Reviews

Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories by Megan Kelley Hall, Carrie Jones

cupcakegirly's review

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4.0

A MUST read for everyone whose every been the victim of a bully or worn the mask of one.

Thank you to the authors who were brave enough to share their stories. While I don't think bullying will ever completely go away, as long as there are broken and wounded human beings walking this earth, I do think this book does a go job of shedding light on the damage it does.

impybelle's review

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4.0

Dear Bully is difficult to review. Part of this is because I can empathize with those people who feel that perhaps 70 or so stories on the same exact subject will be repetitive. Part of it is because that there's a need for 70 stories on one subject like this.

As someone who dreaded school after awhile to the point that I made myself sick with worry, I kind of figured I should read it, in pieces. If you've been bullied, odds are good at least a few of the stories will ring so true that you might have to look away for a minute. My biggest nightmares don't involve bloodshed, they involve being told I have to go back to middle or high school and this book kind of illustrates why.

As with all anthologies, it's a mixed bag. Some stories stick with you and some kind of fade away as you move on to the next. It's interesting how they contradict one another in parts, too, particularly the theory that bullies will inevitably get their butts handed to them karmically speaking. I don't think that one happens to be true. In some cases it is and in others, well, karma is obviously very busy.

There is but one truth: you are not alone and you can get through this. Everything else depends on the story.

I think my favorite was R.L. Stine's because as I was reading it, I couldn't help but think "Of course."

alex_s_113's review

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5.0

A must-read for everyone, this really opened my eyes to what goes on - I had no idea bullying (and some extreme cases too) was so common and so socially accepted. And it's not all the typical kind of bullying either; you might be surprised at what you can relate to in at least one of these stories.

resslesa's review

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5.0

Awesome -every student and teacher should read this!
http://girlsinthestacks.com/reviews/ya-novel/2011/11/review-dear-bully-seventy-authors-tell-their-stories/

ariatari's review

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5.0

I loved this so much. Honestly I needed this read. When you're in these situations, you sometimes feel like there's nobody who understands. Seeing that even some of the best authors of this century went through the same things can take away the feeling of being alone in your fight. You are never alone.

kashumaru's review

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5.0

This book is very realistic on how bullying takes place and how it effects a wide variety of people. None is the same as the other and each situation is needed to be handled in a different way. I was amazed by some of the facts placed in these pages and my heart reached to many out that had to go through such troubles. I know how bullying can be and see it every where not just in schools and it's a shame how people treat others. To the authors who placed some thought in this book thank you for having the courage to put your hearts and experiances out there.

rfonta69801's review

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5.0

5 stars

All I have to say is this was an amazing book and although I didn't like the writing style for some authors, I definitley found some of my new favorites!! I honestly loved this book so much!!

shanice24's review

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hopeful sad fast-paced

4.0

chrissireads's review

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4.0

This book was a really interesting read. I’m not usually one for reading short stories or anthologies, but I knew this one would be a good one to read. It’s so important that we’re talking about bullying because it’s such a pressing issue for many people. The statistics about bullying are shocking e.g. every 7 minutes a child is bullied on the playground… it breaks my heart.

Dear Bully is intriguing because it’s told from authors who have been bullied, who observed bullying and did nothing and also have bullied themselves. Some of the tales are particularly moving and poignant. They also take different forms and the poetry letters to a bully really touched me. Words are so powerful, whether written or spoken and some of these author’s experiences broke me.

I really enjoyed Dear Bully because it was such a raw read. The authors really didn’t hold back. I think it’s so important to read books like these to know that you’re not alone and that you can stand up for yourself.

lazygal's review

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3.0

I have a feeling that educators will be encouraged to make this a Must Read for teachers and students - while I think it's a good idea, it won't stop bullying. The way these authors have (after the fact) confronted their bullies, or dealt with the pain and the situation while they were being bullied will resonate with those who are in the same position; those that are doing the bullying probably won't see themselves in these portraits (although they may see themselves as being bullied, which is often the case). It might be better to choose a few to use as writing prompts for everyone to talk about what their pain is, but make it anonymous so as to protect everyone.

For adults, I think many of us will recognize either ourselves or people we knew in these portraits. A little reflection is never a bad thing.

ARC provided by publisher.