Waco Rising

October 3, 2022
Journalist Cook (The Burning Blue) offers a fast-paced if sketchy account of the deadly 51-day showdown between the U.S. government and members of the Branch Davidian religious sect in 1993. Drawing from extensive interviews with surviving group members, Cook is at his strongest when discussing the day-to-day life of the Davidians under their unstable, self-appointed prophet, David Koresh. But the book’s account of the standoff, which began in a shoot-out when ATF agents attempted to seize weapons stockpiled at the Davidians’ compound in Waco, Tex., lacks some critical perspective: Cook cites survivor testimony to suggest that Koresh was sincere about ending the standoff in the next few days, despite having already broken his promises to the FBI once, and had no intention of manufacturing “a repeat of the mass dying at Jonestown” (in the words of an FBI spokesman), despite evidence that he and his followers intentionally fueled and set the fire that killed 76 sect members. Cook also relies on FBI negotiator Gary Noesner, who was abruptly replaced during the standoff, to support the claim that the agents who took over “deceived” attorney general Janet Reno into authorizing the raid on the compound. Though Cook does reveal inconsistencies and misrepresentations in government accounts, this rehash sacrifices nuance for drama.

November 1, 2022
Cult leaders are fascinating creatures, not only for their undeniable charisma but also for their powerful hold on their followers and their tendency to self-destruct. This is borne out here, an account of the life of David Koresh, his origins, and his rise and fall. Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, an extremist religious group based in Waco, Texas, which, under Koresh's leadership, ultimately had a tragic confrontation with the FBI, leading to the deaths of Koresh and many of his followers. In Cook's account, readers learn that Koresh was a misfit child who suffered under an abusive stepfather. As a teen he found solace and acceptance in the Branch Davidians. When the group's early leadership imploded, Koresh ended up taking over the group, turning it into a classic cult. In chilling detail, Cook describes Koresh's descent into religious paranoia, putting him on the path that would lead to his confrontation with the FBI. Cook does a good job explaining how Koresh's sad saga unfolded, though the mystery of the why of Koresh remains elusive.

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December 1, 2022

Former sports journalist Cook augments his track record of producing thrilling expos�s of recent phenomena (Kitty Genovese; The Burning Blue) with this fast-paced, vivid retelling of the U.S. law enforcement siege of the Branch Davidian millenarian sect's compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. After a deadly shootout and 50-day standoff, tear gas flooded the compound and tanks broke down walls, while FBI loudspeakers blared, "This is not an assault." The siege left 86 dead, including four federal agents and 20 children, after the compound was engulfed in flames. Attorney General Janet Reno and President Bill Clinton later expressed regret for the decision to teargas the compound. Cook excoriates the government's handling of the situation but also leaves no doubt about the toxicity of the sect and its leader, David Koresh, who accumulated both guns and child brides. Waco galvanized the U.S.'s far-right militia movement, radicalizing domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Squeezed into a couple of final chapters, this analysis of Waco's ramifications deserves a whole book unto itself. Cook interviews many survivors and agents involved. VERDICT Thrilling, evenhanded, and liable to resonate with readers drawn to true crime and current events.--Michael Rodriguez

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Starred review from December 1, 2022
A fresh, powerful account of one of the bloodiest events in the 1990s--and its relevance to current times. In 1993, a 51-day standoff at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, ended in a devastating fire and dozens of deaths. In the aftermath, certain elements of the story were distorted and misrepresented, and this controversial attention caused the true humanity behind the narrative to get lost. In this engrossing resurrection, prolific journalist and author Cook digs deep to uncover the forgotten human side of these terrible events, and he offers a painstaking reconstruction of leader David Koresh's life and ascent to leader. At times, Koresh didn't appear to be the madman portrayed in the media, but the author makes it clear that he did not practice what he preached. "Koresh alone decided who could break the rules and when," writes Cook, and he maintained his power with psychological manipulation and mind control. The author is equally incisive about the Branch Davidians who followed Koresh and agreed to live frugally and communally. Together, they reinforced their leader's often apocalyptic teachings and separatist ways. As Cook notes, "they used a biblical term to describe the ATF, FBI, and National Guard forces surrounding them: Babylon." With government forces closing in and the media circus growing in intensity, further nefarious actions--including sex with underage girls and stockpiling of illegal firearms--led to the fight and ensuing massive fire that ended in "the deadliest day in FBI history." In describing the standoff with exquisite detail and care, Cook masterfully portrays the scope of the violence and heartbreak on all sides. The author's meticulous history and character portraits also serve as timely reminders of the danger of homegrown militias and the cultlike figures who often lead them. Unfortunately, this material is still fertile ground in America. A thorough, engaging work that reminds us of the humanity behind tragedy.

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