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Invisible
Chase Devereaux is a fifteen year old boy under a great deal of stress. He has to give a speech today for his Oral Communications class, and he's terrified of public speaking. Worse yet, he's being bullied by one of the most popular kids at school. He just has to make it through his third-hour gym class and then give his speech, and everything will be all right. The events about to transpire, however, may make this what proves to be the worst day of his life.
14 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2010
2519 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Erno
71 books641 followersJeff Erno currently lives in southern Michigan. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources. Jeff began writing stories in the late 1990's and initially posted them to a free online amateur website. The positive feedback he received from readers encouraged him to continue, and this eventually led to the publication of his first novel, Dumb Jock. Erno has subsequently published several other novels.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
July 23, 2016
FAG.
WUSS.
CRYBABY.
Readers,I am an emotional wreck now...
How can a story of 14 pages be so powerful??
I have read many full length supposedly emo books not feeling a thing.But this...I found myself sobbing!!
"They all know what I am, and they know I deserve everything I get. Of course they do, or they wouldn’t just stand there watching as Brad humiliates me. They wouldn’t laugh at my expense."
Yes,you must have understood that this deals with...Teen bullying!!
"An invisible day is a better-than-average day. Invisibility means no name calling, no fag jokes, no gut punches or pranks. On an invisible day, I make it out unscathed."
Yes...INVISIBLE!!
But strangely I did not cry when he was being bullied.I cried because of what came after that.
Please read this to find out!!
That's all for now!!
Thank you Awilk!!If it wasn't for you,I would not have read it so soon.
Goodbye Readers!!
October 20, 2016
Posted at Hearts on Fire Reviews
Chase Devereaux is a shy, sensitive and unpopular 15-year-old who is not at all like the kids who are cocky, athletic and popular with students and teachers alike.
All he wants to do is get through the day, but the bullies won't let him.
I recalled very painful memories of my own younger brother who was sensitive, smart, and so not into sports. He managed to survive his school years, though many others are not as fortunate.
I enjoyed reading this very short story that ended with a message of hope and friendship. It made me shed a few tears of sadness and joy and also made me realize that the problems young people face today are no different than they were when I was in school.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Chase Devereaux is a shy, sensitive and unpopular 15-year-old who is not at all like the kids who are cocky, athletic and popular with students and teachers alike.
All he wants to do is get through the day, but the bullies won't let him.
I recalled very painful memories of my own younger brother who was sensitive, smart, and so not into sports. He managed to survive his school years, though many others are not as fortunate.
I enjoyed reading this very short story that ended with a message of hope and friendship. It made me shed a few tears of sadness and joy and also made me realize that the problems young people face today are no different than they were when I was in school.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
January 2, 2013
5 stars
I can't think of a better read to begin the New Year.
There are a few books I feel everyone should read. Invisible is one of them. This type of book, which deals with the devastating effects of bullying, transcend genres and speak to humanity.
This short 14-page book is its own review.
Link to free ebook http://www.goodreads.com/reader/9653-...
I can't think of a better read to begin the New Year.
There are a few books I feel everyone should read. Invisible is one of them. This type of book, which deals with the devastating effects of bullying, transcend genres and speak to humanity.
This short 14-page book is its own review.
Link to free ebook http://www.goodreads.com/reader/9653-...
December 30, 2012
Invisible... Is a window into a child's view of the world as a victim... It may be short, but the message is profound! 14 pages that will have you sobbing your heart out...
Jeff Erno has given us more in this short than some authors try to achieve in a full length novel. He gets into your head and evokes such powerful emotions through his excellent command of language and lyrical prose, it is just beautiful yet at the same time heartbreaking as you sit and absorbe the words and their meaning.
The vessel for this talent is a 15 year old boy... Chase Alexander Devereaux!
Chase yearns and dreams of Not being the child that he is... you see Chase... is Gay with all the nuances and mannerisms that go with it, he has never been masculine and has absolutely no aptitude towards sport... and this makes him Different!
As a victim of bullying, you feel you are at fault, as though you deserve the unwanted attention, that somehow you are broken for all to see and you deserve to be treated badly, it is a traumatic and lonely existence but you accept it as per the norm!
Bully's live off fear... they breath it in and it sustain's them. Empowers them. Not only do they physically abuse but they also torment their victims by their presence alone... no words, no look or glance needed to render their victim's helpless. Chase lives with the anxiety, pain, desperation and sadness of it all daily... and he just wants to be... Invisible!
I made my 17 year old son read this story... he is not Gay and he thankfully is not victim of bullying. He is however an advocate in his school that stands against it... I found him later in tears!
This story is immensely powerful... I think it should be part of the National curriculum for all children between the age of 14 and 18.
Read it... it will move you to tears.
This is a free read on Jeff Erno's website
http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
For more reviews, please visit... Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Thank you Awilk for bringing this little gem to my attention...
Jeff Erno has given us more in this short than some authors try to achieve in a full length novel. He gets into your head and evokes such powerful emotions through his excellent command of language and lyrical prose, it is just beautiful yet at the same time heartbreaking as you sit and absorbe the words and their meaning.
The vessel for this talent is a 15 year old boy... Chase Alexander Devereaux!
Chase yearns and dreams of Not being the child that he is... you see Chase... is Gay with all the nuances and mannerisms that go with it, he has never been masculine and has absolutely no aptitude towards sport... and this makes him Different!
As a victim of bullying, you feel you are at fault, as though you deserve the unwanted attention, that somehow you are broken for all to see and you deserve to be treated badly, it is a traumatic and lonely existence but you accept it as per the norm!
Bully's live off fear... they breath it in and it sustain's them. Empowers them. Not only do they physically abuse but they also torment their victims by their presence alone... no words, no look or glance needed to render their victim's helpless. Chase lives with the anxiety, pain, desperation and sadness of it all daily... and he just wants to be... Invisible!
I made my 17 year old son read this story... he is not Gay and he thankfully is not victim of bullying. He is however an advocate in his school that stands against it... I found him later in tears!
This story is immensely powerful... I think it should be part of the National curriculum for all children between the age of 14 and 18.
Read it... it will move you to tears.
This is a free read on Jeff Erno's website
http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
For more reviews, please visit... Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Thank you Awilk for bringing this little gem to my attention...
December 30, 2012
14 pages that speak volumes!!
"I remained silent and let it happen. Shame on me, and shame on all of you. Shame on you for knowing and doing nothing! Shame on you for ignoring what is happening right before your eyes. You all know it’s wrong. I know it’s wrong. Yet we all continue to allow it to happen."
Chase is more of a man than Brad will ever be! Don't stand by and watch, be a doer! Make a difference in someone's life by showing you care...take a stand!
Message received loud and clear! Thank you Jeff Erno!
This will bring you to Jeff Erno's free reads. Just scroll down and Invisible is the second free read!
http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
Read
April 15, 2011This is a short story I have written. It is free, and I encourage readers to share it with anyone they feel may enjoy it. The theme of the story is timely, as it relates to teen bullying. (New cover image added 4/15/2011)
December 18, 2012
This is a very moving short about bullying and being "different." As a mother, I worry about these issues as my kids grow up, so this struck a chord with me. I found myself holding back tears as I read this outside my daughter's school before picking her up. Very well written and a powerful message.
December 30, 2012
Screw Goodreads 5-star maximum! INVISIBLE gets 100 Stars! Hell, it gets INFINITE STARS AND A STANDING OVATION!!
This (very) short should be required reading for ALL people, EVERYWHERE!!! You want a summary?!
•DO NOT BULLY IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!
•DO NOT ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO BULLY, EVER!
•DO NOT EXCUSE BULLYING FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER!
•DO NOT TOLERATE INTOLERANCE!
•IF YOU *SEE* SOMEONE BEING BULLIED, IF YOU *HEAR* OF SOMEONE BEING BULLIED...DO SOMETHING!
Do something. It's that simple and that hard. Isn't it worth it to keep a kid, or a person of any age, from years of psychological trauma?? To possibly keep someone ALIVE?!?! The answer is, yes. Yes, it is worth it. Kids are worth it. Adults are worth it. Our fellow citizens of this country and the world are worth it. Give a damn, won't you?! NO MORE OF THIS INSANE, F***ING BULLYING!!!! MAKE IT STOP, ONE PERSON AT A TIME!
Please, PLEASE take the time, make the time, to read this short story. It's available for free here:
http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
This (very) short should be required reading for ALL people, EVERYWHERE!!! You want a summary?!
•DO NOT BULLY IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!
•DO NOT ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO BULLY, EVER!
•DO NOT EXCUSE BULLYING FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER!
•DO NOT TOLERATE INTOLERANCE!
•IF YOU *SEE* SOMEONE BEING BULLIED, IF YOU *HEAR* OF SOMEONE BEING BULLIED...DO SOMETHING!
Do something. It's that simple and that hard. Isn't it worth it to keep a kid, or a person of any age, from years of psychological trauma?? To possibly keep someone ALIVE?!?! The answer is, yes. Yes, it is worth it. Kids are worth it. Adults are worth it. Our fellow citizens of this country and the world are worth it. Give a damn, won't you?! NO MORE OF THIS INSANE, F***ING BULLYING!!!! MAKE IT STOP, ONE PERSON AT A TIME!
Please, PLEASE take the time, make the time, to read this short story. It's available for free here:
http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
January 13, 2013
If you haven't read this already then click on the link below to download it and do so.....because it'll take up only maybe 10 minutes of your time and it's worth it.....more than worth it....
http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/downl...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh. My. God.
How did this happen??
It's only 14 pages....and I can't stop crying...
I need tissues!! Dang it!
Quit being such a sissy and man up!!
Chase Alexander Devereaux is a 15 year old boy and he's smart, sensitive, brilliant, kind and so many other things....
But all he wants to do is Stay Invisible
Seems weird to be so invisible amongst all these people, but invisible is good. An invisible day is a better-than-average day.
Why???
Invisibility means no name calling, no fag jokes, no gut punches or pranks. On an invisible day, I make it out unscathed.
[image error]
Yes....because he's bullied by the jerks in his school because he's different...unique....
In gym when he's doing push ups....
“Count em aloud!” he orders. I think he’s addressing the group, but his remark is directed solely at me. “I said, ‘count em, faggot!’”
I stop, my chest pressed against the floor. I feel that same embarrassment, and I’m pissed. I push myself with all my strength. “Nine!” I yell. “Ten…Eleven.”
I feel his foot pressing into my back as he steps on me, forcing me down, “Five!” he yells, resetting my count.
And this is not an isolated incidence.....many more such incidences have occurred and have been occurring since god knows when....jerks who'd flushed down his self esteem and respect down the toilet with the rest of the children blindly following them...one jerk in particular.....
Why?? He asks himself.....Why him?? What’d he ever do? Why does he deserve to be treated like this?
I was crying....I could feel his pain...his tears....his anguish....his confusion....his need to be invisible.
I wanted to shout STOP IT!! STOP THE BUTTERFLYING BULLYING!!
Here's something for the bullies...
Amazing, isn't it? How my smile can't reach my eyes...
Because remember those words that came out of your mouth?
While everyone laughed...I just curled up and died inside
It's so easy for you, isn't it??
Make a joke, call someone fag...
Push me down...and use me as your punching bag...
Do you ever stop and think about the things you do??
The way your cruel smirk and eyes mock me
The way your taunting words hurt me
The way when you want an outlet and you come at me because I'm the easiest target
The way yours hands don't even hesitate for a second before they push me down
The way you don't even notice that when you finally leave, I'm still lying down on the ground..
Do you?? Do you ever think about the things you do??
I bet you don't!
I bet you don't know how I feel sick everytime
I bet you don't know how I cry myself to sleep every night
I bet you don't know how I struggle to keep my head down and avoid you at every point
I bet you don't know how my everyday has become a struggle to simply survive
I bet you don't know that now all I wanna do is be invisible...
[image error]
So, you know what??
Butterfly you!! - R.S.
For once just try and overcome the monster inside you....
And for all the victims of such bullying...(and it can be in so many forms....the extremes of which can turn into rape, murder, or other heinous crimes...)...
In the end....I'd say this Taylor Swift song - Mean says it all...
You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, pickin' on the weaker man
Well, you can take me down with just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides and your walk-by lies and your humiliation
You, have pointed out my flaws again as if I don't already see them
I'll walk with my head down trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I'll bet you got pushed around, somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now 'cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar, talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion but nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean, yeah
Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
Well, can you answer that??
I pray for the souls of all the bullies...they perhaps need it more than the victims...because what could have happened to make them that way??
http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/downl...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh. My. God.
How did this happen??
It's only 14 pages....and I can't stop crying...
I need tissues!! Dang it!
Quit being such a sissy and man up!!
Chase Alexander Devereaux is a 15 year old boy and he's smart, sensitive, brilliant, kind and so many other things....
But all he wants to do is Stay Invisible
Seems weird to be so invisible amongst all these people, but invisible is good. An invisible day is a better-than-average day.
Why???
Invisibility means no name calling, no fag jokes, no gut punches or pranks. On an invisible day, I make it out unscathed.
[image error]
Yes....because he's bullied by the jerks in his school because he's different...unique....
In gym when he's doing push ups....
“Count em aloud!” he orders. I think he’s addressing the group, but his remark is directed solely at me. “I said, ‘count em, faggot!’”
I stop, my chest pressed against the floor. I feel that same embarrassment, and I’m pissed. I push myself with all my strength. “Nine!” I yell. “Ten…Eleven.”
I feel his foot pressing into my back as he steps on me, forcing me down, “Five!” he yells, resetting my count.
And this is not an isolated incidence.....many more such incidences have occurred and have been occurring since god knows when....jerks who'd flushed down his self esteem and respect down the toilet with the rest of the children blindly following them...one jerk in particular.....
Why?? He asks himself.....Why him?? What’d he ever do? Why does he deserve to be treated like this?
I was crying....I could feel his pain...his tears....his anguish....his confusion....his need to be invisible.
I wanted to shout STOP IT!! STOP THE BUTTERFLYING BULLYING!!
Here's something for the bullies...
Amazing, isn't it? How my smile can't reach my eyes...
Because remember those words that came out of your mouth?
While everyone laughed...I just curled up and died inside
It's so easy for you, isn't it??
Make a joke, call someone fag...
Push me down...and use me as your punching bag...
Do you ever stop and think about the things you do??
The way your cruel smirk and eyes mock me
The way your taunting words hurt me
The way when you want an outlet and you come at me because I'm the easiest target
The way yours hands don't even hesitate for a second before they push me down
The way you don't even notice that when you finally leave, I'm still lying down on the ground..
Do you?? Do you ever think about the things you do??
I bet you don't!
I bet you don't know how I feel sick everytime
I bet you don't know how I cry myself to sleep every night
I bet you don't know how I struggle to keep my head down and avoid you at every point
I bet you don't know how my everyday has become a struggle to simply survive
I bet you don't know that now all I wanna do is be invisible...
[image error]
So, you know what??
Butterfly you!! - R.S.
For once just try and overcome the monster inside you....
And for all the victims of such bullying...(and it can be in so many forms....the extremes of which can turn into rape, murder, or other heinous crimes...)...
In the end....I'd say this Taylor Swift song - Mean says it all...
You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like I'm nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard, calling me out when I'm wounded
You, pickin' on the weaker man
Well, you can take me down with just one single blow
But you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides and your walk-by lies and your humiliation
You, have pointed out my flaws again as if I don't already see them
I'll walk with my head down trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I'll bet you got pushed around, somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now 'cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know what you don't know
Someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
And I can see you years from now in a bar, talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion but nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday I'll be living in a big old city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean, yeah
Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
Well, can you answer that??
I pray for the souls of all the bullies...they perhaps need it more than the victims...because what could have happened to make them that way??
December 21, 2012
As an expectant parent, the state of bullying in this country terrifies me. Bravo, Jeff Erno, for writing such a powerful story that resonates for its frank, emotional honesty.
December 17, 2012
A powerful short story about bullying. This is the story of Chace, a sensitive, smart gay teenager who is trying to survive terrible bullying that happens to him at high school.
For such a short story, I can't believe how emotionally involved I became while reading this. I had tears flowing from my eyes.
Thank you Jeff Erno, for writing something so moving and powerful, and freely sharing it with anyone who cares enough to read it.
For such a short story, I can't believe how emotionally involved I became while reading this. I had tears flowing from my eyes.
Thank you Jeff Erno, for writing something so moving and powerful, and freely sharing it with anyone who cares enough to read it.
January 2, 2013
14 pages with a powerful message!
IMO, There is NEVER any excuse for bullying and I agree with the author that this is a very serious issue. This is a short message touching on the aspects of gay teenagers and what many endure.
Being involved on numerous committees over the years in public schools, I've witnessed the pain and heartache among many who are bullied. It's been a topic of grave discussion with no concrete resolution to stop this negative behavior. Many are not gay and are bullied for other reasons, all resulting in some type of devastating results.
I'm happy to see the "No Bullying" classes being given in most public schools, but still feel this is not enough. In my opinion, those who habitually are doing the bullying need to be removed from school. Every child has the right to attend school in the safest and best environment possible. Those doing the bullying need to go!
The author gives a message how each of us can take a stand; to stand up for what is right.
Thank you Karla for bringing this to my attention. It's a free read from the author's website and I agree this would make a great handout.
I've included a link to Karla's review.... http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Here also is the link to author's website. Just scroll down the page to the second story to begin Invisible. http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
The author states....
"This is a short story I've written, and it is part of a collection, soon to be released as a novel. The five stories within draw attention to the serious issue of teen bullying, and each are presented from a different perspective."
IMO, There is NEVER any excuse for bullying and I agree with the author that this is a very serious issue. This is a short message touching on the aspects of gay teenagers and what many endure.
Being involved on numerous committees over the years in public schools, I've witnessed the pain and heartache among many who are bullied. It's been a topic of grave discussion with no concrete resolution to stop this negative behavior. Many are not gay and are bullied for other reasons, all resulting in some type of devastating results.
I'm happy to see the "No Bullying" classes being given in most public schools, but still feel this is not enough. In my opinion, those who habitually are doing the bullying need to be removed from school. Every child has the right to attend school in the safest and best environment possible. Those doing the bullying need to go!
The author gives a message how each of us can take a stand; to stand up for what is right.
Thank you Karla for bringing this to my attention. It's a free read from the author's website and I agree this would make a great handout.
I've included a link to Karla's review.... http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Here also is the link to author's website. Just scroll down the page to the second story to begin Invisible. http://www.jefferno.com/freereads_sto...
The author states....
"This is a short story I've written, and it is part of a collection, soon to be released as a novel. The five stories within draw attention to the serious issue of teen bullying, and each are presented from a different perspective."
January 9, 2013
I wish I could write a review that reflects how much reading this affected me, but the words fail me, and I end up crying. Bullying, no matter why it happens (I wasn't bullied for my sexuality I was just an easy mark when I was much younger) leaves marks that grow fainter over the years, but never quite go away. I'm so glad that it's finally coming out into the open, and more and more people are refusing to stand by and let it happen. Maybe someday no other kid will hear that it's their fault, and it will be no longer tolerated as something kids just do naturally.
September 25, 2014
Excellent.
December 19, 2014
Wow!
Let me dry the tears for a minute (not sad tears, just emotional ones).
This was such a realistic tell, I actually think it is THE most realistic I read in a while.
It IS only a very short story, but it feels like every sentence, every word, every letter, has a deep meaning.
It's a story about a terrified young boy, and you can TASTE his fear and his anxiety from a daily bullying at school.
You can FEEL, his hope for a little... tiny... BREAK, in his every day torture.
While every kid wants to shine in high school, his simple request is to be invisible!!
It hurts deep in the reader's heart to witness Chase's struggle.
Of course, I LOVED the end! It was beautifully and thoughtfully written, Very realistic as well.
Wow! Read it people!!
Big thank you to my dear Lena for the rec!
Let me dry the tears for a minute (not sad tears, just emotional ones).
This was such a realistic tell, I actually think it is THE most realistic I read in a while.
It IS only a very short story, but it feels like every sentence, every word, every letter, has a deep meaning.
It's a story about a terrified young boy, and you can TASTE his fear and his anxiety from a daily bullying at school.
You can FEEL, his hope for a little... tiny... BREAK, in his every day torture.
While every kid wants to shine in high school, his simple request is to be invisible!!
It hurts deep in the reader's heart to witness Chase's struggle.
Of course, I LOVED the end! It was beautifully and thoughtfully written, Very realistic as well.
Wow! Read it people!!
Big thank you to my dear Lena for the rec!
January 1, 2013
Wow. This short story was gut wrenching. I went through such a wide range of emotions, experiencing a day in the life of Chase Devereaux.
Anger. Pity. Despair and awe. Chase is fifteen years old and he is gay. He's not only gay, but very effeminate in his mannerisms. He has his own personal bully, Brad. Brad is beautiful, popular, and a jock that is liked by everyone. Brad makes Chase's life a living hell with verbal assaults, physical brutality, and public humiliations. Chase's dream isn't to be perfect or popular. It is to just be invisible.
I encourage everyone I know to read this short story. If you have children, have them read it too. I can't recommend this book enough!
Invisible is free on Jeff Erno's webpage.
Anger. Pity. Despair and awe. Chase is fifteen years old and he is gay. He's not only gay, but very effeminate in his mannerisms. He has his own personal bully, Brad. Brad is beautiful, popular, and a jock that is liked by everyone. Brad makes Chase's life a living hell with verbal assaults, physical brutality, and public humiliations. Chase's dream isn't to be perfect or popular. It is to just be invisible.
I encourage everyone I know to read this short story. If you have children, have them read it too. I can't recommend this book enough!
Invisible is free on Jeff Erno's webpage.
January 7, 2013
“I remained silent and let it happen. Shame on me, and shame on all of you. Shame on you for knowing and doing nothing! Shame on you for ignoring what is happening right before your eyes. You all know it’s wrong. I know it’s wrong. Yet we all continue to allow it to happen."
Such a short story to pack such an emotional punch. I'm wiping away tears as I write this and wondering if this stuff truly happens. But of course it does! Of course, when image is everything and immature, self absorbed people get to be in the spotlight. When others are afraid to be in the position of ridicule...so afraid that they allow it to happen.
Read this book! Talk to your kids, teach them to always, ALWAYS be kind. Most especially kind to those who are not normally shown kindness. This is free here on Good Reads, and takes less than twenty minutes to read...you really don't have any excuse.
Beautiful, touching story, Jeff Erno.
Such a short story to pack such an emotional punch. I'm wiping away tears as I write this and wondering if this stuff truly happens. But of course it does! Of course, when image is everything and immature, self absorbed people get to be in the spotlight. When others are afraid to be in the position of ridicule...so afraid that they allow it to happen.
Read this book! Talk to your kids, teach them to always, ALWAYS be kind. Most especially kind to those who are not normally shown kindness. This is free here on Good Reads, and takes less than twenty minutes to read...you really don't have any excuse.
Beautiful, touching story, Jeff Erno.
February 15, 2015
Well this broke my heart immediately. Ugh. I hate that kids like Chase have to deal with this shit. I hate that boys like Brad exist in this world and get off on hurting others for sport. It's much worse than when I was young and what happened to me wasn't called bullying, it as just called growing up. I will tell you, that at almost 40 years old, I can still give you the names I was called, the things that were done and those who never helped or even knew it was going on. It sticks with you even though you "grow out of it."
This short broke me and yet while I remember the things that were done to me, I worry about my own kids. My middle son is a bit of Chase and Trent. He is the ginger kid who doesn't quite fit in (he is 5'7" at almost 12 yrs old...) and yet he is also the kid who walks around at lunch making sure the other kids who don't fit in, have a friend in him to play with.
So yeah, this broke me and I am going to go sob in the shower so no one knows...
This short broke me and yet while I remember the things that were done to me, I worry about my own kids. My middle son is a bit of Chase and Trent. He is the ginger kid who doesn't quite fit in (he is 5'7" at almost 12 yrs old...) and yet he is also the kid who walks around at lunch making sure the other kids who don't fit in, have a friend in him to play with.
So yeah, this broke me and I am going to go sob in the shower so no one knows...
January 2, 2013
I am very glad I've started my 2013 reading off with this book.
A big thanks to Karla, Kristen, and Elizabeth who gave me the heads up on this incredible and sobering short story that is all too real.
Invisible takes a good look at bullying and the horrible emotional torment and abuse it causes. People are capable of such wonderful acts of love and compassion, but are also capable of great cruelty and evil. The key is to stand up to evil when it shows it's face. To have the courage to stand against it. Thank you for this reminder.
A big thanks to Karla, Kristen, and Elizabeth who gave me the heads up on this incredible and sobering short story that is all too real.
Invisible takes a good look at bullying and the horrible emotional torment and abuse it causes. People are capable of such wonderful acts of love and compassion, but are also capable of great cruelty and evil. The key is to stand up to evil when it shows it's face. To have the courage to stand against it. Thank you for this reminder.
December 30, 2012
READ THIS STORY
Proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages. This was such a powerful read.
Is there a poll for most powerful/moving/realistic scene in a book? Because the Gym scene would win hands down for me. So real. Is it a requirement for Gym teachers to ignore/turn a blind eye to bulling? I know my own gym teachers were either blind or just as much of a bully as some of the kids.
For a more articulate review read Monique’s Musings
While this short in no way needs any more, I would love to meet up with Chase a few years down the line.
Proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages. This was such a powerful read.
Is there a poll for most powerful/moving/realistic scene in a book? Because the Gym scene would win hands down for me. So real. Is it a requirement for Gym teachers to ignore/turn a blind eye to bulling? I know my own gym teachers were either blind or just as much of a bully as some of the kids.
For a more articulate review read Monique’s Musings
While this short in no way needs any more, I would love to meet up with Chase a few years down the line.
January 16, 2013
Don’t give in. Don’t let them win.
I sincerely hope that something like this happen in all primary and high schools wherever bullying goes after children and teens who are a little different. Even if from the point of view of somes, I'm gay, because I live in a relationship with a man (in fact, I'm bi), I've never been bullied by complete morons who do not know to highlight themselves otherwise than by lowering others, those who cannot do anything against it. But I had friends who where laughed at and ridiculed. One of them even thougt to suicide. He did not do it, but... It hurts every time I remember.
That is easy to tell the witnesses "Go tell the director or the teacher what happened" when we know pretty well that nobody will do it because that just makes things worse. If you have or know youths, tell them to speak out loud against it every time they witness other students being bullied. If one of them speak up, the others who know that it is wrong will join him/her.
I sincerely hope that someone will stand up in every classroom to talk about this terrible reality.
And, yes, I cried. :`(
August 10, 2013
If anyone can read this story without being touched in some way, I don't know if I would want to know that person. This is a very short story touching on the bullying of a 15 year old boy, Chase. My heart broke reading what Chase was forced to endure. And then it was made whole again by the actions of another young man.
This is very short (14 pages) but it pulls one hell of a punch. So much said in those few words. My thanks to the author for touching on something that is way too prevalent these days.
Everyone should read this. I don't care if you are gay, straight, have been bullied, have not been bullied, whatever. Just read it.
Review can also be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This is very short (14 pages) but it pulls one hell of a punch. So much said in those few words. My thanks to the author for touching on something that is way too prevalent these days.
Everyone should read this. I don't care if you are gay, straight, have been bullied, have not been bullied, whatever. Just read it.
Review can also be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
January 2, 2013
A powerful short story .
MUST READ.
Thank you to Kristen for recommending it.
Speaking of bullying, I wasn't bullied in high school but maybe you could say that I was bullied in a way for being the nerd, teacher's pet, the asthma kid, the sick girl, pimple girl during primary school years. It was more of being mocked. I wasn't physically bullied but words are powerful tools and hurts one to the core.
Though thanks to them, I'm now a more healthy person. I started going for swimming lessons, badminton when I was 13 and now I even join marathons. I still need inhalers but I'm no longer the weak sick girl I used to be. And today I'm more cautious with my diet, and skin has improved. Too vain like Narcissus who was enamoured by his own reflection is just too much, but vanity changes a person in a good way too.
Thank God my high school is a small school with only around 600 students from ages 13 to 19. We practically know each other well and get along in such a small school and there's not much fight or bullying that I know of during my 5 years in high school.
Bullying happens every where in every corner of the world. Doesn't matter if it's in kindergarten, primary school, high school , college, university or in workplace or even in public places. Yes it's important to stand up to the bullies but sometimes we lack the courage or the power to actually stand up to them. Even standing up to bullies requires the right time to give an impact.
Recently I saw the news of the Indian girl who was raped by six men when she boarded the bus with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was beaten severely and the poor girl died on New Year eve.
And there's this weird (I find it evil) religion in Korea where adults beat up children because they believe violence will result in good adults. It was nauseating when my friend told me about it.
This href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2x-L... is on a video about such religion. It feels scripted since it's a variety show but there is such religion/culture out there.
Nevertheless Invisible is a moving, thought provoking short story.
MUST READ.
Thank you to Kristen for recommending it.
Speaking of bullying, I wasn't bullied in high school but maybe you could say that I was bullied in a way for being the nerd, teacher's pet, the asthma kid, the sick girl, pimple girl during primary school years. It was more of being mocked. I wasn't physically bullied but words are powerful tools and hurts one to the core.
Though thanks to them, I'm now a more healthy person. I started going for swimming lessons, badminton when I was 13 and now I even join marathons. I still need inhalers but I'm no longer the weak sick girl I used to be. And today I'm more cautious with my diet, and skin has improved. Too vain like Narcissus who was enamoured by his own reflection is just too much, but vanity changes a person in a good way too.
Thank God my high school is a small school with only around 600 students from ages 13 to 19. We practically know each other well and get along in such a small school and there's not much fight or bullying that I know of during my 5 years in high school.
Bullying happens every where in every corner of the world. Doesn't matter if it's in kindergarten, primary school, high school , college, university or in workplace or even in public places. Yes it's important to stand up to the bullies but sometimes we lack the courage or the power to actually stand up to them. Even standing up to bullies requires the right time to give an impact.
Recently I saw the news of the Indian girl who was raped by six men when she boarded the bus with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was beaten severely and the poor girl died on New Year eve.
And there's this weird (I find it evil) religion in Korea where adults beat up children because they believe violence will result in good adults. It was nauseating when my friend told me about it.
This href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2x-L... is on a video about such religion. It feels scripted since it's a variety show but there is such religion/culture out there.
Nevertheless Invisible is a moving, thought provoking short story.
March 29, 2012
This is only 14 pages long and it had me crying during almost the whole time. Just so touching and powerful.
January 3, 2013
Sad, compassionate and thought provoking read.
Link to free read of Invisible.
Link to free read of Invisible.
July 18, 2013
Such an incredible and powerful message.
Anyone who has ever dealt with child bullying should read this.
Sad but uplifting too.
Thanks Susan for recommending this to me.
Anyone who has ever dealt with child bullying should read this.
Sad but uplifting too.
Thanks Susan for recommending this to me.
February 6, 2013
Short little story about a kid being bullied at school.
Sadly, I couldn't connect with Chase to appreciate this more than the 2 stars I gave it.
Sadly, I couldn't connect with Chase to appreciate this more than the 2 stars I gave it.
February 10, 2013
A short story (14 pages) about a boy Chase, who is being bullied in school. I loved this, it packs a punch. It gets the message across. Jeff did a great job with this story. It was short, honest and brutal. But it was beautiful.
I loved this. I will say it again, this had something that anyone could relate to. Gay, straight, bi, bullied or not bullied. This showed something. It only takes one person to tell the truth. I would gladly read an extended version.
Highly recommend this book. It is a must read and it should be read in schools too.
I loved this. I will say it again, this had something that anyone could relate to. Gay, straight, bi, bullied or not bullied. This showed something. It only takes one person to tell the truth. I would gladly read an extended version.
Highly recommend this book. It is a must read and it should be read in schools too.
December 18, 2012
This was a fabulous story. It has been a long time since I went to high school but this took me right back. Thankfully I was never the one to feel as badly as this. I do know that it happens all the time. This is the first time I have read this author but it is definitely not the last. Touching and incredibly real.
December 14, 2012
Pretty horrible what people will do to one another. An emotional short story about the viciousness of teen group dynamics--aka, bullying.
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