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Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite
All I Want for Christmas is a V.R. Supercube by Dan Absalonson is a short story that gives a different perspective on bullying. Written from a first person point of view, Alfred, who has a history of being bullied by Blair, overhears a conversation between Blair and his mother. From this, Alfred sees Blair in a different light. For a brief moment in time, Alfred puts himself in Blair’s unfortunate place, and decides to take a chance and do something good. The outcome is satisfying and believable.
This short story reminds me of the movie Overboard, where the butler explains to the rich woman that she was able to experience someone else’s world for a brief moment in time, something that few people are ever able to do. This is what Alfred allowed his senses to experience when he began to understand Blair’s world. Alfred’s plan was a risky one, with no guaranteed outcome, but he showed courage in reaching out in the hopes of making a new friend.
Bullying is a hot topic in today’s world. This story goes beyond the generic 'Stop Bullying, Say No To Bullying' and other formulaic expressions by showing what a single act of kindness does for and to someone else. No strings attached. The gift given was no guarantee that the unkind actions would stop, and therein lies the risk that brave Alfred was willing to take. All I Want for Christmas is a V.R. Supercube by Dan Absalonson is a Christmas story, yes, but I think it could be used any time of the year for coming to grips with how to deal with bullying. Highly recommended.
