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Bleak: A Story of Bullying, Rage, and Survival
“Why did he come back?" Tommy Tate finished his sophomore year alone at home, suspended from Latimer High School. Hated, dangerous, and accused of plotting to murder a classmate, Tommy was considered a monster by his peers and community. He swore that he would never step foot in LHS again. But now it’s fall, and after a summer of silence, Tommy arrives for the first day of school, leaving everyone to ask - why did he come back?
346 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
20 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Honeycutt
3 books14 followersI was inspired to start writing after being bullied in elementary school. Reading Beverly Cleary's Dear Mr. Henshaw allowed me to reflect on how writing could be a meditative practice that allowed me to channel my negative experiences into a creative outlet.
My dream is that my writing can continually be a light for those who need one -- and give those a voice who otherwise would not have one.
My dream is that my writing can continually be a light for those who need one -- and give those a voice who otherwise would not have one.
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December 29, 2021Hey! I'm the author of this book. I'm not sure if this is customary on Goodreads but I thought I would leave a review of my thought process behind writing Bleak. Feel free to let me know if there is a more ideal way to do this on this platform. When I was in elementary school, I was playing a soccer game at recess. One of my classmates yelled out that, “anyone who doesn’t want to be on Ben’s team should come to mine.” Everyone left. I was alone against my entire class and a thought entered my mind. “If life was this bad at 11 years old, how will it ever get any better?”
It had been a bad year. I was constantly targeted in the hallways and playground. I sat at the girl’s lunch table to avoid the targeted abuse I received every time I sat at the boys table. It was a daily struggle to survive.
I was fortunate enough to have parents who intervened. They got me to what was unofficially known as a “last chance” charter school for three years. I spent a lot of that time healing. I lived in constant fear that it was going to happen all over again. That someone would find out I was weird, or a born loser, and then I’d be all alone. For the next year I wore a backwards hat and glasses to hide my face, out of worry that if someone saw me, they’d know I was a loser. It took a while, but eventually I accepted and embraced the fact that I was different. I was weird, and the reality that I was never going to be accepted by some people. It gave me a renewed perspective when I eventually did return to a public high school. But I never forgot that feeling of being alone, and what I couldn’t shake is that when I did open up to an adult in my elementary school, I was told “bullying did not happen here.” This abuse, something I faced every single day, was denied to have even existed. What recourse did an 11 year old even have in that situation? I never had a chance to be heard at that school — I didn’t even have a place I could go. What I couldn’t let go of were the kids who weren’t lucky enough to leave their situations. It was that realization that made me want to create something.
At eighth grade. I watched The Breakfast Club and realized I wanted to write a book inspired from my experiences. The question I had after the Breakfast Club was what would happen the Monday after that detention? I had a sinking feeling that Monday Morning would break apart the Breakfast Club under the weight of their high school’s pseudosociety. In high school, I read The Chocolate War — and Robert Cormier’s work rocked my world. I realized that I wanted to write a book about that critiqued the systems that allowed and encouraged the bullying that happened in schools every day. I didn’t want the antagonist of the book to be a student, but the system that ignored and encouraged the targeted abuse that students receive every day to maintain the order of the school. As I grew older, the abusive environment that thrived in my elementary school also existed in workplaces, non-profits, and universities around the world. As a cashier at my college dining hall, I began working on my novel through unused pieces of receipt paper during dead times in my college dorm (6-8am). I wrote 20 chapters of my book on hundreds of unused receipts - I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I owed it to my past self to finish this book. Bleak became heavily shaped by William Mastrosimone’s Bang Bang You’re Dead, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, John Green’s Looking for Alaska, and the works of Langston Hughes. 16 years after I stood alone on that soccer field, I finally held my novel in my hands.
If any student today is wondering is now in the position that I once was, and wondering if their life can ever get any better, it is my hope above all else that Bleak can be a light in their world.
It had been a bad year. I was constantly targeted in the hallways and playground. I sat at the girl’s lunch table to avoid the targeted abuse I received every time I sat at the boys table. It was a daily struggle to survive.
I was fortunate enough to have parents who intervened. They got me to what was unofficially known as a “last chance” charter school for three years. I spent a lot of that time healing. I lived in constant fear that it was going to happen all over again. That someone would find out I was weird, or a born loser, and then I’d be all alone. For the next year I wore a backwards hat and glasses to hide my face, out of worry that if someone saw me, they’d know I was a loser. It took a while, but eventually I accepted and embraced the fact that I was different. I was weird, and the reality that I was never going to be accepted by some people. It gave me a renewed perspective when I eventually did return to a public high school. But I never forgot that feeling of being alone, and what I couldn’t shake is that when I did open up to an adult in my elementary school, I was told “bullying did not happen here.” This abuse, something I faced every single day, was denied to have even existed. What recourse did an 11 year old even have in that situation? I never had a chance to be heard at that school — I didn’t even have a place I could go. What I couldn’t let go of were the kids who weren’t lucky enough to leave their situations. It was that realization that made me want to create something.
At eighth grade. I watched The Breakfast Club and realized I wanted to write a book inspired from my experiences. The question I had after the Breakfast Club was what would happen the Monday after that detention? I had a sinking feeling that Monday Morning would break apart the Breakfast Club under the weight of their high school’s pseudosociety. In high school, I read The Chocolate War — and Robert Cormier’s work rocked my world. I realized that I wanted to write a book about that critiqued the systems that allowed and encouraged the bullying that happened in schools every day. I didn’t want the antagonist of the book to be a student, but the system that ignored and encouraged the targeted abuse that students receive every day to maintain the order of the school. As I grew older, the abusive environment that thrived in my elementary school also existed in workplaces, non-profits, and universities around the world. As a cashier at my college dining hall, I began working on my novel through unused pieces of receipt paper during dead times in my college dorm (6-8am). I wrote 20 chapters of my book on hundreds of unused receipts - I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I owed it to my past self to finish this book. Bleak became heavily shaped by William Mastrosimone’s Bang Bang You’re Dead, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, John Green’s Looking for Alaska, and the works of Langston Hughes. 16 years after I stood alone on that soccer field, I finally held my novel in my hands.
If any student today is wondering is now in the position that I once was, and wondering if their life can ever get any better, it is my hope above all else that Bleak can be a light in their world.
November 8, 2024
2024 Edit to Add: This book will stay with you. It will be one that you think about. It will be a book you want your children to read.
Original Review:
My friend, Ben Honeycutt, wrote a book! It was aimed for young people and it covers really weighty topics. It starts with a very shocking introduction which made me immediately want to know what happened. This is one book that I was actually tempted to look at the last chapter first! I never do that. But this book introduced a theme right on its first pages that shocked me, and brought tears to my eyes. Part of me felt like I had to know... I didn’t do that; I read the book as it is intended. It is at times devastatingly sad because this one sweet, young boy is bullied to the point that he dislikes himself. As a mother it hurt me; I ached. I found myself grieving for this child.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I do not want to spoil this book for anyone. It should be read by teachers and shared with children. It should be read by parents of any child of late grade school and middle school age. I think it tells an important story. I don’t read a lot of middle grade or YA novels, and for me they always feel slightly clunky. These books are dialogue heavy. Ben’s book is no different. But the characters and story will grab you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The book does some really sweet things, showing school IDs and text messages in images not just words. Its cover is the most appropriate and symbolic of any I have seen.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s almost impossible to give a star rating to a book that is written by one of your very good friends.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Insight: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional Impact: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialogue: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Prose: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Audience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (However I believe it is the right ending for the audience intended. It is just that I prefer more open ended and devastatingly sad endings.)
Original Review:
My friend, Ben Honeycutt, wrote a book! It was aimed for young people and it covers really weighty topics. It starts with a very shocking introduction which made me immediately want to know what happened. This is one book that I was actually tempted to look at the last chapter first! I never do that. But this book introduced a theme right on its first pages that shocked me, and brought tears to my eyes. Part of me felt like I had to know... I didn’t do that; I read the book as it is intended. It is at times devastatingly sad because this one sweet, young boy is bullied to the point that he dislikes himself. As a mother it hurt me; I ached. I found myself grieving for this child.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I do not want to spoil this book for anyone. It should be read by teachers and shared with children. It should be read by parents of any child of late grade school and middle school age. I think it tells an important story. I don’t read a lot of middle grade or YA novels, and for me they always feel slightly clunky. These books are dialogue heavy. Ben’s book is no different. But the characters and story will grab you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The book does some really sweet things, showing school IDs and text messages in images not just words. Its cover is the most appropriate and symbolic of any I have seen.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s almost impossible to give a star rating to a book that is written by one of your very good friends.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Insight: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional Impact: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialogue: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Prose: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Audience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (However I believe it is the right ending for the audience intended. It is just that I prefer more open ended and devastatingly sad endings.)
December 9, 2020
I don’t know where to even begin. This book is an eye-opener for many different ways. Some if the areas were hard to read, but knowing the truth of the existence of the topic and how many of these things do happen is what helps push through. Bullying is such a harsh thing that many of our students and people in general unfortunately have had happen or happening still. The writing makes you feel like you are right there with them and some of it is heartbreaking. This is a book that I would recommend to middle school, high school students and teachers and others.
August 30, 2024
Kevin Honeycutt did our professional development this year and shared that his son had written this book. So glad I picked it up, I will definitely be sharing it with HS students on my caseload!
December 31, 2020
As a teacher, I wish more parents would read stories like this. Bullying is a real problem for students. Benjamin truly draws you into the character's story. It portrays the real-life struggles of students and the need to reach out. You feel as if it is written about your own life. It's easily relatable for some. A must for parents of today.
Want to read
December 15, 2020Saw Benjamin on Reddit and became interested in his story! Will read in 2021.
October 23, 2020
"Bleak," A Novel We Can All Relate To
"Bleak" - without hope, desolate or dreary. Though titled "Bleak," this novel by Ben Honeycutt defies its own definition. It is an honest portrayal of one young man's (Tommy's) personal victory over the bullying and societal prejudices he faced from childhood through high school. The novel is written in the third person takes place almost exclusively at high school with some references to Tommy's earlier years. From my perspective of being a high schol teacher and counselor for forty-three years, this book really hits home. The various students characterized are people we all probably recognize from our high school years. Yet, they were not stereotypical. Each was unique and often surprised me with their words or actions. This novel has many twists and turns as Tommy untangles his way through friendships and new feelings. I really enjoyed reading this novel as its twists and turns kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. I think this would appeal to audiences of any age group from high school through those in our senior years. We can sometimes look back and wonder what role we would have played in this novel. Great read, keeps you turning the pages for more
January 9, 2021
As a retired teacher and school counselor, I wish this were required reading before becoming a certified teacher and become an inservice training for all school staff, for developing empathy and understanding for kids living in difficult and undeserved situations, kids who are looked down upon, ridiculed and mistreated, kids who have to go to schools every day. This book can do that! How can anyone NOT be angry with the inhumane and unjust treatment of Tommy and others in this book? What kids from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds experience that trigger their behaviors and the repercussions is brilliantly portrayed throughout the story! It is SO undeserved and incredibly damaging and even life-threatening! Teachers need to recognize this happening not only among students but also themselves and their colleagues and make a difference! Ben Honeycutt's portrayal of situations and people give much needed perspectives that SHOULD call for change! Thanks Ben!!!
November 30, 2020
This story gives a clear picture of what some kids go through in high school (and before) and how it affects them. It truly helps you to understand some of the reasons people act as they do. Most of all, the picture of what simple kindnesses can do to make a difference. There is a very gentle reminder that wounded people need mercy when that kindness is rejected because they are used to being mistreated and cannot believe anyone would ever love them for who they are. I was so afraid it would end differently and so glad it didn't!! This would be a great book to share with young people!
April 19, 2021
It feels weird to give a low rating to a book about such an important topic, but I can't rate it higher. All of the characters were one-dimensional stereotypes. No one felt like they could be a real person, like when you watch those teen dramas written by people who haven't been teenagers in several decades and never spend time around teens now. While I think bullying and suicide are topics people need to discuss more and work harder to combat, there are countless books that cover them significantly better than this one.
October 26, 2020
I don't know how to describe what I was feeling the whole time I was reading it. There was pain and anger. There was hope and devastation when it all went wrong again.
I felt the total anguish his mother was feeling and at that point I cried. Then there was happiness and a feeling of relief.
I loved the characters except for the bullies!
I really felt the book was wonderful. It kept my interest to the point I wanted to just keep reading.
Thank you!
I felt the total anguish his mother was feeling and at that point I cried. Then there was happiness and a feeling of relief.
I loved the characters except for the bullies!
I really felt the book was wonderful. It kept my interest to the point I wanted to just keep reading.
Thank you!
November 22, 2020
Ben Honeycutt clearly shows, through these characters, everyone has areas of their lives where they are broken. The way they respond to their brokenness makes the difference. There is a Tommy, an Adam, a Mr. Stallard, a Mr. Austin in every school. The hope for the Tommy’s is they will find the Mr. Austin in their life.
January 10, 2021
The message of bullying and its affects are real and painful to read. This type of harassment is something everyone should be aware of and help prevent. The story itself though is laborious and a bit over thought. It could be told much more succinctly and needs a lot more proofreading, as there are many errors. All in all it is a good but not great book.
July 21, 2021
This book was a phenomenal read! I grew up with the author of this book, I can tell he really put his heart into this! Its definitely one of those books once you pick it up you cant put it back down. It leaves you wanting more and more after each page. It reminded me in a lot of ways of the breakfast club! He truly captured everything through the characters and talked about a big issue many of us don't like talking about with bullying, definitely a big eye opener! I truly cant wait for more pieces from my dear friend. I was truly impressed by the whole book, if you haven't gotten your copy yet what are you waiting you won't be disappointed with this read!
May 1, 2023
I’ve been telling Ben for over a year his book was in my stack and I’m now sad I kept putting it off. This was incredible.
This book and I got off to a rough start as the chronological jumps were a bit unclear—the first 120 pages or so were rough. But it began heating up and the writing continuously improved. After page 204, I didn’t want to put it down. These last 140ish pages are some of the best writing I’ve read in ages. This is a prime example of why I never DNF a book! Ben I am ready for your next one! Love the subtle references to Kansas throughout the book that one might not easily pick up on (i.e. Air Capital Star). The relationship that Mr. Austin has with his students reminds me of a few of my favorite teachers from MHS. My heart is so full. Thank you Ben, I’m blown away. And I am so happy the next generation has educators like you and Natalie!
This book and I got off to a rough start as the chronological jumps were a bit unclear—the first 120 pages or so were rough. But it began heating up and the writing continuously improved. After page 204, I didn’t want to put it down. These last 140ish pages are some of the best writing I’ve read in ages. This is a prime example of why I never DNF a book! Ben I am ready for your next one! Love the subtle references to Kansas throughout the book that one might not easily pick up on (i.e. Air Capital Star). The relationship that Mr. Austin has with his students reminds me of a few of my favorite teachers from MHS. My heart is so full. Thank you Ben, I’m blown away. And I am so happy the next generation has educators like you and Natalie!
October 12, 2020
As a close friend of Ben, I have watched this story evolve and result in what we have today.
In all of its transformations, this story has one key element at its core, which is the bravery and commitment it offers in telling the truth about the lives of young adults in our society. It’s not easy, but lasting relationships and experiences are forged along the way. Growth becomes the theme of this journey.
Tommy Tate’s story in Bleak will resonate deeply for those who know a bit about what his life feels like, and I hope it will open others’ eyes to the lessons we all must learn to discover our humanity.
I promise this book is worth your time.
In all of its transformations, this story has one key element at its core, which is the bravery and commitment it offers in telling the truth about the lives of young adults in our society. It’s not easy, but lasting relationships and experiences are forged along the way. Growth becomes the theme of this journey.
Tommy Tate’s story in Bleak will resonate deeply for those who know a bit about what his life feels like, and I hope it will open others’ eyes to the lessons we all must learn to discover our humanity.
I promise this book is worth your time.
June 21, 2021
As a middle school teacher, it is heart breaking to read of the hurt and pain that students endure throughout their educational journey. Bleak is that journey made by Tommy. My heart ached for him and made me think of so many students of my own that I tried to be that teacher that made their day a bit more bearable.
Every teacher needs to read Bleak and every librarian needs to have Bleak on display, front and center. Yes, it is Bleak, but there is also light throughout that will speak to students that are being bullied by their peers.
Bleak is an exceptional reading experience. Thank you Benjamin Honeycutt for sharing this story with us, your very appreciative teacher reading fans.
Every teacher needs to read Bleak and every librarian needs to have Bleak on display, front and center. Yes, it is Bleak, but there is also light throughout that will speak to students that are being bullied by their peers.
Bleak is an exceptional reading experience. Thank you Benjamin Honeycutt for sharing this story with us, your very appreciative teacher reading fans.
October 17, 2021
Author Benjamin Honeycutt has deftly created a world in which people in various echelons of American caste are nuanced and provided due dignity. Class and bullying are topics that are incredibly difficult to grapple with. Although there are times when the character relationships or plot turns necessitate further exploration, the people never fail to feel real and true to lived experience. Can’t wait for the author’s next book!
May 8, 2024
A lot of times when I was in school and just wherever really, I felt like I was being bullied, some people would look at me weird, talk behind my back, say some rude things, and I'm actually surprised how much the book relates to some parts in my life.
This is an amazing book!!!!!!!!! It was so enjoyable to read! AMAZING!
This is an amazing book!!!!!!!!! It was so enjoyable to read! AMAZING!
February 2, 2022
It really was a moving book as we follow the torment that Tommy faces. I wasn't too invested at some points, but I think the book did a great job of setting up the multiple characters and leaving it up to the reader to determine whether Tommy should trust their actions. I think it is worth a read.
June 8, 2022
Bleak is a captivating story about a group of high schoolers struggling with bullying, manipulative adults, and toxic relationships. Despite a lot of the story focusing on high school life and sports, the story managed to stay extremely captivating even to someone who is far removed from both of those topics. I wasn't bullied much as a teen, nor do I know anything about sports, nor can I relate to some of the problems the characters are suffering with - but that didn't stop me from caring about them and being eager to find out what happens next.
Each character is fleshed out so well that they feel like real humans with real lives, and you can almost always understand where a character is coming from because their viewpoint is made clear by the authors excellent writing. I can easily recommend this book to anyone, really, but especially if you are in education or have suffered from bullying in the past. As an educator or a parent, I think this story clearly demonstrates the struggles that the youth can face day to day, and even when things may seem insignificant to an adult, it could mean life or death to a teenager struggling with depression and loneliness. The shifting viewpoints help to paint a vivid picture of different situations from various angles. There are several great role models in the story, people who try their hardest despite the obstacles they face. People who can overcome their fears and insecurities and become braver than they ever knew possible. I sincerely enjoyed this story throughout my time with it.
Most of my experience with this novel is through Audible, though I've read parts of the Kindle version as well. Whether you are listening to it or reading it yourself, Bleak will have you hooked until the very end.
Each character is fleshed out so well that they feel like real humans with real lives, and you can almost always understand where a character is coming from because their viewpoint is made clear by the authors excellent writing. I can easily recommend this book to anyone, really, but especially if you are in education or have suffered from bullying in the past. As an educator or a parent, I think this story clearly demonstrates the struggles that the youth can face day to day, and even when things may seem insignificant to an adult, it could mean life or death to a teenager struggling with depression and loneliness. The shifting viewpoints help to paint a vivid picture of different situations from various angles. There are several great role models in the story, people who try their hardest despite the obstacles they face. People who can overcome their fears and insecurities and become braver than they ever knew possible. I sincerely enjoyed this story throughout my time with it.
Most of my experience with this novel is through Audible, though I've read parts of the Kindle version as well. Whether you are listening to it or reading it yourself, Bleak will have you hooked until the very end.
November 26, 2023
Full disclosure, I’m not much of a reader. Complete honesty, at first I read this book because Ben is a friend of mine and I wanted to support a friend accomplishing the goal of publishing a work.
But there’s more to this book than that. It really resonated with me, having come from a past of being bullied at a point in time as a child. Ben challenges your perception of people and their individual struggles without needlessly challenging your reading comprehension, and that’s where the beauty lies. This is a book that many readers across many levels can pick up, enjoy, and find a piece that really clicks with them.
I came into this book thinking I would read it slow and steady to support a friend. Instead, I finished it in a matter of a few days because it became hard to put down. I always found myself wanting to know what would happen next.
Give it a read. I think you’ll be glad you did.
But there’s more to this book than that. It really resonated with me, having come from a past of being bullied at a point in time as a child. Ben challenges your perception of people and their individual struggles without needlessly challenging your reading comprehension, and that’s where the beauty lies. This is a book that many readers across many levels can pick up, enjoy, and find a piece that really clicks with them.
I came into this book thinking I would read it slow and steady to support a friend. Instead, I finished it in a matter of a few days because it became hard to put down. I always found myself wanting to know what would happen next.
Give it a read. I think you’ll be glad you did.
June 6, 2025
Hey, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and students! You absolutely must read Ben’s book, Bleak. It’s a gripping story about bullying and coping that’ll make you think, feel deeply, and gain a whole new understanding of this issue. Don’t miss out on this incredible read! Make sure your middle school and high school kids get their hands on it. In fact, if I were still teaching HS English, I’d make it required reading in my classroom. Ben is now a fantastic teacher, but this book was written while he was in college. I love that he mostly wrote it on the backs of receipts and paper scraps while working. It’s a true masterpiece of writing with a powerful lesson for all of us.
September 6, 2025
I met the author at a teacher's retreat in Colorado. It is a very personal story for him as he endured bullying which the adults at his school encouraged. Tommy Tate is so distrustful of others because of the relentless bullying by a star basketball player and his friends. He feels so hated and rejected that when someone truly wants to be his friend, Tommy is suspicious. He has trouble believing that anyone would want to be his friend. How many Tommys do we see every day in our schools? Thank God that Tommy had an art teacher, Mr. Austin who cared enough about him to connect with and help him to understand his worth as a person. This book challenged me to see people who others may not notice and to do my best to help them any way that I can.
June 21, 2021
I tried. I'm sorry. Couldn't even finish it.
I bought this book thinking it'll give me a realistic depiction of bullying and the struggles going through it. None of the characters seemed real, made of flesh with real emotions and feelings and fears and struggles. I can't even remember them to be honest.
The bullying itself seems like a caricature: all the characters' lives seem to turn around the bullied person, which is... Most bullies in real life don't care about their victims. They don't spend even half of the amount of time depicted thinking about their victims.
This book had good intentions, but it felt flat.
I bought this book thinking it'll give me a realistic depiction of bullying and the struggles going through it. None of the characters seemed real, made of flesh with real emotions and feelings and fears and struggles. I can't even remember them to be honest.
The bullying itself seems like a caricature: all the characters' lives seem to turn around the bullied person, which is... Most bullies in real life don't care about their victims. They don't spend even half of the amount of time depicted thinking about their victims.
This book had good intentions, but it felt flat.
January 5, 2022
Benjamin Honeycutt does an excellent job of portraying the realities of adolescence that some of our youth face in school and the drastic measures they contemplate taking in order to feel they can survive certain situations. The story also shows the difference a teacher can make in the life of their students whether it be intentional or accidental. The book hooked me from the first chapter, and the emotions of the characters could be easily felt which equally hurt and healed my heart. I was asked to read this book and participated in a book giveaway to obtain my copy. I’m so glad I agreed. This book is a must read!
September 9, 2021
Mr. Honeycutt, you're so awesome. I usually highly dislike reading but this book got me so attached. I like reading about high school or middle school stories. This book was so suspenseful and just overall so exciting. EVERY SINGLE character was unique and I loved all of them. (Except Mr. Stallard) haha. I think its so amazing that you made it from some experience. Sorry you dealt with that in the past. But you have become an inspiration to me. I was so lucky to have a class of yours! Thank you for writing this book! I love it!
October 1, 2022
Essential reading about much more than bullying!
Bleak is a well-written, semi-autobiographical, and unrelenting view inside the lives of students at Latimer High School, where ugly truths hide in plain sight. With a memorable voice and full of characters most will recognize from our high school days, Bleak provides emotional and valuable insight into the harsh realities teens face, as well as the enormous emotional, psychological, and physical toll of bullying--as well as the light at the end of the tunnel.
Bleak is a well-written, semi-autobiographical, and unrelenting view inside the lives of students at Latimer High School, where ugly truths hide in plain sight. With a memorable voice and full of characters most will recognize from our high school days, Bleak provides emotional and valuable insight into the harsh realities teens face, as well as the enormous emotional, psychological, and physical toll of bullying--as well as the light at the end of the tunnel.
August 14, 2025
I saved reading the last 25ish pages for days because I didn’t want the book to end. It would feel like losing a friend. I finally finished it, and I will think about these characters for a long time. I can’t wait to check out the curriculum.
May 13, 2021
I haven't read it but i want to read it. i will give you this rating because your my 1st fav teacher and because you always been there for meh.
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