–Neil Gaiman
I have always had a difficult time figuring out the psychology behind bullying. I assume that much like when dealing with bigotry, the insecure person builds himself/herself up on the back of a person he/she perceives as weaker. As a teacher I found out first hand just how devastating the results can be. Especially during teenage years, the importance of acceptance can not be overstated. The victims are often crushed beyond repair when faced with constant bullying. They too often turn to suicide. Those who brave it through those years can have scars that won't heal.
In Follow The Leader (a DS Allie Shenton Novel), author Mel Sherratt starts the book with an example of bullying and continues by showing us problems that can result when playing with a person's psyche. The book is about a detective and a serial killer and will definitely get you thinking. I hope that any mom or dad who reads this book will be alerted to the importance of teaching their child kindness in every aspect of his/her life.
Speaking of children, Deceptive Measures (a Rachel Scott Adventure Book 4) by
Traci Hohenstein (a MADDERLY REVIEW featured author) finds Rachel still searching for her daughter who was kidnapped several years previously. This book does a good job tying up things that have been introduced in the previous three of the series. I think this is probably the last we see of Rachel Scott, but hopefully Hohenstein will have some new characters to catch our interest. I will keep my eye out and let you know what is coming up in the near future.
Meanwhile, the weather gods decided to descend upon Florida today. We have been experiencing cool and sunny days over the past month, while much of the country has been suffering. I never take that for granted and worry about all those I care about in the "frozen tundra" which has taken over everywhere else, but today I am cold. Our wind chill has us in the thirties and forties, and most Floridians don't have the wardrobe to deal with it. The positive note to all this for me is time to stay home, under a blanket and read. Books are always my silver lining. I hope they are helping to keep you warm too.
Happy Reading,
Beverly