Please Stop Laughing at Me...

It is very seldom that I actually read an autobiography and when I do, it has to be on someone who I actually respect.

One day, as I was looking for a book to read, I came across this book titled “Please Stop Laughing at Me… One Woman’s Inspirational Story.” After flipping through the introduction, I became instantly interested in it as it had to do with bullying. Now, as far as I can recall, I have never been bullied before but I am very sensitive when I see bullying occur. Due to the nature of my profession, a high school teacher in a boys custody facility, I am constantly witnessing this type of behaviour and it incenses me… and so my interest in this autobiography.

The autobiography starts off when Jodee was in fifth grade and travels through to her high school graduation. In it, she talks about the countless times that she was teased, shunned and physically assaulted by her classmates because she was different. To combat her bullying, her parents transferred her to religious and private schools hoping to combat the problem but the problem persisted. Blanco was often subjected to medication, psychiatric diagnosis, counselling and various medication. Her family and others around her concluded that her bullying was brought upon by her and she fumes that her tormentors were never held accountable for their actions. It wasn’t until after graduating from high school did her torments disappear and it wasn’t until then that her life became optimistic.

The autobiography goes on to show how Jodee Blanco goes on to triumph over all adversary and to become a seasoned publishing executive who has worked with best selling authors, Academy Award-winning actors, Emmy Award-winning producers, and Hall of Fame professional athletes.

I would suggest this book to anyone who is a parent of young children and teenagers or who are involved in working with children. To me, it is a “must read!”