Newtown

An American Tragedy

By: Matthew Lysiak

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

12/14/2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut

We remember the numbers: 20 children and six adults, murdered in a place of nurture and trust. We remember the names: Teachers like Victoria Soto, who lost her life protecting her students. A shooter named Adam Lanza. And we remember the questions: Outraged conjecture instantly monopolized the worldwide response to the tragedy, while the truth went missing.

Here is the definitive journalistic account of Newtown, an essential examination of the facts - not only of that horrific day but the perfect storm of mental instability and obsession that preceded it and, in the aftermath of unspeakable heartbreak, the controversy that continues to play out on the national stage. Drawn from previously undisclosed emails, police reports, and in-depth interviews, Newtown: An American Tragedy breaks through a miasma of misinformation with its comprehensive and astonishing portrayal.

This is the vital story that must be told today if we are to prevent another American tragedy in the days to come.

A portion of the proceeds from this audiobook will be donated to the Avielle Foundation.

©2013 Matthew Lysiak (P)2013 Tantor

Mental health in our country is broken – and this book helps to shares why

The book on Newtown not only touches your heart from the parent perspective Of the children and teachers lost, but also the struggle one parent had, Nancy Lanza in trying to get her son help. She gave up on her son, tried to live her own life, and that did not work!

Tragedy Superficially Written

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would with caution. This book is not forthcoming.

Would you be willing to try another book from Matthew Lysiak? Why or why not?

No. He is not a particularly good writer and his research is lacking.

Which character – as performed by Adam Verner – was your favorite?

Really? This does not seem to apply.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. This has a bit too much pablum.

Any additional comments?

There were too many times in this narrative, where they said such patent things like - and she/he were highly dedicated blah blah blah - compliment and sanctify the dead teachers. That is not to say they may not have been such people, but if the writer had done better research they could have said it with aplomb. This seems to have been written to protect the guilty and sanctify the victims. It does not ring true to me. What are they not saying?

just incredibly sad

the saddest books I've red incredible writing author did an amazing Job of getting us to sympathize for the victims and all they went through in this terrible situation

Sandy Hook, justice to Adam Lanza.

Amazing Plotline, I can't believe that a man would do something so cruel and violent to an innocent elementary school like Sandy Hook Elementary.

Humanizing the story and the town of Newtown.

The day really began the decade of death from the Epidemic of Mass shootings really began on December 14, 2012. After that, we now realize that this is no longer just occasional tragedy with political consequences, it's a National Crisis. I urge, no matter what anyone believes is the answer to this crisis, to give this book a read and hear about..... The acts of the first responders, teachers, of the children we have lost and those whose childhoods were stolen from them on the day of darkness. I also urge readers to discover, who was Adam Lanza and what could have been done to stop him. Would it be different if someone had reached out to him, Read Read Read and let us never forget those who were lost.

The American Dream? Now A Daily Fear.

There was a time when Dad worked, Mom stayed at home, we had one car, one black and white TV and our homes were surrounded by white picket fences. Well at least that was 'The American Dream'. Now we are more aware of our surroundings arn't we? Since events such as Columbine and Newtown we no longer take our children's safety for granted after we drop them off at school each day. There was a time when we would be so very proud when our children told us that they would like to be in the teaching profession when they get older. I cannot speak for everyone however I cannot tell you how I felt sick when when I heard my daughter announce that. Her Dad and I said nothing but exchanged frantic glances and were quickly trying to figure out how we could change her mind as we knew that she could not carry a firearm into her future school room in order to protect either her self or her precious charges
This book is a really well researched accurate of one of those days that caused us and much of America to feel this way.
Matthew Lysiack is a journalist so I was really looking forward to reading this volume as I felt that he would be as accurate as possible. I was also really surprised that his style was far more compassionate than I expected. His verbiage is not at all 'flowery' but easy 'on the ear.

The author gives us, the listener/ reader a good solid history of many of those involved. Takes us through the events of the day. Much of that terrible day will take you to a very dark place. He then walks with us beyond that day. Adam Verner's performance was very comfortable to listen to as you can hear the pain in his voice but it was appropriate and controlled. His style is very conversational.

At the end of the book we get a really interesting interview to enjoy.

To say that one 'enjoyed' a book with this subject matter is not PC. However it is informative and fills in some gaps that are left as one normally is only aware of the story reported to us during the mille and the journalistic drama of that horrendous day.

Actually a good book on this topic

He presented the facts, some theories, and unlike most authors on this topic he did not advocate for gun control. For that I say it's a must read for people interested in learning about what happened at Sandy Hook.

Excellent book.

It was an excellent book on Newtown and Sandy Hook... I would highly recommend. 12/14 will live on our hearts for forever. We choose love. We are Newtown.

Inside A Tragedy

The details of one of the most horrific stories in American History. It gives the back stories of the families of both the victims and perpetrators. It also describes the weaknesses of both America's gun laws and mental health system. The great recession of 2008 has reduced this country's spending on mental health by five billion dollars. The only treatment available for mental illness for the majority of Americans is either in the emergency room or the prison system. The pain experienced by the Lanza family as well as the families of Adam Lanza's victims is relevant to understanding the complete loss in all scenarios like this. Until the shooter takes up an all too easily attainable firearm they often appear to be a sadder case than the victim. The story of Newtown reminds us of the lack of control inherent in a country that provides practically no mental health care and a ridiculously easy access to firearms. By far the saddest conclusion is that the future holds a world with even more Adam Lanza's and repeated number of Newtowns.

Innocence Lost

What made the experience of listening to Newtown the most enjoyable?

The word "enjoyable" is an inappropriate description and will not be justified with an answer.

Who was your favorite character and why?

"Favorite?" All the victims, their families and friends.

Which character – as performed by Adam Verner – was your favorite?

None in particular. I was engrossed in the telling and not conducting a popularity contest.

If you could give Newtown a new subtitle, what would it be?

Devil Mother Aids Killer of Children

Any additional comments?

No.