptation and definitely not above most human tendancies of "falling." She was by no means perfect! Such a refreshing read -- to know that the parents did not try to put their martyred daughter on a pedastal.
Rachel's life is battle-cry for the Body of Christ -- she should defintely be seen as a role model for many of today's teens (and most adults). A true Christian, true to her beliefs, with very human struggles. Again, she was by no means perfect, but "real."
What bothered me was the entries in reference to Cassie Bernal. Maybe I read too much into the book but the first time Ms. Bernall is mentioned, the sentence that follows is "which was later discounted" -- in reference to whether or not she actually admitted to believing in God. Later on, there is an (almost) 2 page spread on whether or not "she said yes" -- with the obvious conclusion (although not implicity stated) that Ms. Bernall wasn't even asked if she believed in God but that the conversation took place with another student & one of the killers.
This prompted me (out of morbid curiousity, admittedly) to do some research on the trajedy itself...and I found that not only was Cassie Bernall's statement proven false, so was Rachel Scott's of "you know I do" when she was asked if she believed in God.
Maybe when the book was first released (in 2000), all of the facts weren't available as far as what was said and done that horrible day. But 10 years later, new information has definitely been released. Whether either one said yes or no, whether or not they would've admitted, is not really the issue (by the entries in her journal, I truly belive Ms. Scott would've admitted it). What I find troubling is that the parents updated their book, adding the doubt of Cassie Bernall's statement, but cast no doubt on their own daughter's statement.
I doubt anyone will ever know for sure whether either one "said yes" -- but SAY THAT -- discounting one statement as "possibly" and another statement as "for sure" (implicit or otherwise) just does not sit right (with me).
Had it not been for those few statements, I would've definitely given this a 5-star review. In my opinion, those entries referencing Cassie Bernall did not add to the story and somewhat marred the book for me.
Sorry if I rambled.
I would love to give this is a 5-star review. It's obvious that this young lady was a deeply devoted child of God and wasn't afraid to tell others what she lived and believed in. The parents did a remarkable job in bringing this book to life, especially by including excerpts of Rachel's diary...lends itself to crediblity. The parents also do a wonderful job of stressing that although their daughter was a devoted Christian, she was not above temptation and definitely not above most human tendancies of "falling." She was by no means perfect! Such a refreshing read -- to know that the parents did not try to put their martyred daughter on a pedastal.
Rachel's life is battle-cry for the Body of Christ -- she should defintely be seen as a role model for many of today's teens (and most adults). A true Christian, true to her beliefs, with very human struggles. Again, she was by no means perfect, but "real."
What bothered me was the entries in reference to Cassie Bernal. Maybe I read too much into the book but the first time Ms. Bernall is mentioned, the sentence that follows is "which was later discounted" -- in reference to whether or not she actually admitted to believing in God. Later on, there is an (almost) 2 page spread on whether or not "she said yes" -- with the obvious conclusion (although not implicity stated) that Ms. Bernall wasn't even asked if she believed in God but that the conversation took place with another student & one of the killers.
This prompted me (out of morbid curiousity, admittedly) to do some research on the trajedy itself...and I found that not only was Cassie Bernall's statement proven false, so was Rachel Scott's of "you know I do" when she was asked if she believed in God.
Maybe when the book was first released (in 2000), all of the facts weren't available as far as what was said and done that horrible day. But 10 years later, new information has definitely been released. Whether either one said yes or no, whether or not they would've admitted, is not really the issue (by the entries in her journal, I truly belive Ms. Scott would've admitted it). What I find troubling is that the parents updated their book, adding the doubt of Cassie Bernall's statement, but cast no doubt on their own daughter's statement.
I doubt anyone will ever know for sure whether either one "said yes" -- but SAY THAT -- discounting one statement as "possibly" and another statement as "for sure" (implicit or otherwise) just does not sit right (with me).
Had it not been for those few statements, I would've definitely given this a 5-star review. In my opinion, those entries referencing Cassie Bernall did not add to the story and somewhat marred the book for me.
Sorry if I rambled.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By "docallen21"
Format:Paperback
As a student who is a Biblical Studies and Theology major I can honestly say that reading Rachel's Tears has greatly enhanced my faith and walk with Jesus Christ as no other book has. The testimonies found in the writings of this profoundly spiritual young girl is breath taking to read and I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their Christian walk to read the writings of Rachel Joy Scott. I am thankful that Rachel's parents have helped this nation take a more spiritual look into the tragedy at Columbine. This book has helped me to see that the martyrdoms of Rachel Joy Scott and Cassie Bernall were not merely empty deaths, but rather, God's way of reaching out to a spiritually dying nation. There is an old Christian saying, that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church", and Rachel's parents have truly helped me understand the truth of this statement. I highly encourage everyone to read this book, as well as the books "She Said Yes" by Cassie Bernall's mother, "Columbine Courage" by Ron Luce, and the "Martyr's Torch" by Pastor Bruce Porter. I have been greatly blessed by reading these books and I hope that you will be blessed as well.
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By David Myers
Format:Paperback
I just got finished reading this book and she is an incredible inspiration to teens today. Her story incredibly touched me and inspired me to become a better Christian. I believe that her life could be summed up in two words- compassion and love. That's all that she had for everyone. I know that God had a purpose for her death and so do her parents know it. However,seems as though it is unfair. Through this book I realized that all she wanted to do was change the world, she got to do that, by laying down her life. Definitely read this book!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rachels tears
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL STORY I HAVE EVER READ. HIGHLY RECOMMEND READ. VERY EMOTIONALLY CHARGED. HOW CAN ONE NOT BELIEVE?
Published 4 days ago by Elizabeth DiCicco
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Role Model
Rachel is my role model. She stuck with Jesus ubtil the end and I am really happy that she did. The Lord has plans for us all, and by that I mean everyone. Read more
Published 25 days ago by K. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another chain link
This book is very inspirational. It motivated me to join Ratchel's chain of kindness. I have been sharing this message with my students they are now all wanting to purchase the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lamb of God
5.0 out of 5 stars
The story everyone should know
This book is THE book you should offer to your children. Yes, it is very touching and so inspiring but further than that it will change the life of your child, in a good way, the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Marc Van Overstraeten
4.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed that I gave my copy away
I read this book about three years ago and I absolutely loved it. I'm only now wishing that I had kept it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Rochelle D. Adkins
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring Book
As a Christian this book really speaks to me, it does not dwell on the tragedy of the Columbine shootings rather it looks at what can be learnt from it, how the world can move on... Read more
Published 6 months ago by P.A.W
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most Emotional Book I Have Read
This is a very emotional book, probably the most emotional book I have ever read, and was not one I could read in long stretches at a time because it is both depressing and as a... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Michael Gallagher
5.0 out of 5 stars
I cried my heart out
When i read this, i was sobbing. At my school we have this banner that says "I Accept Rachel's Challenge" in the gym. The banner has every kid's name on it. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Randy E. Ball
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fascinating and Emotionally Moving Story
I first learned about Rachel and her story a few years ago at a school assembly for Rachel's Challenge. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Nicole
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rachel's Tears
This book takes the reader on an amazing journey. Rachel was a student at Columbine High when her life was cut short due to an unbelievable act of violence. Read more
Published 20 months ago by AUSSIEGIRL
