Bully Brother
Craig M. Dial
ASIN : B07D95DHV2
Publication date : May 23, 2018
Language : English
File size : 973 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 269 pages
Page numbers source ISBN : 1982991275
Publication date : May 23, 2018
Language : English
File size : 973 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 269 pages
Page numbers source ISBN : 1982991275
Description
In this funny and compelling story, Craig describes in stunning detail growing up within a big family of seven. The book includes fantastic music of the era that is intertwined into the story as the songs relate in direct correlation to the mood of the moment. Some readers experience a closeness to the characters as if you are living Craig’s life alongside him.
Craig reveals what it was like to be bullied by his older brother, David, but he adores David with unconditional and admiring love. The dissonance between the two brothers remained strong until one day a tragic event occurred and David revealed his love for his younger brother in the most unexpected way.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Review: Bully Brother
I get the opportunity to read a lot of coming-of-age stories and Bully Brother is an autobiographical, story in which the setting is mostly centered around 1970s San Rafael, California.
The story centers around Craig aged 8-16 being bullied by his older brother, David, and the opening scene of David and him together was frightening as there was no one near to help Craig. The story goes into more detail and looks at the family dynamic and we learn Craig's dad is a hard worker and his mom is an excellent cook. Craig has other siblings and he worked at three jobs while still attending high school.
Craig does a fantastic job of describing the shops he recalled from his youth and his mother's cooking and I enjoyed reading about them.
It's intriguing when an author does something different and I really like that he incorporated music and suggests we listen to it as we read along with the story. In chapter one he references seeing an American animated classic that describes a journey of self-discovery aided by a panther. I do adore the track by Bruce Reitherman and Phil Harris and turned on the Disney channel in search of the movie. I also have enjoyed Simon and Garfunkel so that was a nice addition.
This book provides nostalgia for the era and the area of Marin County and it is not without heartache. The best thing about this read is that Craig and David were able to mend their relationship.
Of Note:
If you think bullying is something to be concerned about you are correct. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied. In addition to bullying at home and at school there are cyberbullies that youth didn't have to deal with back in the 1970s. It is always good to talk with youth about their coping skills and make them aware that we all use them. To learn more check out 30 Healthy Coping Skills for Teens or Stop bullying