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In the aftermath of the Columbine High School tragedy, a story came out about Cassie Bernall, a young woman who allegedly professed her belief in God in the moments before she was shot dead. Hailed a modern-day martyr by Christian groups and the media, detectives revealed months later that she may never have had such an exchange with her killer. Bernall's parents responded to the news with a statement:
"Our intent was to share Cassie's story in an effort to encourage parents and teenagers. If any of our actions have hurt or offended anyone, we sincerely apologize."
In She Said Yes, a moving memoir written by Cassie's mother, Misty Bernall, we meet the real Cassie, a typical adolescent who struggles with peer pressure and her relationship with her parents. Once headed down the common teenage path of self-loathing and depression, Cassie turned her life around through her faith and the support of a group of people who helped her find peace and purpose--her youth group at church. Though Cassie was far from the perfect child, She Said Yes tells the story of how Cassie's faith gave her the strength to overcome the obstacles she faced in her young life. Regardless of what happened at Columbine, She Said Yes is a moving tribute to an extraordinary young woman and a lesson for both parents and teenagers alike.
From Publishers Weekly
One of the most gripping stories to come out of the shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., is that of Cassie Bernall: when asked by the gunmen whether she believed in God, she answered yes and then was shot point-blank. Hours after the story emerged, Cassie was hailed a martyr by news media and Christian groups around the world. Her mother's smoothly written account of that day, and of the years that preceded it, provides a fuller picture of a girl who was once very troubled and, ironically, had been for a time as much of a Goth-loving outsider as her killers. Bernall relates how she and her husband intervened after finding letters in Cassie's room that described occult spells and ways to murder one's parents. In describing her daughter's turnaround, spurred by adjustments at school and a Christian youth group, Bernall also details her own emotional difficulties before and after the shooting. Her remarkable candor about her relationship with her daughter makes this an intense and fascinating memoir. Comments from Cassie's father and schoolmates add depth and, by her own admission, allow even Bernall to learn more about Cassie than she had known before the shooting. Through the Bernall family's example, the book shows how a troubled teenager can be helped, though Bernall doesn't hold back when describing the emotional toll the process can take. Although she doesn't see her daughter as a martyr, Bernall concludes that Cassie's death was, indeed, a triumph of honesty and courage. This powerful memoir honors that courage and reveals Misty Bernall's own. 10 b&w photos. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-It would be hard to find anyone in the U.S., teen or adult, who does not know what happened at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, on April 20, 1999. This biography was written by the mother of Cassie Bernall, who was shot by one of the two teen gunmen after answering yes to the question, "Do you believe in God?" A touching foreword by author Madeleine L'Engle sets the tone of the book. Cassie is a very real teen, one who had been as deeply troubled as her killers, but who managed to work her way through it. She had dabbled in "black arts," exchanged letters with a friend about "murdering" a teacher, and loved the shock rock group Marilyn Manson. Once aware of her problems, her parents contacted the authorities, restricted her movements, and closely monitored her friends and activities. Miraculously, a weekend retreat with a church group and newfound friends turned her life around. The story is told through many of her writings and letters, so readers begin to feel as though they know this girl, and understand her. It is a poignant story that will touch teens and leave them wondering if they would have the inner strength and bravery that Cassie showed at her death.Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Before Cassie Bernall was shot at Columbine High School in Colorado, she was asked by one of her slayers, "Do you believe in God?" After a brief pause, she answered, "Yes." She was then shot in the head at point-blank range. When the media reported this exchange, Cassie and her response became world famous. Many assume that this kind of reply had to come from a child steeped in religion. This tape, read by Cassie's mother, does an outstanding job of demythologizing her while honoring her life and her legacy. Two years prior to her death, Cassie was following an extremely negative lifestyle; devil worship, drugs, and alcohol were parts of that scene. Through counseling at their church, the Bernalls chose to face this problem agressively and through personal sacrifice, trial, and error wean their daughter from these bad influences. The power of this work comes from Misty's honesty about her own feelings concerning Cassie's behavior, the sacrifices her family had to make to turn her around, and, most importantly, Cassie's death. There is nothing saccharine about this audio; it seeks to honor Cassie by telling the truth about her life, how she lived her last few years, and what kind of person she was when she died. It also features short segments by Cassies father and brother and friends. Anyone dealing with the death of a loved one, struggling with teen issues (whether as a teen or a parent), or interested in the Littleton tragedy will want to hear this story. Highly recommended to school and public libraries.AKathleen Sullivan, Phoenix P.L. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Dr. Laura Schlessinger This story teaches a striking lesson to parents and young people everywhere.
Johann Christoph Arnold, author of Seeking Peace She Said Yes is gripping, challenging, and encouraging. Gripping because of the drama. Challenging, because it reminds us how important it is to live each day as if it were our last. Encouraging, because it shows that even the most strained family relationship can be saved by love.
The Denver Post A highly personal tale of...a teenager's search for her identity, and hope...during the darkest days.
Review
Publishers Weekly She Said Yes shows how a troubled teenager can be helped, though Misty Bernall doesn?t hold back when describing the emotional toll the process can take. Although she doesn?t see her daughter as a martyr, Bernall concludes that Cassie?s death was, indeed, a triumph of honesty and courage. This powerful memoir honors that courage and reveals Misty Bernall?s own.
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