61 pages 2 hours read

Howard Blum

When the Night Comes Falling

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2024

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Essay Topics

1.

Howard Blum claims his use of (mostly) anonymous sources, many of them “close” to the main figures in the case, allowed him to write a “true story.” Do you agree that these sources are reliable enough for a work of nonfiction? Why or why not? Do you agree with Blum that his book follows “strict journalistic rules”?

2.

Cite examples of Blum’s use of language as a subtle way of casting the reader’s suspicions (or negative feelings) on a character.

3.

As a graduate student in criminology, Brian Kohberger touted his expertise in tracking suspects through the use of surveillance videos and cell tower data. Discuss the irony of this, in view of later events.