A review by khairun_atika
This is How it Happened by Paula Stokes

4.0

This is How it Happened is an eye-opener to the different consequences of social media. While it may be an outlet for information, making research convenient, it has also welcomed a wave of bullies who feel entitled to judge or pick on every single person's mistake. Paula Stokes has perfectly captured the tone of the dangerous and intimidating online haters, who could well be just quiet teenagers hiding in the safety of their homes, exposing and shaming other people. Stokes used the premise of the death of a beloved pop star to encapture the consequences of making one mistake, and how it can be blown out of proportion by internet bullies. It is painful to see how the world has changed, into a world where internet bullying is the equivalent of stoning, and that everyone feels entitled to do so without truly understanding the facts. Well-written, heartbreaking and truthful, it was a delight to read the story. What is important is a good support system, and this leads to the courage of facing and telling the truth, and not letting comments destroy you. This is a very important message that Stokes relayed in her book.