By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead

by Julie Anne Peters

[Joni Reads]

This is on my list of my favorite books of all time. It's one of those unforgettable books that I think about randomly all the time. I actually read it for the first time last year before I started this blog but it had been on my mind a lot lately, so I bought it and just finished rereading it.

If I had to describe this book in one word I would say that it is honest. It takes such an honest look at bullying and how it can effect teens. Daelyn has been teased her entire life. As she writes on Through-The-Light, she reveals memories of the bullying she has suffered from since she was a young child. Daelyn honestly believes that she has no other escape from the torment she has suffered from for years.

At first you might think, well, none of the bullying was that bad. And yes, had it only occurred once it would not have effected her in the way that it does. That in no way means it's ok to insult a person one time, but it's unlikely to push them to the edge. But Daelyn was teased daily. She can't remember ever having a friend. Not one friend.

This book makes you think before you react to the overweight person on the bus or the homely looking girl in class. You never know the pain a person feels inside. You never know if your reaction to a person is the one thing to push them over the edge. I think this should be required reading for all teens. I know when my daughter turns 12 or 13 I will give her this book.