Waco

A Survivor's Story

By: David Thibodeau, Leon Whiteson, Aviva Layton

Narrated by: Robert Fass

The basis of the celebrated Paramount Network miniseries starring Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch -- Waco is the critically-acclaimed, first person account of the siege by Branch Davidian survivor, David Thibodeau.

Twenty-five years ago, the FBI staged a deadly raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. Texas. David Thibodeau survived to tell the story.

When he first met the man who called himself David Koresh, David Thibodeau was a drummer in a local a rock band. Though he had never been religious in the slightest, Thibodeau gradually became a follower and moved to the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. He remained there until April 19, 1993, when the compound was stormed and burned to the ground after a 51-day standoff with government authorities.

In this compelling account -- now with an updated epilogue that revisits remaining survivors--Thibodeau explores why so many people came to believe that Koresh was divinely inspired. We meet the men, women, and children of Mt. Carmel. We get inside the day-to-day life of the community. We also understand Thibodeau's brutally honest assessment of the United States government's actions. The result is a memoir that reads like a thriller, with each page taking us closer to the eventual inferno.

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary account of one of the most shameful episodes in recent American history. I wish that everyone in the country could read this book."
—Howard Zinn

"This book gives a rare glimpse of life at Mount Carmel and an account of how that attack contrasts with the 'official' government version. With the renewed interest in this siege, this book is recommended for public libraries."
—School Library Journal

"This narrative defies many of our media-mediated preconceptions of Koresh's followers."
—Booklist

"Thibodeau, one of only four Branch Davidians to live through the Waco disaster and not be sentenced to jail, has produced a surprisingly balanced and honest account of his time as a Branch Davidian. Neither sensationalist nor defensive, this will make satisfying reading for anyone interested in the April 1993 tragedy."
—Kirkus Review

"A disquieting portrait of a religious community and its enigmatic leader."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Honest... [about] whether the excessive force used by our government against American citizens was really necessary."—Lincoln Star Journal

Very sincere account

Thankful that David made it out to tell a first hand account. This is a fair and honest explanation of what it was like being on the inside looking out. It is difficult to comprehend why it even occurred and hopefully never will again.

Feels like a Sales Pitch

I'm on chapter 5 and I feel like Thibodeau was actually this great guy and maybe I should consider joining the cause? don't know, lets see if they're still in business.

I mean the guy says he wasn't quite sold on David.. even though he met him in Hollywood, went religiously to Pomona to see David and eventually and moved to Waco with David and promised to be celibate for David. But no, not a follower yet.

this is a sad story about government overreach.

I hope the FBI and the ATF is held accountable for these needless deaths.

Important story with important message

This book provides an untold story that many (myself included) have never heard before. The perspective is enlightening and well told.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Fascinating Tale

The author uses his experiences to unpack all of the wrongdoings from the standpoints of the media, the government, and the Branch Davidians. The entire story is well researched and worth a listen.