Why "Good Kids" Turn into Deadly Terrorists: Deconstructing the Accused Boston Marathon Bombers and Others Like Them

(Hardback)

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Using psychological theory and the author's direct experience working with at-risk youth, this book answers the questions on the minds of anyone shocked and appalled by the events of the Boston Marathon bombings. The shock of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings was soon followed by a revelation initially disturbing and mystifying: two apparently unremarkable brothersone a teenager, the other a young adult; both well-liked immigrants and longtime U.S. residentshad allegedly triggered the bombs. Why were these two seemingly "normal" individuals driven to commit such acts of coldblooded violence This book examines not only the lives, motivations, and key influences of these infamous brothers, but those of other young, unexpected terrorists worldwide, comparing factors that contributed to their decisions to become terrorists and identifying methods used to recruit them into that deadly fold. The chapters teach readers warning signs that youths are being drawn in to terrorism and serve to spur meaningful conversations among citizens, politicians, and policymakers about what we can do to prevent such recruitment of youths and young adults, including other U.S. residents who might consider emulating the Tsarnaev brothers. The book also addresses larger, related questions, such as whether humans are naturally violent, who benefits when young individuals engage in terrorism, and why minors are recruited to become killers.

Reviews

The book is superbly researched, clearly cited, and provides a wealth of resources for further reading. LoCicero's stated goal for her book is "to reduce terrorism and reduce prejudice against foreign-born, young Americans, simultaneously." That's a tall order, perhaps beyond the reach of a single work, but she has made a significant contribution to the cause. An excellent resource on terrorism for professionals and lay readers alike. * Kirkus Reviews *
The book makes a number of contributions to the study of terrorism and to our understanding of the challenges that we face. It is written in an accessible language that will make it attractive to students and non-students alike and its content will generate debate and discussion. . . . Why "Good Kids" Turn into Deadly Terrorists represents a useful addition to the literature on terrorism and political violence and reminds the reader that 'we are not doomed by nature to violence'. * Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression *

Author Bio

Alice LoCicero, PhD, is a board certified clinical psychologist and a core faculty member at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center.