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You Never Cared
“I would gladly trade places with Casper, given the chance. I lifted my head to see Casper’s best friend standing on the other side of the grave.”
Jordan is a golden child — wealthy, popular, the self-professed ruler of the senior class. Jordan is also a bully, a bully whose group of friends mercilessly tormented seventeen-year-old Casper for being different, for being poor, for suffering silently. Random acts of abuse from his classmates were par for the course in Casper’s life, until one night, the bullying evolved into a hate crime and he, unable to endure, longing for peace, finally took his own life.
You Never Cared is the heartbreaking tale, told in Jordan’s words, of a life stolen, of love lost, and of a soul compromised. But ultimately, it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. As Sammy, Casper’s friend and lover, attempts to cope with the anguish of his boyfriend’s loss, Jordan attempts to own his part in the crime, trying to make amends but knowing his only hope is to carry on Casper’s legacy, to work to build a better future for boys and girls who, like Casper, just need a strong voice to encourage and stand up for them.
(re-edited and added content)
Jordan is a golden child — wealthy, popular, the self-professed ruler of the senior class. Jordan is also a bully, a bully whose group of friends mercilessly tormented seventeen-year-old Casper for being different, for being poor, for suffering silently. Random acts of abuse from his classmates were par for the course in Casper’s life, until one night, the bullying evolved into a hate crime and he, unable to endure, longing for peace, finally took his own life.
You Never Cared is the heartbreaking tale, told in Jordan’s words, of a life stolen, of love lost, and of a soul compromised. But ultimately, it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. As Sammy, Casper’s friend and lover, attempts to cope with the anguish of his boyfriend’s loss, Jordan attempts to own his part in the crime, trying to make amends but knowing his only hope is to carry on Casper’s legacy, to work to build a better future for boys and girls who, like Casper, just need a strong voice to encourage and stand up for them.
(re-edited and added content)
17 pages, ebook
First published April 7, 2011
192 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Montgomery
15 books78 followersI live my life believing. I believe that all of us can do anything we want to do. I believe that each goal we set for ourselves can be met if we strive to meet that goal, no matter what bumps we have to jump over to attain it.
I don't believe in fear I believe in the power of love.
Fear has the power to stop me, to control me and lead me to failure.
Love has the power to guide me over the most difficult of mountains with a smile on my face and a rush of warmth in my heart.
I'm a writer at heart, I love to tell stories and though most of what comes out of my imagination can appear a little off the beaten path, that's because it is.
Though all of my stories contain romance to a point, there's a lot more angst, D/s, sometimes off the wall characters who know love and romance doesn't always happen overnight and it can be a struggle to find the right person for them. So, if angst, drama, a bit of D/s mixed in with romance isn't your thing, then I probably won't be either.
I am bringing something different to the table with my stories and I hope you enjoy them.
If you'd like to get the know the characters from the Lethal Obsession series please visit and join: http://lethalobsession.blogspot.com/?...
You can also find me at: http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/
I don't believe in fear I believe in the power of love.
Fear has the power to stop me, to control me and lead me to failure.
Love has the power to guide me over the most difficult of mountains with a smile on my face and a rush of warmth in my heart.
I'm a writer at heart, I love to tell stories and though most of what comes out of my imagination can appear a little off the beaten path, that's because it is.
Though all of my stories contain romance to a point, there's a lot more angst, D/s, sometimes off the wall characters who know love and romance doesn't always happen overnight and it can be a struggle to find the right person for them. So, if angst, drama, a bit of D/s mixed in with romance isn't your thing, then I probably won't be either.
I am bringing something different to the table with my stories and I hope you enjoy them.
If you'd like to get the know the characters from the Lethal Obsession series please visit and join: http://lethalobsession.blogspot.com/?...
You can also find me at: http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 20, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
Bullying is an epidemic that has troubled teachers and students for years. The psychological and degrading effect it has on its victims is far more lasting than any physical wounds.
I am glad there are realistic works of fiction, such as this story, that explore the negative effects of bullying on the victim, the victim’s classmates who witness the bullying, and the bullies themselves.
17-year-old Casper takes his own life as a result of bullying that has gone too far. This story is told from the perspective of Jordan, who allowed his friends to torment Casper, and who was once his friend until their lives went in separate directions.
Sadly, this story did not have the emotional impact on me that it should have. Maybe there were too many “I” sentences, too much introspection, too much telling and not showing. I just couldn’t feel Jordan’s pain, suffering, and remorse, while Sammy’s agony broke my heart. I wanted to understand why Jordan allowed a friend to suffer and I wanted to be convinced he was sorry, but I didn’t like him any better at the end than I did at the beginning.
Bullying is an epidemic that has troubled teachers and students for years. The psychological and degrading effect it has on its victims is far more lasting than any physical wounds.
I am glad there are realistic works of fiction, such as this story, that explore the negative effects of bullying on the victim, the victim’s classmates who witness the bullying, and the bullies themselves.
17-year-old Casper takes his own life as a result of bullying that has gone too far. This story is told from the perspective of Jordan, who allowed his friends to torment Casper, and who was once his friend until their lives went in separate directions.
Sadly, this story did not have the emotional impact on me that it should have. Maybe there were too many “I” sentences, too much introspection, too much telling and not showing. I just couldn’t feel Jordan’s pain, suffering, and remorse, while Sammy’s agony broke my heart. I wanted to understand why Jordan allowed a friend to suffer and I wanted to be convinced he was sorry, but I didn’t like him any better at the end than I did at the beginning.
October 6, 2015
In just 17 pages, I was able to experience a whole range of emotions because of this little book. Mostly, I was reading this with a heavy heart for the beautiful boy who was lost and the people he left behind. This is a good story, told in the perspective of the bully who paid for his actions when it costed a boy to take his own life. It was not only Jordan, Casper's bully, who played an important role in this short. Although you can really feel his anguish and resentment for his past and his struggle to change, there are other aspects to this short which made this multidimensional. There's Samuel, Casper's boyfriend, who has grown distant and cold after Casper's death. And then there's Larry, Casper's brother, who swore to protect his little brother but had failed to see his brother's misery for years. A book of lessons, and so worthwhile to read.
April 10, 2011
Wow... Such a heart wrenching story of course I cried and this will have me thinking about it for awhile. This shouldn't be happening if everyone stands up and stops the bullying. All it takes is one person to say this isn't right, stand up for someone. NOH8
June 29, 2013
This is an emotional and powerful little story.
April 15, 2011
I had the privilage of reading Michele Montgomery's new story, YOU NEVER CARED, and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm a fan of a lot of Michele's books, which include one of my all time favorites, TONY AND RYAN. But this book, YOU NEVER CARED, really drew me in because the storyline revolves around young adults, social images, and bullying. And, as always, Michele's books are written with a neat style that keeps the story moving forward at all time.
This line hit me fast: "I never realized what my words and actions could do to another person." This is where the magnitude of what he's been doing hits Jordon, the one who is telling the story.
This time the story is told from the bully's POV, and how he regrets his decisions. He's tired of being what his father thinks he should be. And he's tired of trying to live up to everyone's expectations of what they think he should be. But more than that, he knows in his heart he's been wrong all along. And, this is why I love Michele's work. It's filled with emotion on all levels.
Another line that stopped me short for a moment was this: "That was the worst of it for me at that moment, watching Samuel deal with the loss of the guy he loved, and it was all because of me." Jordon's talking about Sammy's dead lover, Casper. And I could feel Jordon's regret as I read this.
Once in a while we read something that inspires us. YOU NEVER CARED did this for me. This is a story about facing demons and regret, growing up and learning tolerance...even if it's a little too late in some cases. And that every single action in the universe...karma...casues a reaction in one way or another. But most of all, it's a story about redemption. And it's never too late for that.
This line hit me fast: "I never realized what my words and actions could do to another person." This is where the magnitude of what he's been doing hits Jordon, the one who is telling the story.
This time the story is told from the bully's POV, and how he regrets his decisions. He's tired of being what his father thinks he should be. And he's tired of trying to live up to everyone's expectations of what they think he should be. But more than that, he knows in his heart he's been wrong all along. And, this is why I love Michele's work. It's filled with emotion on all levels.
Another line that stopped me short for a moment was this: "That was the worst of it for me at that moment, watching Samuel deal with the loss of the guy he loved, and it was all because of me." Jordon's talking about Sammy's dead lover, Casper. And I could feel Jordon's regret as I read this.
Once in a while we read something that inspires us. YOU NEVER CARED did this for me. This is a story about facing demons and regret, growing up and learning tolerance...even if it's a little too late in some cases. And that every single action in the universe...karma...casues a reaction in one way or another. But most of all, it's a story about redemption. And it's never too late for that.
June 27, 2012
I had the opportunity of reading Michele L. Montgomery's You Never Cared this week and I was left in a complete state of shock. Bullying is a global epidemic that affects millions of teenagers each year. The psychological impact that this form of abuse leaves on its victims can last longer than any form of physical abuse. Michele L. Montgomery accomplished in 17 pages what most writers take several novels to complete. I’m not a fan of short stories that leaves you wanting more, but this one may be the exception.
You Never Cared deals with the emotional aftermath of Casper’s (the victim) decision of taking his life after Jordan (the bully) and his friends bullied him on graduation night. The bullying gets so out of hand that one of the bullies violently rapes Casper in the storage room. This short but extraordinary piece of work is raw, painful, sad, and mostly heart touching. Since it is told in the bully’s point of view, we get to see the emotional damage that Jordan endures after Casper’s suicide.
Every few years, a book so powerful and meaningful comes along that inspires people to be tolerant and acceptant of others. You Never Cared is that novel for me. Michele L. Montgomery wrote a very powerful message that needs to be heard by everyone. I highly recommend this short story for anyone who wants to read a novel about, bullying, love, forgiveness and redemption.
You Never Cared deals with the emotional aftermath of Casper’s (the victim) decision of taking his life after Jordan (the bully) and his friends bullied him on graduation night. The bullying gets so out of hand that one of the bullies violently rapes Casper in the storage room. This short but extraordinary piece of work is raw, painful, sad, and mostly heart touching. Since it is told in the bully’s point of view, we get to see the emotional damage that Jordan endures after Casper’s suicide.
Every few years, a book so powerful and meaningful comes along that inspires people to be tolerant and acceptant of others. You Never Cared is that novel for me. Michele L. Montgomery wrote a very powerful message that needs to be heard by everyone. I highly recommend this short story for anyone who wants to read a novel about, bullying, love, forgiveness and redemption.
January 27, 2015
I wish real life could be like this story where the bully realizes what he's done wrong and tries to amend his ways even though it's too late you you can't change back the damage already done.
Written in first person from the POV of the bully himself, Michele makes this short story so real that you almost feel the hurt and the pain along with the remorse the bully feels himself. I wish this would have been longer,but don't we all when a great story is too short. One can never be satisfied, n'est pas? :snickering:
Written in first person from the POV of the bully himself, Michele makes this short story so real that you almost feel the hurt and the pain along with the remorse the bully feels himself. I wish this would have been longer,but don't we all when a great story is too short. One can never be satisfied, n'est pas? :snickering:
April 9, 2011
You Never Cared is a must read!
Such a powerful short story. It's time to stop the hate, violence, and bullying that's plagued our society for so long. Thanks, Michele, for helping to spread the word.
Such a powerful short story. It's time to stop the hate, violence, and bullying that's plagued our society for so long. Thanks, Michele, for helping to spread the word.
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April 18, 2011The following review is posted on my Elsie Loves Fiction Blog, along with other interesting tidbits, so please stop by & check it out!
ELSIE LOVES FICTION
Please Say You Care.
In my reading repertoire, I have started to add short stories. Actually, I added one.
Michele L. Montgomery, a writer from some great mountainous region of the United States, has written a YA short story that tackles the very dark issue of bullying of GLBT teens. I know that bullying exists across all stretches of adolescence; so I don't want comments back suggesting that this was written to exclude all the hetero kids that get bullied. This story deals with homosexuality and should be respected for its representation. In other words: read it for what it is, not what it isn't.
It isn't pretty. The story is raw. Filled with pain, sadness, and demoralizing behavior that exists in the pack mentality that humans are capable, but not proud, of. It has a message and a sliver of hope as well.
As a test I gave this to my seventeen year old son to read before I cracked the cover. He brought it back with tears in his eyes. I asked him what he thought of it. His comment was this: "It got me worried. I hope that I would be strong enough to fight off people that want to hurt someone like that."
I thought that was a pretty powerful statement. It also acted as a door opener to a conversation on what to do if you witness bullying. So, I say, kudos to you Ms. Montgomery. You have hit a nerve.
You Never Cared is available now on Smashwords. It's FREE people! Be the change you want to see in the world. Get on it.
ELSIE LOVES FICTION
Please Say You Care.
In my reading repertoire, I have started to add short stories. Actually, I added one.
Michele L. Montgomery, a writer from some great mountainous region of the United States, has written a YA short story that tackles the very dark issue of bullying of GLBT teens. I know that bullying exists across all stretches of adolescence; so I don't want comments back suggesting that this was written to exclude all the hetero kids that get bullied. This story deals with homosexuality and should be respected for its representation. In other words: read it for what it is, not what it isn't.
It isn't pretty. The story is raw. Filled with pain, sadness, and demoralizing behavior that exists in the pack mentality that humans are capable, but not proud, of. It has a message and a sliver of hope as well.
As a test I gave this to my seventeen year old son to read before I cracked the cover. He brought it back with tears in his eyes. I asked him what he thought of it. His comment was this: "It got me worried. I hope that I would be strong enough to fight off people that want to hurt someone like that."
I thought that was a pretty powerful statement. It also acted as a door opener to a conversation on what to do if you witness bullying. So, I say, kudos to you Ms. Montgomery. You have hit a nerve.
You Never Cared is available now on Smashwords. It's FREE people! Be the change you want to see in the world. Get on it.
April 14, 2011
This is short story about bullying, the story is being told by Jordan one of the bullies. I agree with some of the reviews that this book (as it is a free read) should be given to all schools for children in grades 7 & 8, and high schools students to read.
As a parent of a daughter who is gay I couldn't imagine what life would of been like for her if she had been bullied in school. Sometimes it just hard enough coming to terms with being gay in itself. This story breaks your heart as there are so many children out there being bullied and feel they have no choice but to end their life. 16 pages and it hits you right were it should.
Thank you Michele Montgomery for writing this and sharing it with us.
As a parent of a daughter who is gay I couldn't imagine what life would of been like for her if she had been bullied in school. Sometimes it just hard enough coming to terms with being gay in itself. This story breaks your heart as there are so many children out there being bullied and feel they have no choice but to end their life. 16 pages and it hits you right were it should.
Thank you Michele Montgomery for writing this and sharing it with us.
March 26, 2012
2.5/5 stars - mostly because the author had a chance to write a really intriguing story about bullying, but fell short by writing such a short tale with no meat behind it. I almost felt cheated because it was so short. I know bullying is a tender subject, so I wanted to feel very moved by the story, but instead I felt like it was a superficial soap-opera. I think if I had build-up to the story, instead of it all unfolding as a discussion between two people at a funeral, I might feel quite diffferently.
April 9, 2011
The saddest part of this fictional short story is that it's really NOT fiction. Someone, somewhere, every moment of every day is harrassed and bullied because they are different. And far too many see suicide as the only way out. It has to stop, we have to make it stop. We have to teach our children that tearing someone else down doesn't make them more, it makes them far far less. Kudos to Michele for writing such a strong piece AND for making it a free read!
April 10, 2011
This book is a powerful story about what can happen if you bully. About Jordan a bully in high school who along with his friends picked on and tormented Casper. It is Jordan's story. How he has to live with the consequences of his actions and what he does to honor Casper's death.
It is a short read, only 16 pages and Michele Montgomery is kind enough to share it for free. Every child from middle school up should read this story! It packs a powerful punch.
It is a short read, only 16 pages and Michele Montgomery is kind enough to share it for free. Every child from middle school up should read this story! It packs a powerful punch.
April 20, 2011
While mostly told through internal dialogue (telling, without much showing) this story still held a strong emotional impact, told through the eyes of the bully who caused a teen's suicide.
The ending was too uplifting given the tone of most of the story, and I didn't like Larry's decision, but to eavesdrop on the narrator's soul searching in the face of the sorrow, grief, and pain of the surviving lover of his bully victim brought tears to my eyes.
The ending was too uplifting given the tone of most of the story, and I didn't like Larry's decision, but to eavesdrop on the narrator's soul searching in the face of the sorrow, grief, and pain of the surviving lover of his bully victim brought tears to my eyes.
June 13, 2012
It is hard to think about what to "rate" this because I think there are factors to incorporate into it. I'm settling on 4 stars. Although, Michele told me it will be expanded and once I reread the new version being published (at some point) I will more than likely up the rating to 5 stars.
As those who read my reviews know, I dislike short stories. (Michele even told me I "scare her a little" and I wonder if it is because of this?) I find it frustrating to jump into a tale, get information coming at me in a whirlwind and then BOOM! it's done. I like a build up. I like in-depth character sketches, and an ending that resolves or builds up for a sequel. So yeah, I had to knock off a star for that. :p (Or maybe my blunt opinions scare her?)
Don't get me wrong, I liked the story. What I liked most was that it was from the bully's POV. I haven't read any story like that so it was a refreshing change from the norm. I LIKE stories where I am not predicting things all the time. As a writer it is hard to read things and NOT come up with where the story is going. So when I am surprised, I like the story WAY more. This was a great depiction of how it felt to BE the one who bullied and then the recipient kills himself. WOW! I think Ms. Montgomery did a great job telling Jordan's point of view after the fact. It was good.
My nit-picks: It's too short! She does herself an injustice by only writing a snapshot of the events. I think there is way more that could add to it and I am looking forward to the longer version when it comes out. Another thing, Jordan says he broke his nose seven times? That seems excessive to me. (But I haven't broken my nose ever so...) Whatelse? The end. WAY TOO ABRUPT with the mention of Larry and Jordan etc... I think there should be more in between the ending and the epilogue. My opinion.
All in all I would recommend this to everyone, especially those who have known a bully or a bullied person. I think it gives great insight into the "other person's shoes". Jordan does feel remorse and I think that is often overlooked in books on this subject. Bully's are people too and sometimes it takes extremes to get them to rethink their decisions.
Thank you Michele for writing the book. I hope that you continue to push forward and write books that make readers think!
As those who read my reviews know, I dislike short stories. (Michele even told me I "scare her a little" and I wonder if it is because of this?) I find it frustrating to jump into a tale, get information coming at me in a whirlwind and then BOOM! it's done. I like a build up. I like in-depth character sketches, and an ending that resolves or builds up for a sequel. So yeah, I had to knock off a star for that. :p (Or maybe my blunt opinions scare her?)
Don't get me wrong, I liked the story. What I liked most was that it was from the bully's POV. I haven't read any story like that so it was a refreshing change from the norm. I LIKE stories where I am not predicting things all the time. As a writer it is hard to read things and NOT come up with where the story is going. So when I am surprised, I like the story WAY more. This was a great depiction of how it felt to BE the one who bullied and then the recipient kills himself. WOW! I think Ms. Montgomery did a great job telling Jordan's point of view after the fact. It was good.
My nit-picks: It's too short! She does herself an injustice by only writing a snapshot of the events. I think there is way more that could add to it and I am looking forward to the longer version when it comes out. Another thing, Jordan says he broke his nose seven times? That seems excessive to me. (But I haven't broken my nose ever so...) Whatelse? The end. WAY TOO ABRUPT with the mention of Larry and Jordan etc... I think there should be more in between the ending and the epilogue. My opinion.
All in all I would recommend this to everyone, especially those who have known a bully or a bullied person. I think it gives great insight into the "other person's shoes". Jordan does feel remorse and I think that is often overlooked in books on this subject. Bully's are people too and sometimes it takes extremes to get them to rethink their decisions.
Thank you Michele for writing the book. I hope that you continue to push forward and write books that make readers think!
May 23, 2011
The shortness of this story didn't work for me, particularly since the subject matter is so devastating. Casper we only get to know through Sammy's eyes and while it is heartbreaking to read of Sammy's grief and loss, I felt distanced. Jordan, the narrator, as well as one of the bullies, came across as self-absorbed... too many "I" and "me" sentences... and I felt myself getting angrier and angrier at him because he still didn't get it. It was still all about him. Although the Epilogue, set 2 years later, did redeem him somewhat.
September 4, 2022
So so sad, more so because the bullying that brings the situation where someone feels there is no where to go to make the pain go away. This story is told from the pov of a bully, one who has contributed to the suicide of a seventeen year old boy. It's tough to read, and happens everywhere.
April 10, 2011
This is a FANTASTIC short story about bullying, from the perspective of the bully. I wish every bullies can read how their action can result in such torment and even ending life of others. It has a powerful message to it. Must read ...
March 7, 2016
When we are young and in high school we may bully others to put them down to make us look better, but later in life we mature and change---very good book worth reading to see how one persom changes from a bully to a man
April 10, 2011
This is simply so heartbreaking.
November 3, 2011
So very sad. Had me crying.
April 21, 2011
I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life....such a powerful story. Everybody should read this.
September 6, 2011
Very very sad short story of the effects of bullying. Very well written and absolutely heartbreaking.
September 10, 2011
Puh - that's all I can say.
January 16, 2012
Have tissues near...that´s all.
February 12, 2018
A very emotional story about adolescent bullying, love and regret.
April 9, 2011
Fantastic story! I wish all those bullies out there would read it.
July 19, 2011
Strong and important message
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews