Quick Take

Bobby Kent was a bully--a steroid-pumped 20-year-old who dominated his peers in their comfortable, middle-class Ft. Lauderdale beach community through psychological, physical and sexual abuse. But on a summer night in 1993, Bobby was lured to the edge of the Florida everglades with a promise of sex and drugs and was never seen alive again. The tormentor had become the victim in a bizarre and brutal act of vengeance carried out with ruthless efficiency and cold-blooded premeditation by seven of his high school acquaintances, including his lifelong best friend and instigated by one overweight, under-loved teenager who believed her life would be perfect if only Bobby Kent were dead.Bully is a riveting story of adolescent rage and bloody revenge all the more harrowing and horrific because it's true.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Bully: a True Story of High School Revenge

Introduction

"Bully: a True Story of High School Revenge" is a chilling true crime book written by Jim Schutze. It tells the story of Bobby Kent, a 20-year-old steroid-using college student who dominated his peers in Florida through psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. One night in 1993, Bobby was lured to the edge of the Florida everglades and murdered by a group of his high school acquaintances, including his best friend and instigator Lisa. The book delves into the adolescent rage and bloody revenge that led to this brutal act of vengeance.

About Jim Schutze

Jim Schutze, the author of "Bully: a True Story of High School Revenge," is a journalist and writer known for his investigative reporting and true crime writing. With a background in journalism, Schutze brings a depth of research and analysis to his writing, ensuring that readers are immersed in the facts and details of the case.

Analysis of Views

True Story of High School Revenge: Many readers praised the book for its true storytelling. They found it captivating and harrowing, especially since it is based on real events. The fact that the story takes place in a high school setting adds an extra layer of horror to the narrative.
Well-Researched and Easy to Follow: Readers appreciated the author's attention to detail and thorough research. The book's timeline was praised for being easy to follow, allowing readers to understand the events leading up to the murder and the subsequent investigation.
Gripping and Emotional: The book was described as gripping and emotionally charged. Readers found themselves drawn into the story, feeling the intensity of the characters' emotions and the weight of their actions. The book's ability to evoke strong emotions was a significant factor in its impact on readers.
Reality Check: Some readers found the book to be a harsh reality check, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature. The portrayal of the young adults involved in the murder and their lack of remorse resonated with readers, who recognized the potential for violence and cruelty within their own communities.
Disturbing Content: While many readers found the book compelling, some found it disturbing due to its graphic depictions of violence and abuse. The portrayal of Bobby's abuse and the brutal nature of the murder were particularly challenging for some readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Well-Researched and Thorough: Readers appreciated the author's attention to detail and thorough research, which added depth and credibility to the story. The book's well-crafted timeline made it easy to follow and understand the events leading up to the murder.
Gripping Storytelling: The book's gripping narrative kept readers engaged from start to finish. The emotional intensity of the characters and their actions kept readers invested in the story, making it difficult to put down.
Reality Check: Some readers found the book to be a valuable reality check, highlighting the potential for violence and cruelty within society. The portrayal of the young adults involved in the murder served as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of empathy and understanding.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Disturbing Content: Some readers found the book's graphic depictions of violence and abuse disturbing, which may be a barrier for those who prefer lighter reading material. The book's focus on darker aspects of human nature may not appeal to all readers.
Lack of Remorse: Some readers were troubled by the lack of remorse displayed by the characters involved in the murder. The fact that they could justify their actions and blame others for their predicament added an additional layer of discomfort for some readers.

Conclusion

"Bully: a True Story of High School Revenge" by Jim Schutze is a compelling true crime book that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. Through its well-researched narrative and gripping storytelling, it provides readers with a chilling look at adolescent rage and bloody revenge. While some readers found it disturbing due to its graphic depictions of violence and abuse, others appreciated its reality check and valuable insights into the potential for violence within society. Overall, "Bully" is a thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact on its readers.