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No, Pete Townshend: The Kids Aren't Alright
No, Pete The Kids Aren't Alright contains 22 true crime stories of murder. These murders were all committed by children from the ages of 6-17. Part One contains nine chapters of children from the ages of 6-11. It opens with two chapters on two kids who were both six years old. One boy in 1929 and one boy in 2000. The stories of Carl Mahan and Dedrick Owens occurred 71 years apart but the results were very similar. Nothing good happens when a six year old boy picks up a gun. Part Two holds eight chapters on kids from 12-14 years old. This section opens with 12 year old Jasmine Richardson who murdered her family in Canada in 2006. Part Three consists of five chapters on children ages 15-17 who have committed murder. This section opens with 15 year old school shooter, Kip Kinkel. The book ends with another school shooting. Brenda Spencer was 16 years old when she started firing at an elementary school across the street. Also, a Supreme Court case, Miller vs Alabama (2012), makes its presence felt in a few chapters.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2019
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92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 28, 2019
Disturbing stories of kids who kill
What happens to a child's mind that leads that child to commit murder? Perhaps some were born with an evil gene. Perhaps some were abused or injured in a way that caused brain damage. Perhaps some were led astray by violent movies and video games, such that caused confusion between death in pretense and death in reality.
We can blame some of the evil on drugs and alcohol, but what causes a six-year-old to shoot and kill another six-year-old? And some of the comments: "I thought I would be grounded." " I just wanted to know how it would feel. " "I don't like Mondays."
These are stories of wasted lives, children who will mature into adulthood behind bars. They are too dangerous to return to society; several of them confessed that they would certainly kill again.
19
What happens to a child's mind that leads that child to commit murder? Perhaps some were born with an evil gene. Perhaps some were abused or injured in a way that caused brain damage. Perhaps some were led astray by violent movies and video games, such that caused confusion between death in pretense and death in reality.
We can blame some of the evil on drugs and alcohol, but what causes a six-year-old to shoot and kill another six-year-old? And some of the comments: "I thought I would be grounded." " I just wanted to know how it would feel. " "I don't like Mondays."
These are stories of wasted lives, children who will mature into adulthood behind bars. They are too dangerous to return to society; several of them confessed that they would certainly kill again.
19
March 29, 2019
I read this book via an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited download.
Being a devotee of True Crime books, I read/reviewed numerous books where the adult individuals involved had committed the most heinous, despicable, and gruesome of murders on their incident victims; where too many times these individuals had committed not one but of whole series of them. And the more I read of these crimes, while becoming more enthralled by these stories, the more desensitize I became.
I then read a few books involving teenagers of both sexes committing this same sort of senseless murders, and had a slightly difficult time in comprehending why they, given their still young ages, would ever have committed a single murder.
Looking for my next True Crime book to read/review I came across this shocking entry for this genre of books, and had to download it.
How far did the two authors of this book, Les and Tristan MacDonald, go in finding and researching the 22 stories for adolescent murderers contained in this compendium of True Crime stories; how about two juveniles boys aged 6-years-old. The most interesting factoid concerning these two culprits is that one committed his atrocity in 2000, and the other in a far simpler time 79 years earlier in 1929. These two stories are the beginning of the nine stories in Part One which covers the ages of 6 – 11, Part Two contains eight stories covering the ages of 12-14, and Part Three contains five stories covering the ages of 15 – 16.
While the reason for the oldest category of these hyper-young culprits might be somewhat understood due to the earlier years of their childhoods, each of the other two categories get harder and harder to comprehend, culminating with the first category where the guilty perpetrators have just started going to school and still possess the virtuousness of their youth.
The authors of this book have given their readers, and especially me, a truly captivatingly shocking and informative reading experience for which I’ve given them and their endeavor here the 5 STARS they’ve received.
Being a devotee of True Crime books, I read/reviewed numerous books where the adult individuals involved had committed the most heinous, despicable, and gruesome of murders on their incident victims; where too many times these individuals had committed not one but of whole series of them. And the more I read of these crimes, while becoming more enthralled by these stories, the more desensitize I became.
I then read a few books involving teenagers of both sexes committing this same sort of senseless murders, and had a slightly difficult time in comprehending why they, given their still young ages, would ever have committed a single murder.
Looking for my next True Crime book to read/review I came across this shocking entry for this genre of books, and had to download it.
How far did the two authors of this book, Les and Tristan MacDonald, go in finding and researching the 22 stories for adolescent murderers contained in this compendium of True Crime stories; how about two juveniles boys aged 6-years-old. The most interesting factoid concerning these two culprits is that one committed his atrocity in 2000, and the other in a far simpler time 79 years earlier in 1929. These two stories are the beginning of the nine stories in Part One which covers the ages of 6 – 11, Part Two contains eight stories covering the ages of 12-14, and Part Three contains five stories covering the ages of 15 – 16.
While the reason for the oldest category of these hyper-young culprits might be somewhat understood due to the earlier years of their childhoods, each of the other two categories get harder and harder to comprehend, culminating with the first category where the guilty perpetrators have just started going to school and still possess the virtuousness of their youth.
The authors of this book have given their readers, and especially me, a truly captivatingly shocking and informative reading experience for which I’ve given them and their endeavor here the 5 STARS they’ve received.
March 22, 2019
Disturbing
Very disturbing that children can have so much hate in them to be able to kill so easily. Good book.
Very disturbing that children can have so much hate in them to be able to kill so easily. Good book.
January 30, 2020
I'd been wanting to read this for a while now, so imagine my disappointment when I realized I had wasted my money. I have been reading, studying, researching, etc. true crime for over 30 years. Even though there are some subjects I am always happy to study repeatedly, it's always good to find cases that I am unfamiliar with. Looking at the table of contents, I could easily see that the majority of the cases were ones that I wasn't familiar with.
Unfortunately, the disappointment came in not only that there were major mistakes of fact (such as stating that a victim was shot in the stomach, but all the articles I followed up with said it was "the head, behind the ear") and numerous omissions of important facts that could've easily been researched. When I found no less than 5 omissions from Chapter 8 alone, I felt it was best that I not even bother to finish this book. What's the point when I could find out more info online than in here?
Unfortunately, the disappointment came in not only that there were major mistakes of fact (such as stating that a victim was shot in the stomach, but all the articles I followed up with said it was "the head, behind the ear") and numerous omissions of important facts that could've easily been researched. When I found no less than 5 omissions from Chapter 8 alone, I felt it was best that I not even bother to finish this book. What's the point when I could find out more info online than in here?
October 13, 2019
Another enjoyable book from this twosome
The MacDonald's write quick read true crime anthologies and they are all really good. I like to intersperse short reads between full length books and these never fail to catch and keep my interest. I had read about maybe half or more of the child killers in this book but since it is new, it contained a lot of updates on the well known cases so that was a bonus.
The MacDonald's write quick read true crime anthologies and they are all really good. I like to intersperse short reads between full length books and these never fail to catch and keep my interest. I had read about maybe half or more of the child killers in this book but since it is new, it contained a lot of updates on the well known cases so that was a bonus.
June 1, 2020
Nice idea and informative but the writing style ( or maybe the fact that the stories come across as snippets rather than an in depth analysis) make the book fell like an middle schoolers report. Not a bad place to start if you want to look up various crimes committed by kids but thats kinda what google is for. Just not my style or preference.
February 18, 2020
Apart from the title being a little inappropriate this was an excellent book.
I would say I enjoyed it but whilst it was fascinating and very well written it was also horrifying for two main reasons.
Firstly we seem to let our kids down as evil parents and relatives consistently get away with physical and mental abuse. They are then ignored if they report it or are simply too frightened to go to the authorities for fear of not being believed. In some rare cases as in this book the kids see the only way out as killing their abusers and in some cases receiving custodial sentences even though there is clearly mitigation involved. So sad and also it makes one very angry.
Then there are the second group whose minds are so warped by outside influences such as video games and the internet, they commit horrific acts. The case in point being the Slender Man mcident where two girls were so convinced oh his existence they planned and attacked their best friend stabbing her 19 times to prove their worth to him.
Frightening, depressing but ultimately fascinating read.
I would say I enjoyed it but whilst it was fascinating and very well written it was also horrifying for two main reasons.
Firstly we seem to let our kids down as evil parents and relatives consistently get away with physical and mental abuse. They are then ignored if they report it or are simply too frightened to go to the authorities for fear of not being believed. In some rare cases as in this book the kids see the only way out as killing their abusers and in some cases receiving custodial sentences even though there is clearly mitigation involved. So sad and also it makes one very angry.
Then there are the second group whose minds are so warped by outside influences such as video games and the internet, they commit horrific acts. The case in point being the Slender Man mcident where two girls were so convinced oh his existence they planned and attacked their best friend stabbing her 19 times to prove their worth to him.
Frightening, depressing but ultimately fascinating read.
May 22, 2020
What could be more terrible than a child killing his or her mother? The major religions all have an edict which dictate that parents be honored & respected. This book though shows the polar opposite. Killing of someone is the ultimate show of disrespect. The emotion that preceded that death of these misfortunate moms with anger. Being denied what these teens wanted to do. Their injury were not neglectful abusive parents. They were loving and concerned about what was best for their child. Still something went wrong. How could teenage angst go from anger to homicide? Each story was compelling in its own way. The victims never envisioned what would the follow them, especially not their perpetrator.
The gruesome level of violence inflicted on the victims who were their parents makes it even more depraved. The savage attacks, the frenzy of 50-plus stab wounds, and the shocking bludgeoning meant to obliterate. Cold, callous reactions, and denial of guilt. But even worst were the collateral victims: living and dead.
The gruesome level of violence inflicted on the victims who were their parents makes it even more depraved. The savage attacks, the frenzy of 50-plus stab wounds, and the shocking bludgeoning meant to obliterate. Cold, callous reactions, and denial of guilt. But even worst were the collateral victims: living and dead.
December 23, 2019
Enlightening book.
As a resident of Jacksonville, Fl, I remember clearly when Maddie Clifton disapeared. How horrified we were each and every day when searchers turned up empty handed and this beautiful child remained missing. Our world turned upside down when her body was found under a waterbed in the neighbors house and 14 year old Josh Phillips was arrested for this horribly brutal crime. This book answers the Whys to many of these
child killers and makes me with with deliver that they are safely locked behind bars and are prevented from repeating their crimes. However, it makes me wonder how many others are out there capable and planning similar crimes!
As a resident of Jacksonville, Fl, I remember clearly when Maddie Clifton disapeared. How horrified we were each and every day when searchers turned up empty handed and this beautiful child remained missing. Our world turned upside down when her body was found under a waterbed in the neighbors house and 14 year old Josh Phillips was arrested for this horribly brutal crime. This book answers the Whys to many of these
child killers and makes me with with deliver that they are safely locked behind bars and are prevented from repeating their crimes. However, it makes me wonder how many others are out there capable and planning similar crimes!
April 12, 2021
I found this book to be very informative. Some of these cases, I have never heard about before
Some of them, I knew. I liked also that all of the stories were short and too the point. Some of these kids really needed to stay in jail longer than they should have. It's actually scary to think about how young some of these children were. Also; children that killed members of their own family is really insane. Your family loves you and cares for you.
I had a lot of commentary for this book as well.
Some of them, I knew. I liked also that all of the stories were short and too the point. Some of these kids really needed to stay in jail longer than they should have. It's actually scary to think about how young some of these children were. Also; children that killed members of their own family is really insane. Your family loves you and cares for you.
I had a lot of commentary for this book as well.
September 27, 2019
True Crime Shorts
I've been reading true crime starting with the True Crime Magazines. This book is another great read in this series. If you enjoy reading true crime stories you will not be disappointed. My condolences to all victims and loved ones whose stories are included in this book.
I've been reading true crime starting with the True Crime Magazines. This book is another great read in this series. If you enjoy reading true crime stories you will not be disappointed. My condolences to all victims and loved ones whose stories are included in this book.
May 2, 2020
Enjoyed reading. Yes I prefer the stories to big bigger. Sometimes the info is really not much but on the other hand it is nice to take the short time to read a story because you can do this between books, in the toilet or wherever.
I knew a lot of the stories but there were some new.
Not sure of the exact dates I read them.
3.5
I knew a lot of the stories but there were some new.
Not sure of the exact dates I read them.
3.5
January 6, 2022
Having read quite a bit of material from this author , my view is that this is quick overview of cases, but it is also very readable, I would like to see them updated to 2022, if you want an in-depth description of all the murders then you might find this not to your requirements, personally I think it’s all I need to know as some are real horror stories.
April 8, 2019
The children aren't right
The book has a few stories about the irresponsibilities as a child. Some of the chapters in the book, which has several stories, are about teenagers wanting and not knowing how to attain the items, except killing. A very good book.
The book has a few stories about the irresponsibilities as a child. Some of the chapters in the book, which has several stories, are about teenagers wanting and not knowing how to attain the items, except killing. A very good book.
August 2, 2020
I love subjects like these...I liked the way it was written in very good detail....I would recommend this particular book to those who enjoy this type of reading...Books like these are good read
commend this book for a good read....I enjoy reading books that hold my interest and I can't wait to pick it back up again
commend this book for a good read....I enjoy reading books that hold my interest and I can't wait to pick it back up again
June 4, 2024
Killing Mom
To think that this is what our world has come to. Humans seem set on hurting each other.
This book continues to have grammatical and spelling errors. Either I'm getting used to them, or there aren't as many.
To think that this is what our world has come to. Humans seem set on hurting each other.
This book continues to have grammatical and spelling errors. Either I'm getting used to them, or there aren't as many.
December 31, 2019
Sad. Well written but very sad.
November 21, 2020
👍
Scary, disturbing, yet fascinating to read how twisted these children are. Glad I have cats instead. Need more adults paying attention to the red flags out there.
Scary, disturbing, yet fascinating to read how twisted these children are. Glad I have cats instead. Need more adults paying attention to the red flags out there.
December 15, 2020
Eye Opening
You’ll be very surprised by the ages of some of these killers, wow!!. Certainly an eye opener for me this was.
You’ll be very surprised by the ages of some of these killers, wow!!. Certainly an eye opener for me this was.
September 3, 2019
Good reading, short stories.
This is the first Les MacDonald book I've read. Definately will be reading more from him. It's short stories, so it's easy to put down & pick back up. Interesting reading.
This is the first Les MacDonald book I've read. Definately will be reading more from him. It's short stories, so it's easy to put down & pick back up. Interesting reading.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews