Karen Clarke brings a new, fresh perspective to the problem of bullying in her nonfictional work, From Bullied to Brilliant: How to Artfully Avoid Fitting In. The author presents an enlightening, comprehensive treatise on an age-old problem that has been receiving much attention in recent years, partly due to the new platform for bullying – social media. The psychological explanations underlying the roles of “bully and victim” are explored from a unique point of view. The section, debunking some familiar myths, was also especially informative. Likewise, lists of strategies to live within one’s own personal power are an excellent resource for those rebuilding self-esteem. The personal stories of a number of successful people, who lived through difficult bullying situations, offer hope to those who feel disempowered, or have no positive role models in their lives.

If you have been affected by bullying in any form, you should consider picking up From Bullied to Brilliant: How to Artfully Avoid Fitting In by Karen Clarke. Not only is the book full of helpful and practical information, it explains the reasons why this form of violence is prevalent in today’s society. Ms. Clarke’s style of writing is easy to read and understand. She presents a great deal of valuable information in short chapters, organized in well-titled sections. The addition of inspirational quotations throughout the book enhances one’s emotions and thoughts surrounding this phenomenon. This book touches both the mind and the heart. Not only does the reader gain a broader understanding of bullying, but can react to all people affected by it with compassionate competency.

The title of Karen Clarke's new book says it all: From Bullied to Brilliant, How To Artfully Avoid Fitting In. For many children, and indeed adults, trying to fit in is the be-all and end-all of one's daily life. But Clarke turns that concept on its head. In a smart, informative, yet relatable way, Clarke takes us deep into the minds of bullies to see how they tick, then she provides tricks, tools, and facts to use when a parent finds out that a bully has targeted their own child. The style and appearance of the writing and different sections really helped to categorize and emphasize the text.

One aspect of the book that I really appreciated was that different stories were injected throughout - Tanja's Story, Matthew's Story, etc - which all assisted in bringing to life the concepts that Clarke was discussing in the concurrent sections. While there is a lot of meat here, and it will take a while to digest some of the concepts, I felt that all of the information was very helpful and logically sound.

Karen Clarke has found an artful combination of information, creativity, humor, and general knowledge of human psychology to discuss a difficult, but prevalent issue in today's society. Every parent should have a copy of From Bullied to Brilliant on hand when attempting to navigate the traumatic middle and high school years with their kids. Even adults will be able to glean some great techniques in dealing with a bullying boss or friend.

From Bullied to Brilliant: How to Artfully Avoid Fitting In by Karen Clarke is a non-fiction book on bullying and how some people can distance themselves from their bullied past and move on to a brilliant future. More importantly, this book helps parents and children understand how they can stop themselves from being bullied. Clarke has done her research on this topic and she too has been a victim of bullying in her life. And as she is a mother of school aged children, her facts and sympathies are spot on. You can understand her point because she understands yours.

She is not just condemning bullying. She is actually giving the reader useful information. She helps us to understand why bullies are this way, why they attack, how you end it, how you can protect yourself, and how you can turn this into a positive event. Sometimes, the most bullied people are the most successful people. They make their experience their power and rise above all and have a successful life. She also mentions this and gives us “7 Steps to Peaceful Personal Power,” which is basically telling us to channel positivity in life and calm down.

This book will definitely help people understand bullying and bring a sense of calm into their life. Since the school year is starting or has started in many parts of the world, this would be a wonderful book for kids who are victims of bullying. Remember that there are many forms of bullying and not every child shares these experiences with their parents. Just buy this book and ask them to read it; if they need help they will find it here. This is a wonderfully informative book that will help kids all over the world.

Bullying comes in many forms and pretty much anyone has the potential to be a bully. It is, however, most common in situations where one is seen to be different from what society deems to be normal. Instead of embracing and celebrating our diversity, the bullying culture victimises those that are believed to not conform to what is believed to be the norm. In her deeply insightful book titled From Bullied to Brilliant: How To Artfully Avoid Fitting In, Karen Clarke shines a fresh light onto the vice so it can be understood and practical ways forward can be formed. Karen starts by deeply dissecting the subject of bullying and giving the reader a clear understanding of its different forms and roots, before moving on to offer handy solutions and a practical way forward.

From Bullied to Brilliant: How To Artfully Avoid Fitting In by Karen Clarke is a very informative book that gives a fresh take on this sensitive subject, with realistic advice that can easily be applied in day-to-day situations. The stories shared, from people who have suffered at the hands of bullies and prevailed, are a strong source of inspiration and a message to all that if you are going through it, you are not alone and you too can overcome. Bullying comes in many forms and can take place anywhere - at home, at school, at work, and just about anywhere in society. From Bullied to Brilliant is a must-read for all authority figures and for those they seek to protect. Whether you are or have been a victim of bullying, or you are simply seeking practical solutions so you can support those dealing with it, you will find this book a truly worthy read. From Bullied to Brilliant shares knowledge to empower readers to find the strength and confidence to overcome.