Please Stop Laughing at Me...: One Woman's Inspirational Story

I'd like the thank Jodee Blanco for writing this. I, too, was bullied, and beat up by classmates. I helped me relate to someone else and realize I wasn't the only one. This book was powerfully honest and passionate. Again thanks. I haven't really came to terms in forgiving my bullies yet, but I will someday.

Two groups of people should be reading this book. The first group is people that work with children and teens. The second group is teenagers.If you've ever been an outcast, you can totally relate to this young woman's story. If you've been on the "fringes" of popularity, trying desperately to fit in, you'll recognize some of the people in this book.The book is an easy, yet painful read. It isn't really a deep book; it doesn't analyze or find any solutions, which bothered me at first. But then I realized, Jodee isn't trying to find a solution to bullying, she's just making us more aware of what happens. She's educating us, through this story, and that could lead to solutions.I feel Jodee is very brave, for putting this story in print. I'd like to see a follow-up to her story, a "what happened after it was published" sort of book.

My daughter is 15 years old and has endured some very difficult years at school. Though she was never physically abused, she's been isolated, ignored and teased. We never knew exactly how to handle it - the school did next to nothing. My daughter, like Jodee, has been extremely depressed and didn't want to go to school. She is now going to a new high school and is much happier. But reading this book was like a lifeline. It was painful, but to know that Jodee survived and eventually triumphed gave me hope. This was clearly not an easy book to write, but I couldn't put it down, I applaud Jodee Blanco for having the courage to write it and anyone who's ever suffered or known anyone who's been bullied - must read this book.

I saw this book at my local bookstore and debated with myself for a week about whether to buy it. I finally did buy it two days ago and I read it this morning. I was picked on in school. I never really figured out why, except that I was very uncoordinated, which made me a bad pick in gym class. Like Ms. Blanco, I did everything I could to avoid a confrontation and that just made it worse. I didn't have it nearly as bad as Ms. Blanco and I was never beat up, but my school years from 5th to 9th grade were rough. My 8th grade year was the worst year of my life. I didn't want to read this book because I didn't want to think about that time again, even though it was 25 years ago. I'm glad I did, though. Ms. Blanco showed incredible strength of character and was given the same advice that I was. "You're better than them." "Just ignore it." None of it works. I used to close my eyes and imagine that when I opened them, the nightmare would be over. All you can do is persevere. There's no solution to bullying because there's always repercussions. But I imagine that Ms. Blanco's book would be great comfort to a young man or woman who is being bullied. While it might not offer a solution (and Ms. Blanco doesn't claim to have a solution), it definitely offers hope. Good for you, Jodee Blanco. You didn't let them beat you down. You remained true to yourself and you kept your compassion for others. Congratulations. You made it.

I just finished reading "Please Stop Laughing at me" and I can't think of anything else. I am a Crime Analyst for San Diego City School Police Department and I deal with staticts regarding Battery and Assualts on Children by other Children every day. I don't always hear the details I just receive the numbers. After reading Jodee Blanco's Story I am more than ever willing to get involved with the teachers and parents to stop the bullying that still continues today. Her story was heart renching and made me want to reach out and help her any way I could. If I could speak with Ms. Blanco I would love for her to come visit some of our Jr.Highs and High schools to speak on the subject of Bullying and its effects. This story will truly stay with me for life.