This story is written with such emotion and truth I felt like I was reading a personal narrative. I could feel the author's pain and anger as well as her feelings of accomplishment and pride.
In just over 240 pages Fipps explores many themes. Those include stereotyping, bullying, self-worth, and interpersonal transformations. The story follows a young girl who is being bullied by her peers at school and her family at home. She loses a friend and gains one as well. She learns to stand up for herself without attacking her bullies and she learns to accept herself for who she is not how others view her. She learns that despite what others say she deserves happiness.
I found Ellie's interpersonal transformation inspiring, her father's ability to advocate for his daughter encouraging, and her friendships heartwarming. Though my favorite character is Ellie's therapist. Fipps writes about a true therapist who is competent, understanding, creative, and everything a therapist should be. I may be biased as a senior social work student but I feel that the therapist in this story handles each situation that Ellie brings to her attention with grace and empathy.
And while the main plot of the story is Ellie's transformation Fipps reminds the reader that there is more than one type of bullying and that people bully for different reasons. For this, I believe mental health and stereotyping is at the forefront of this story.
I would recommend that everyone read this incredible piece of fiction for several reasons. The sheer emotion the story invokes in the reader. The pace of reading is quick but impactful. The messages are strong and important. Lastly, I was close to tears the entire time I was reading.
"That’s what books do.
They make you think,
And rethink
How you see yourself,
Others,
And the world."
-Lisa Fipps
In just over 240 pages Fipps explores many themes. Those include stereotyping, bullying, self-worth, and interpersonal transformations. The story follows a young girl who is being bullied by her peers at school and her family at home. She loses a friend and gains one as well. She learns to stand up for herself without attacking her bullies and she learns to accept herself for who she is not how others view her. She learns that despite what others say she deserves happiness.
I found Ellie's interpersonal transformation inspiring, her father's ability to advocate for his daughter encouraging, and her friendships heartwarming. Though my favorite character is Ellie's therapist. Fipps writes about a true therapist who is competent, understanding, creative, and everything a therapist should be. I may be biased as a senior social work student but I feel that the therapist in this story handles each situation that Ellie brings to her attention with grace and empathy.
And while the main plot of the story is Ellie's transformation Fipps reminds the reader that there is more than one type of bullying and that people bully for different reasons. For this, I believe mental health and stereotyping is at the forefront of this story.
I would recommend that everyone read this incredible piece of fiction for several reasons. The sheer emotion the story invokes in the reader. The pace of reading is quick but impactful. The messages are strong and important. Lastly, I was close to tears the entire time I was reading.
"That’s what books do.
They make you think,
And rethink
How you see yourself,
Others,
And the world."
-Lisa Fipps