In Cold Blood.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote was an amazing, suspense filled, true story thriller. My American Lit teacher recommended it to me and now I'm suggesting that each of you take the time to enjoy this wonderfully written recreation of the 1959 brutal murders, hunt for the killers, and trial.

The story starts out going through the lives of the Clutter family, [ Herbert (father), Bonnie (mother), Nancy (daughter) and Kenyon (son)] on the day of their brutal, no motive murders. After a brief look into the lives of the victims, the story then focuses on the killers, Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Smith, as well as those trying to solve the crime. As the story progresses the readers get an in depth look into the lives of the killers while the detectives search for clues. Capote follows the investigators and killers from the murder to "end".

I really liked In Cold Blood. Many of my favorite books are recreations of actual events; such as Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry. It is very interesting to see how the authors make a real event seem almost fictional in the way it is written. Capote jumped back and forth between points of view giving insight into the mind of the killers, the murdered family and the investigators. He goes into unsuspecting detail about many actions that take place and it make the reader feel as if they are watching in the room as everything occurs. Sort of like a fly on the wall in every room. I couldn't put the book down once I began reading. I was captivated by the details and strung along by the suspense Capote created. Anyone who is interested in recreation novels should take the time to enjoy In Cold Blood. Though I enjoy this book, I am still saddened that it came to be because of unnecessary murders.

Truman Capote also wrote multiple other novels. A Christmas Memory, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Other Voices, Other Rooms are just a few of his books. I haven't had a chance to read any of these but I heard good reviews about Breakfast at Tiffany's. Let me know if you get a chance to read the previous story and your opinions about them. I'd love feed back on any of them.

So I said in my last post that I would start looking to see if the novel I am talking about was made into a movie. In 1967 In Cold Blood was premiered earning a rated "R" because of the violence and graphics. What is interesting about this movie is some of the scenes were filmed where they actually took place at the time of the murders. Places including the Clutter house where the murders took place. I do not recognize any of the actors/actresses but the film was nominated for 4 Academy Awards. Which, I think, means it is possible pretty good. Unfortunately I havn't  had the opportunity to view the movie yet. But hopefully soon (I still need to view the other movies of the past books). I'll let you know my opinion on the movie at a later date.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your opinions on this book. I know many honors and AP English students have been forced to read this novel. It would be awesome to hear some other ideas and points of view.