Morium by S.J. HermannMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An important work about relevant issues.
I teach high school. I see bullying in action all the time, and it comes in many forms. It's easy to identify bullying when it includes physical violence or outright name calling or put downs. Hermann brings to light the "kill 'em with kindness" bully-- the one who goes out of her way to say hi or compliment their victim. To an outsider, it looks like kindness. To the bully and her victim, it's nastiness to draw negative attention to the victim while confusing outsiders. As a teacher, it is hard to fight this bully. "You can't tell me I can't say hi." This book provides an excellent glimpse into the agony of being bullied as well as the negative view the bully has of himself or herself.
I also more clearly understand what drives people to cut themselves. I finally see that emotional anguish is like a migraine. It hurts like hell, but if you bark your shin on the coffee table, you forget about your headache for a while. Lexi will help you to understand just how much pain a teen can feel and how a razor blade can release or mask some of that anguish.
The book is well written and entertaining as well, but the power of the message is the reason to read this book.
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