#20 - Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

Nineteen Minutes is a novel that explores the aftermath of a school shooting in the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire. The story follows Peter Houghton, a quiet high school student who opens fire at his school, killing ten people. Delving into the events leading up to the tragedy, Peter's troubled childhood, bullying experiences, and emotional pain are examined. It also focuses on the impact of the shooting on the survivors, their families, and the community. As the investigation and trial unfold, the book raises important questions about justice, the effects of bullying, and the consequences of societal neglect. Nineteen Minutes addresses difficult issues like trauma, school violence, and the complexity of human behavior, landing it on many banned and challenged lists.