BOOK REVIEW: “Surviving a mass killer rampage"

Chris Bird has released his latest book, “Surviving a Mass Killer Rampage.” Unlike his previous books, written for people who carry guns, this book is written for the masses. If you carry a gun, this is still a book for you, but it may be even more important for those who are troubled by recent mass killings and want to understand them and be prepared for them. It’s not about guns; it’s about violence. The information in this book will save lives if the lessons are learned and acted upon.

The most important factor in determining casualty count is not what kind of gun is used, or anything else the media focuses on. It’s time. How long does the killer have before he meets enough resistance to end the killing? This book explains how law enforcement has evolved as they learn from mistakes, and how schools are finally doing the same thing. Bird brings decades’ worth of learning to the reader so they can understand why and how their policy decisions will impact those in their care when the killer strikes.

As someone who has studied active killer events for years, and learned from and worked with many experts in the field, I was familiar with most of the events discussed in this book. Even with my broad knowledge on the topic, this book was interesting and well worth my time to read.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the way Bird connects the reader to the victims. Mass killings have become so common that when only a few people die, we quickly forget about them and move on. But those victims are important. Two dead and one injured is not even newsworthy. But reading about a family being shot while leaving church hits hard. Their daughter Stephanie, an 18 year-old twin, was shot in her chest while sitting in the family minivan. Her father David was shot while trying to help 16 year-old daughter Rachel into the van. He collapsed beside her in the parking lot. David survived. Stephanie and Rachel did not. We go on with our lives, but it’s a different story for the surviving members of the Works family. We must never forget them, or the hundreds of other victims of mass killings, and the damage done to their families.

While the book describes horrible events - and certain parts are heartbreaking - it is a surprisingly pleasant read. Bird injects humor appropriately which certainly adds some enjoyment factor for the reader. But the reason to read this book is to learn. For a family torn apart by violence, the pieces will never be put back together. But for anyone else, we can learn from their experiences. We can analyze different policies and make decisions that tilt the odds in our favor. They have died, so that we and those close to us may live. But only if we learn from them. Failing to learn is shameful and I think insulting to the many victims, including many children, who have paid for the lessons with their own lives.

If you are looking for a list of mass killers, there are many places you can find them – but not here. One of the reasons people commit mass murder is for the fame. News outlets regularly pander to the killers promoting their name and image helping them to become famous and heroes to the next would be killer. Bird takes the proper stance by refusing to name a single one in his book. His focus is on what matters; the victims and the lessons learned from various responses.

One common thread throughout the book is that every one of us can and indeed should act to stop a mass killer, but law enforcement is unlikely to save us. It’s not that law enforcement does not care or want to help, but they are not there. When the killing starts, you and the other victims will likely be on your own to deal with the killer. Police are coming, but not in time to save everyone.

The policy of disarming the victims and waiting for police enables the killers. It is horrible public policy that must be changed if we pretend to care about the trail of victims. “Gun-Free Zones” are not gun free. They are where killers are able carry out the worst attacks in our country. They make it safe kill others. They enable evil.

For those in a position of authority, be it a school, a church, a business, or any area where people congregate, this is a must read book. It will also appeal to anyone who learns of mass shooting events and thinks, “what would I do?” or “How could such an event be stopped?” or “How can I better protect those close to me if such an event happens at my location?” In this light, this might be the most important book released this year.

The book is available at Amazon.

For an autographed copy, (great for gifts) contact Chris Bird at 888-700-4333.

Jim Irvine is Board President of Buckeye Firearms Association. He is also BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award," the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award," and the SAF's 2015 "Defender of Freedom Award."