The Ashes of Waco: An Investigation

The book is absolutely riddled with notes across the sides of the pages and entire pages of the book is highlighted. Not what I’d call “good” in my opinion.

Out of all the books I've read on the Waco Incident(and I've read quite a few), The Ashes of Waco has to be the most informative, in-depth book on the subject. I think, mostly being, because Dick Reavis stuck with the story long after all the others gave up on it after the fire occurred. He also gives an honest look at both sides of the coin and that's what makes good journalism. That, in turn, makes a great book. The Ashes of Waco is a compelling read that you'll definitely get into and finish til the end.

This book tells the story of the Waco tragedy in an easy to read manner. While it is my belief that the author intended to prevent a completly even-handed portrait of the event, it seems evident that he leans more to the side of the Davidians who were inside the compound. Regardless, both sides of the story are presented, and the reader comes away from the book with a greater insight into what occurred and why. Recommended!

I am a new york times bestselling author of a business book that came out this year. I had to comment on this book because Mr Reavis brings so much to light about what happened in Waco - I was shocked and I had no idea that this went on - the press didn't go near it - this is America - whether you or I agree with their "cult" views or not, it doesn't change the fact that these were American citizens protected by American laws, and they were butchered by our own tanks, tear gas, and machine guns - funded by our own tax dollars - no trial, no evidence, no nothing - women and children were literally run over by tanks and died in brutal and violent tear gas raids - if they weren't shot first - it makes me sick to my stomach - and it should make every consicious american sick as well - the FBI and the ATF had no business being there - the day Waco burned is a very dark day for our Constitution and for American history - and it is on Janet Reno's watch - the founding fathers would turn over in their graves.....

Reavis admirably portrays the malfeasance of the ATF, FBI and Justice in the Waco debacle, from bottom to top, and from beginning to the very end. An ugly affair, to be sure. The book gives a nice bit of detail and background on the Davidians and Koresh that helps the reader to place them within a more understandable context, loony though it still is. But the depiction of the entire government case can only disgust the average reader. Sad though it is, it is a must read.

Dick Reavis has done what no other journalist has dared. He has written a thoughtful, fair, and detailed account of the events that took place in Waco. Mr. Reavis researched the Davidian movement and in the process revealed the fact that these people were not "nuts" but very religious people, who read and studied the bible. Mr. Reavis did not make excuses for David Koresh's behavior, but rather explained the rationale motivating the Davidian Leader. Mr. Reavis did not make excuses for the BATF, the FBI, or Janet Reno either. "Funding" was revealed as the original culprit leading to the fiasco. The government bungling that followed and helped lead to the final tragedy was laid out with precision. Anyone interested in the subject of Waco, needs to read this book. I heard once that the closer you get to "good guys" and "bad guys," the further you get from the truth. Mr. Reavis steers clear of the good-guy, bad-guy syndrome, therefore bringing truth and light to a subject the national media continues to ignore