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Now You See Me: How I Forgave the Unforgivable

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On April 19, 1995, Kathy Sanders' life was changed forever when a bomb exploded and destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City, killing her two grandsons Chase and Colton.

For months, Kathy struggled with coping and wondered if the God she'd worshipped all her life even existed. After battling bitterness and contemplating suicide, she turned to the Lord and asked what He'd have her do. The answer was clear: Forgive your enemies.

Thus Kathy forged a friendship with Terry Nichols, one of the men convicted in the bombing, via phone conversations, letters, and even face-to-face meetings.

She also began searching for answers about what happened that fateful day in April and found opportunities to cultivate relationships with Nichols' children, mother, sister, wife, and ex-wife in separate turns. She demonstrated the same type of warmth to family members of Timothy McVeigh, the second man convicted of orchestrating the bombing. Her courageous efforts of extending compassion and grace gave her peace and removed the bitterness from her life.

With photos, interviews, and actual letters exchanged between Kathy and Terry Nichols, NOW YOU SEE ME tells the story of one woman who walked the road less traveled and forgave the unforgivable.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

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378 people want to read

About the author

Kathy Sanders

24 books17 followers
Kathy Sanders quickly became the face for the media of the Oklahoma City Bombing because she was one of the first to arrive on the scene. Her new book, Now You See Me: How I Forgave the Unforgivable, is the never-before-told story of how Sanders forgave domestic terrorists and cultivated relationships with their families, and how her courageous efforts of forgiveness gave her peace and removed the bitterness from her life. She and her husband Tom reside in Little Rock.

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5 stars
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23 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Daniel Coss.
1 review
May 10, 2014
"Now You See Me" is a outstanding and actual account of the past 19 years of Kathy Sanders life. I know this, because I am her son, and as Mothers Day approaches, I reflect on this woman's strength, resilience, and courage for sharing her story in such a open and public way. I have seen many reviews lately on open source links that focus on "How can this woman forgive the men who murdered her grandchildren." I understand this statement, as I will never forgive the men who killed my nephews, however this book as taught me about forgiveness in other ways. As a child who grew up in a Boys Home operating by Kathy Sanders, I have always had hate in my heart for my birth mother, who made this decision with such ease in 1980. As I read Kathy's book I started to understand that this may have been a blessing in disguise. I was poor, uneducated, angry, and rebellious as a young man and today I am a Doctoral Candidate, live in a nice home in the New York Metro Area, hold a management position in healthcare,and have a pretty good life. Kathy taught me in this book that forgiveness is a process and not a event. Thanks to Kathy and her book "Now You See Me" I will call my birth mother on Mothers Day and say thanks! Thanks for giving me a opportunity to be successful and thanks for giving me a opportunity to meet my new mom, Kathy. I have realized after reading "Now You See Me" that we can not always forgive, and we can certainly never forget. I now realize that if the opportunity presents itself, and God speaks to you ...it is OK to give forgiveness where you can and hold it back when you can't. What a wonderful journey life is when you see it as a ongoing process of improvement and not a event that you hold no power to change.
Profile Image for Edye Lucas.
1 review8 followers
May 10, 2014
This story is truly inspirational. I know because I lived it ..... Chase and Colton were my sons. I hope too enjoy this incredibly written book and that you, too, can find peace.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
701 reviews153 followers
September 30, 2014
This book was good but too many references to religion for me....
Profile Image for Shanereads.
329 reviews13 followers
August 19, 2023
Now You See Me is an amazing book! Kathy Sanders was a block away from the Oklahoma bombings when she felt the blasts. She immediately began running toward the Murrah building, which housed the daycare, that her two grandsons who lived with her, attended.

In the aftermath of grieving for her grandchildren, and with the help of her savior, Jesus Christ, she underwent a journey of forging their murderers. In this poignant memoir she undergoes a multiyear process to uncover what really led up to the bombings. This led to a relationship, and even a friendship with the bombings coconspirator Terry Nichols where she learns to forgive one of the men who murdered her grandchildren. 5 Stars, this is a wonderful book!
Profile Image for Sarah Hutchinson.
223 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2019
I was 8 years old at the time of the OKC bombing. I don't remember much of it, just bits a pieces of seeing the building and the devastation that happened. I haven't seen the finished memorial and was last in OKC when they were working on it.
This book is eye opening and informative. I can't even imagine what this woman went through, losing 2 grandsons. I definitely recommend this.
Profile Image for Ariel.
585 reviews35 followers
May 4, 2015
This is a very timely read since it is now the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah building in Oklahoma. The author of this book is the grandmother of Colton and Chase who died in the nursery. So sad to think that if these children had lived they would be young adults now.

After the devastation of the bombing Kathy sets out to make sense of the tragedy by learning everything she can about the events leading up to bombing. She is particularly obsessed with finding out who the person/ people Timothy McVeigh were seen with in the days leading up to the event. These mystery people don't seem to concern the government as they seem willing to close the case with the apprehension of McVeigh and Nichols. Kathy launches her own investigation by tracing the bombers steps and speaking to the people who knew them best, their families. Along the was Kathy shines a light on anti government and Aryan hate groups that I had no idea exsisted in this day and age and in this country. To think that there is a group of people purporting to be Christians while dressing up as Nazi's is truly chilling. Many times Kathy put herself in dangerous and uncomfortable situations to get to the truth. Sadly, Terry Nichols, the one person who could tell her what she needs to know, has so far managed to skirt the issue. I do hope for her sake that Terry Nichols finally comes clean with everything that Kathy wants to know. Even if that day doesn't come it seems that she has been able to fing peace. Through her Christian faith she has been able to forgive and even befriend the murder of her grandchildren. Her faith is encouraging to read about.

Since the Oklahom bombing the country has endures 9/11, the Sandy Hook shooting, and the Boston bombers just to name a few tragedies. There will always be senseless violence against innocent people and Kathy's words show how Christian faith can lead to healing. If you are a Christian then there are a lot of moments in this book that will resonant and even if you aren't it is still an inspiring story.
Profile Image for Darren.
2,035 reviews48 followers
April 9, 2014
It is a good book to read. It was very informative for sure.
Profile Image for Sheri S..
1,633 reviews
May 30, 2017
Kathy Sanders is an impressive woman with a drive to do what many people would not dare to do. In addition to dealing with her own grief regarding the loss of two of her grandchildren in the Oklahoma City Bombing, she also questioned actions (or, inaction) of the US government regarding aspects of the bombing. In her quest for answers about the bombing, Sanders seeks an audience with major figures involved in the bombing and ends up befriending Terry Nichols. Despite Nichols' role in the bombing and the killing of her grandchildren, Sanders is able to forgive him for his participation in the atrocious act. Sanders writes about how questions about the bombing fueled her life as well as how she developed relationships with the family members of those who had planned and carried out the bombing.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
141 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
I really admire the choice and work this lady and her daughter did to forgive.I have noticed that most of the time in these situations the only people who seem to achieve peace are the ones who forgive.
My only complaint is that she puts an accusation about Tim McVeigh killing Jason Nichols,the stepson of Terry Nichols.The Mother Marife has blamed him for this, but she has also told conflicting stories in the past about this, yet Mrs. Sanders presents it as fact.I think because Terry Nichols is more sympathetic and she has developed a friendship with him,that gives him the benefit of the doubt on some things but feels McVeigh was capable of anything.
Other than that, good work on something most people have no desire to attempt to do.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
156 reviews16 followers
April 11, 2025
Kathy Sanders, the author of Now You See Me sharing her story of the loss of her grandchildren in the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City’s Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

She went from grief stricken, to giving up, to finding her faith, to forgiveness. Kathy Sanders is one of the most courageous women, she never wavered and moved forward in a journey of forgiveness.

A must read book, better yet a wonderful Christmas gift if you enclose tissues.

Non stop, fast paced, engaging read that will capture you from the start to the very end. Make sure to have tissues handy.
33 reviews
May 27, 2020
Painful, poignant, historical...

Twenty five years have passed since the Oklahoma City bombing, and I experienced it only via television coverage, yet I remember these events that turned Kathy’s and her family’s life, along with so many Oklahoma City lives, upside down. Courage, love, mercy, grace - all described so vividly. So glad to have happened onto this book. What a glorious gift of deliverance from pain because of forgiveness.
Profile Image for Barbara.
98 reviews2 followers
Read
October 31, 2024
I am so glad that my friend recommended this book. The act of forgiveness is incredibly difficult for most of us - let alone for someone who suffers a loss due to an act of domestic terrorism. It is only through the grace of GOD that Kathy is able to see answers and end up with genuine forgiveness in her heart. This is a must read for anyone who struggles to find meaning in why God would allow humans to act violently because they think they are in the right.
Profile Image for Diana Miller.
66 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2022
The story this book was about had the potential to be very interesting! However, the writing style was very poor. Even the plot line was written poorly. The author told you everything instead of showing you, and it just wasn’t an engaging book. Her approach also felt oddly self-centered and pious. I think she is an amazing women with a story to tell but this book did not capture it.
Profile Image for Bernice Decker.
20 reviews
November 24, 2018
Now you See Me

I lost a cousin in the Oklahoma City bombing. I deeply appreciate Kathy's openness as she shares her grief and her faith. Her testimony of a living God is so welcome and so necessary at a time when do many die a violent death at the hands of those who choose hate.
Profile Image for Deb.
554 reviews
March 8, 2017
I'm always unsure how to review a book born because of tragedy. It is Kathy Sanders story to tell and survive. 5 Stars for her courage to survive and to grow.
Profile Image for Tiffany Gillen Scheffer.
2 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2023
I loved it. I loved that Kathy showed the love of God instead of preaching it. I loved that she came to forgiveness.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,075 reviews91 followers
April 24, 2014
This week marks the 19th anniversary of the OKC bombing. Living and teaching in Edmond, OK at the time, I can remember the quizzical looks from my 5th graders when we felt our classroom shake some 20 miles from the explosion...but had no idea why. I remember the panic of parents picking up their kids that day from school as soon as the news spread of what actually happened. I remember the way Oklahomans rallied around one another to help. I remember people crying out to God in the midst of such evil. I had never seen anything like that in people before. My heart is always with that city as many still grieve the deep loss of that day.

I stumbled upon Kathy's book while at a Barnes and Noble while on vacation in Hilton Head. I wasn't on a search for a book about the bombing, but my discovery seemed timely in light of the anniversary. There are certain people who stand out in memory from the media coverage of the bombing and Kathy, Edye, and the boys are some of those people. I was pregnant with our first child on that fateful day in April '95 so I felt a connection with Edye and my heart broke for her. I can remember this mother/daughter team being the voice for so many other victims during that time when we as a country were hungry for the still unanswered question of "Why?"

I appreciated many things about this book....the most important being Kathy's transparency regarding the true emotions that she had in the days that followed. This book could be a great resource for those who have experienced tragic loss at the hands of someone else.

I wish the title of the book was different. I feel like it is misleading and doesn't represent the subject of the book very well. Perhaps a title like "Now you see Christ" would have been better at depicting the True Source of the forgiveness that Kathy extended to Terry Nichols and the love and grace she extended to his family.

A few questions I have as I close the back cover of this book...how did Edye feel about her mother's pursuit of the truth and the relationship Kathy had with Nichols and his family? Does she accept the same calling that Christ calls each of us to...the act of forgiveness? It seems that Kathy was alone in her tireless persistence of the truth. Of the 168 victims' families, weren't there others who desired to find answers as well?

One last thought...it is clear that God has used Kathy's story time and time again to help others find comfort and encouragement in the face of extreme pain and loss. She has been proactive and intentional about looking for those that are hurting and sharing her story. Some might find that pushy...I find it a blessing and gift.

Profile Image for Jeff Bobin.
923 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2015
Kathy Sanders lost two grandchildren in the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in April 1995 when it was bombed. She and her daughter had just dropped the boys off and went to work a short time earlier when the explosion occurred. The nursery in the building was targeted and both of her grandsons died in the attack.

This is a story of the great pain of that day. It is the story of being the family followed by the news crews. It is a story or anger, brokenness and frustration. But, more importantly, it is a story about forgiveness.

We all wonder what we would do in this situation and many of us think we know how we would react and what we would do. But, do we? Sanders went through all those emotions and frustrations. There came a time though when she forgave the bombers and those involved, not for their benefit but hers.

Sanders would begin to investigate what happened that day wanting to have an understanding of why it happened and what could be done to keep it from happening again. There was an incredible number of road blocks in her path. For those that are looking for a conspiracy story there is some of that as well. The fact that there appears to be other that were involved that morning but not arrested or even appear anyone is looking for makes her want to know why.

During her investigation she would reach out to the bombers family and eventually to the bombers themselves looking for answers, offering her forgiveness and sharing her faith. She would have a great impact on the families of the bombers.

In the midst of her attempt of find answers her husband would be diagnosed with cancer and pass away.

You will find yourself in the midst of not only the bombing aftermath but a look at some of the families and their ongoing struggle. There is a lot of food for thought throughout the book and a rollercoaster of emotions to experience.
Profile Image for Mary Lou.
270 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2014
interesting inside look of the Oklahoma City's bombing of the Murrah Building in 1995. A story of forgiving and healing. It is interesting that the book is written by the Grandmother of two boys who were killed rather than the Mother. I felt she was overly possessed in her search for truth rather than accepting and letting go. The daughter seemed to be able to move on, but she couldn't.

Quotes from the book:
"God has given each one of us a chunk of eternity called time. Each one of us is the steward of what times we are given. These precious moments of opportunity are given to us for our benefit and God's glory"

"I have grown to live with the little I know and the much that I don't know"

Time not only heals, it sculpts God's process, transforms us in ounces, not pounds or tons.

The miracle is not what we do, it is that we are happy doing it - Mother Teresa

God's peace calms a troubled soul

Forgiving was easier than hating, the more I prayed the more restored I became. It robs you of joy and makes you bitter

Unforgiveness causes people to suffer. It's a decision you make that gradually robs you of your joy and meaningful life. Hating your enemy is like drinking poison and then expecting your enemy to die.

Forgiveness ushers a sense of peaceful relief and the feeling is wonderfully contagious but the forgiver must always take the first step. It carries a power to the one who gives it, as well as the one who receives it. The ultimate of all life's blessings.

If you want to be happy, make others happy

Holding a grudge is like being a psychological hostage and I enjoy my mental and emotional freedom too much for that.

If you are not prepared to die, you are not prepared to live.

There really is a God and He really does move but not until he is ready. Passing of times brings people into our lives and it eases them out.
Profile Image for Marcie.
259 reviews69 followers
May 31, 2014
I would have done the same thing as this grieving grandmother of two babies killed in the OKC Murrah bombing. She befriended those she had access to, who played a part in it, to try to get information, understanding, and closure. She extended sympathy to McVeigh's father, wrote letters and visited Nichols in prison, entertained his family in her home, reached out to Nichols' broken son, went to evil places McVeigh was said to have been, spoke to witnesses.

Her questions are never answered. Why was everyone involved not prosecuted? Who was the guy in the Ryder truck with McVeigh? Did people inside government agencies know or participate in the bombing? Why was a bomb squad THERE before the bomb went off?

Don't you think it's weird that a grandmother has to push these questions instead of oh, I don't know, a dedicated journalist? Journalists these days gather like vultures to pick over the carcasses for sensational headlines, then move on to the next tragedy, without ever asking "Why?"

Kathy Sanders' written recount of her search borderlines on media whoring. I can see how her actions toward the end of the book might be perceived as those of someone who seeks constant opportunities to be in the public eye. 9/11 -- I'm on my way to talk about the similarities on nationally syndicated talk shows. Moore F-5 Tornado -- I'm headed there to comfort those who lost children by offering to paint a portrait of the children. But, who are any of us to judge her? If she can help those suffering, I want her to help them. Her forgiveness message is important if people are to survive, heal, and move forward.

The truth is the most important thing to me. Maybe somebody some day can dig it up.
Profile Image for Trinity Rose.
434 reviews17 followers
February 19, 2014
Now you see me by Kathy Sanders is a true account of how she lost her grandsons in the Oklahoma City bombing. She tells of how it happened, where she and her daughter were and what heartbreak they went through.
I admire people who go through something like this and their faith in God grows stronger and they help others after they go through tragedy. She had many losses in a few years. Kathy's life has been riddled with heartache.
Also Kathy talks about how she befriends those responsible for the bombing, one wouldn‘t have anything to do with her. One of the bombers and her started talking (letters, phone calls) she started that to get information and then God tells her she needs to forgive him. She also befriended the bombers sister and mother because they are victims also.
I admire someone who sees past her own pain and loss to look at others and forgive them. I guess none of us really know if we can do that until it happens to us.
I found this book extremely interesting and would highly recommend it for everyone.

I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
1 review
May 9, 2014
Now You See Me: How I Forgave the Unforgivable
I'm not sure what Kari is talking about with her negative comment. Sounds like Kari didn't understand the author's message of forgiveness and love as I did. For me, this book is an incredible true journey that kept me intrigued with each turn of the page.

It's hard to understand why all this happened to the people in Oklahoma City. The author searched for 'why' and found such disturbing answers along her journey....right here in the United States. So many people perished needlessly based on the opinion of a few who were filled with hate.

I couldn't put the book down. Kathy Sanders is a stronger woman than I am. She has motivated me to be grateful for every day and to hug my loved ones a little longer each time. Great book!! I highly recommend it. I bought one for my sister and sister-in-law as well.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,884 reviews431 followers
September 8, 2014
What a very inspirational journey I have just been on with Kathy Sanders.

The terrible tragedy that occurred taking so many innocent lives beggars belief, and reading this account of this Grandmother I am in awe. Not everyone can act the same way, this is what makes us so very different. I would wish I could act like this and work through my grief, questions etc the way I have just read, but I fear that I could not.

I understand her turning to God and asking WHY? and wondering if there really was a source, a being out there to allow such a thing to happen. Her hurt was too deep.

I read the reviews of this book from her immediate family and they seem remarkable people.

Its tearful yes, its upsetting, too true, but its also hopeful.

Thank you to FaithWords / Center Street for allowing me to read and review this publication.
Profile Image for Sharon.
239 reviews15 followers
June 22, 2014
A lovely testimony to what God can do in a person's life. Kathy Sanders did everything she could to find out the truth regarding the Oklahoma City bombing, and along the way was given the strength to forgive. We all watched our televisions on that day and remember the horrifying scene of the rescue workers working frantically to rescue people from that building. This woman tells of what it was like to be right there hoping her two grandchildren would be pulled alive from the wreckage, only to realize that the babies she had dropped off there hours before had perished. I cried as I read about the aftermath, but was uplifted as she described how God worked in her life and the lives of others she offered forgiveness and friendship to. This is a remarkable story! I hope that some day she is given all the answers she longs for!
91 reviews
July 29, 2014
The author lost 2 grandchildren who were in the daycare inside the bldg.
She is consumed with rage, anger, wondering where God was on that day. In the grieving process, she begins to understand how her emotions are destroying her, literally. It is a story God's empowerment within her desire to understand how this could happen.
Profile Image for Kari.
829 reviews36 followers
January 4, 2014
Read this if you enjoy the ramblings of a narcissist who assumes she knows what everyone else is thinking.
Profile Image for Gary.
34 reviews
August 11, 2014
Excellent book about one of America's most horrible events.
48 reviews
October 25, 2016
The power of forgiveness, for the forgiven as well as for the forgiver. Easy read, informative, strong and powerful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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