That's Not What Happened

By Kody Keplinger

A survivor must decide between revealing the truth or preserving a comforting lie about a tragic school shooting.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 21,247 ratings

336 pages· 79,260 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Three years after the Virgil County High School Massacre, a survivor grapples with guilt and truth. Her best friend Sarah's story of dying for her faith is a lie, one she knows firsthand. As Sarah's parents publish a book, this might be her last chance to reveal what really happened. But challenging the narrative could upset many who cherish Sarah's martyrdom. As she uncovers more, doubt creeps in—what's worse, staying silent or facing the fallout of honesty? In a world where stories hold power, she must choose between comfort and truth.

From the publisher

From New York Times bestseller Kody Keplinger comes an astonishing and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of tragedy, the power of narrative, and how we remember what we’ve lost.It’s been three years since the Virgil County High School Massacre. Three years since my best friend, Sarah, was killed in a bathroom stall during the mass shooting. Everyone knows Sarah’s story–that she died proclaiming her faith. But it’s not true. I know because I was with her when she died. I didn’t say anything then, and people got hurt because of it. Now Sarah’s parents are publishing a book about her, so this might be my last chance to set the record straight . . . but I’m not the only survivor with a story to tell about what did–and didn’t–happen that day. Except Sarah’s martyrdom is important to a lot of people, people who don’t take kindly to what I’m trying to do. And the more I learn, the less certain I am about what’s right. I don’t know what will be worse: the guilt of staying silent or the consequences of speaking up . . .

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