‘Ghosted’ by Leslie Margolis

I wanted to read this book because it’s from the perspective of the mean girl -- a perspective that I think is important to understand if we’re to combat bullying.

Why do people engage in bullying behavior? What needs or desires does it speak to? What would it take to get them to stop?

In the case of Ghosted, the bully point-of-view character is a girl named Ellie.

First of all, what I like about this book is the idea that someone can change. Who you are now does not define you forever. That said, I didn’t find it believable when Ellie changed for the better.
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(I’m going to venture that this revelation is not a spoiler; given the ghostly-visitation and reliving past experience that comes right out of A Christmas Carol.)

Truthfully, I found Ellie so unlikeable, so wholeheartedly committed to nastiness, that I just couldn’t relate. She doesn't just become a bully; she actually reads books about mean girls so she can be all-the-better at meanness.

I really tried to relate to Ellie as the story’s main character. But it seemed like every time I managed to evoke some sympathy for Ellie, she would lash out with hateful actions toward everyone in her life.

What bothered me was that Ellie seemed so very calculated in her meanness. And I didn’t understand why people put up with her when she treated everyone like dirt.

Reading this book has piqued my interest to explore other books by Leslie Margolis. And truthfully, I know that I am not the target reader for this book. My expectations, my reactions, were specific to me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinion expressed is my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”