Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Dede

This book is a real look at real life bullying and the effects it has on the bullied.  Jodee relives her life from childhood through teens, all the way through to the end of her high school years.  In the beginning of the book she is attending a 20th anniversary high school reunion, which brings on memories of what her classmates did to her.  The book retells stories that involve "innocent" childhood bullying and also horrible acts of violence against her that is labeled as innocent bullying.  She does have some saving graces, her poetry, public speaking, certain teachers, her high level of morality and doing what's right, working with special needs kids.  These things seem to make her even more of an outcast.  If there's one thing this book lacked for me, it was that I ached for her, but I never really "felt" what she was feeling.  Also, it's not a book that will probably change the bullies perception or actions.  A person who has been bullied will relate to this book extremely well, but a bully would probably not get anything from it.  There is no classic revenge when Jodee attends the reunion, but there is a bit of release.