WACO RISING

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.