He could no longer remain purely defensive, as a survivalist would. McVeigh was coming to the conclusion that he must take proactive steps to prevent the loss of the things he held dear. At night, he worried about federal agents bursting into his room and seizing all his weapons. He didn't think so.'' As one reads this book, it is difficult to comprehend how one person could be capable of committing such unthinkable atrocities. Without question, the author's detailed account of McVeigh preparing the bomb with Nichols, driving into Oklahoma, parking the truck, and coolly walking away are some of the book's more disquieting moments.
None are more shocking, though than some of the graphic descriptions of the carnage and destruction.
In the book's most disturbing revelation, McVeigh denies knowing of the existence of the day-care center in the Murrah building. Although Nichols and Fortier assisted him, it was McVeigh alone who committed the bombing. There's no conspiracy as his attorney Stephen Jones kept digging for, nor are there any ties to any of the right-wing militia groups. The book, while not on the same psychological level as Truman Capote's In Cold Bold or Norman Mailer's The Executioner's Song, the authors nonetheless, have journeyed into darkened soul of an angry, bitter, and jaded young man in an attempt to expose his life and understand why. And it is a powerful one at that.