SURVIVING COLUMBINE: How Faith Helps Us Find Peace When Tragedy Strikes

On the morning of April 20, 1999, Columbine High School junior Liz Carlston struggled with writing an English essay about a hero she knew—someone who was honest, selfless and courageous. She could not think of a person to write about. By day's end, after Carlston had lived through the horrific shootings and bombings at her school, she had many choices for such a hero, including her basketball coach, who did not allow himself to die from his chest wounds until every student in a classroom where he retreated had been rescued. In this book, Carlston joins friends and fellow Columbine graduates Amber Huntington and Michael Johnson in telling a story of tragedy and hope. Although Carlston was evacuated early on, Huntington was forced to hide under a desk in the library while students around her were killed, and Johnson was shot in the leg and the neck, requiring multiple surgeries. All three students drew on their faith in God and the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help them cope with the devastation and its aftermath. Huntington struggled with panic attacks, depression and survivor's guilt for nearly three years, but now realizes that life is a tremendous gift and that God has always been with her. This inspiring story will speak to anyone who has ever recovered from the unthinkable. (Apr.)

Forecast: This book, due out around the fifth anniversary of the Columbine shootings, has the emotional resonance of She Said Yes and Rachel's Tears, but so much time has elapsed that it may not generate similar sales.