The story of Columbine seems so familiar as it's become part of our national consciousness. One word, and we all nod our heads. Ah, yes, Columbine. And we think we know it. Yet revisiting it through your deft, sensitive and insightful narrative brought tears to my eyes, especially in the chapters where you describe the hours during which the violence unfolded. It's the simplicity in which you tell this story, and your restraint from gore and hyperbole, that's so haunting and so moving. I'd like you to talk about how you were able show us the innocence of these young victims whose lives so suddenly end in a place they least expect it, who draw their last breaths in utter surprise, thinking some sort of prank was in progress, unable to comprehend the horrors which they faced. Dave, I think you have shown tremendous respect for the victims and never let us forget that this is their story, as well as Eric and Dylan's.

So, I'll bypass the discussion of examining why this happened, which you so brilliantly addressed, and pose the question about your choices in re-creating that horrific day at Columbine High School, beginning with Chapter 11, "Female Down," which takes us inside the school virtually shot for shot.

Dave, how did you decide to structure this narrative in terms of describing not just what happened, but how you would portray the victims in a way that was both sensitive and real? Too many crime narratives seem overwrought and hackneyed. You were able to take us there, make it real and make us feel something profound.