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Bully Brother: A true story of brotherly heartache and love

Craig M. Dial (Goodreads Author),

Leanne Sype (Editor)

really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 11 ratings · 9 reviews

Against the backdrop of 70's culture, music, and fashion, young Craig navigates growing up as the middle child in a family of seven, trying to find his place among his siblings, an overworked, irritable father, and his Italian mother who thrived on "food is love." While both tender and humorous experiences filled Craig's childhood, he was relentlessly bullied by his older ...more

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Kindle Edition, 163 pages

Published May 23rd 2018

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Mar 04, 2019 Diane rated it really liked it

What drew me to Craig Dial's memoir Bully Brother is that Craig is one of five children who grew up in the 1960s and '70s, like my husband and I both did.

The book opens with a disturbing scene where eight-year-old Craig's older brother David has him pinned to the ground and is tormenting him. Craig screams for help, but no one comes. David torments Craig physically and emotionally, and Craig is fearful of him. Brothers tease each other and fight with each other, but this is something more ...more

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Apr 30, 2019 Amy Buckle / Amy's Bookshelf rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-on-amy-s-bookshelf

Bully Brother is a non-fiction book written about the life of the author, Craig M. Dial, growing up in the 70s and the things he experienced as a kid and his relationship with his family. Although the narrative focuses on Craig, his brother David is often the subject of the narration because Craig’s desire to show how cruel he was, was important to the narrative. However, by the end, this book is more about the way we choose to love people who hurt us because we love them, and I liked how that Bully Brother is a non-fiction book written about the life of the author, Craig M. Dial, growing up in the 70s and the things he experienced as a kid and his relationship with his family. Although the narrative focuses on Craig, his brother David is often the subject of the narration because Craig’s desire to show how cruel he was, was important to the narrative. However, by the end, this book is more about the way we choose to love people who hurt us because we love them, and I liked how that message unfolded throughout the novel.

What I liked about this book was its honesty; as a true story, I’m sure Dial didn’t want to sugar-coat anything in the book in order to properly convey what he experienced as a child, and I think he achieves this nicely. I also really loved all the references to music and other markers to show what era the book is set in – it really helped give it some authenticity. It was also interesting to see the things Dial remembered from his childhood, such as his decision to make slingshots and sell them to his friends, and the first jobs he had, and how excited he was at their salaries.

Non-fiction is always a bit difficult in that, because it’s real life, you can’t make up fantastical and far-fetched plot points in order to keep the reader engaged, so the biggest problem with this book is that it was just too plain. Sure, the bullying Dial experiences when he was a child doesn’t sound nice at all, but overall, there was never much sense of danger, trepidation, or fear in this book, everything felt very safe.

That being said, it was enjoyable to read a book which was simply about a family and their dynamic and relationships with each other, and it was also very interesting to see that despite Dial’s brother David relentlessly bullying him, they still loved each other as brothers, and Dial looked up to him, no matter how he behaved.

Bully Brother explores the unconditional love you possess for your family, despite their misgivings. Dial’s book is safe, and mostly uneventful, but I liked its comfortable feeling. Sometimes there’s something interesting in reading about the unextraordinary, and Bully Brother will make you think more about how we choose to forgive those around us, even when they might not deserve it. ...more

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Jan 23, 2019 Frank Frisson rated it really liked it

Bully Brother: A True Story of Brotherly Love and Heartache is a true story based on the life of author Craig M. Dial between the ages of eight and sixteen. I was surely intrigued to review this book because the 1970s was always a time that interested me. The pop culture back then must've been one hell of time to have grown up in. Being bullied is something that every one of us book geeks can relate to, so this book landing on my lap must be a boon from above.

The author's story begins in 1970. Bully Brother: A True Story of Brotherly Love and Heartache is a true story based on the life of author Craig M. Dial between the ages of eight and sixteen. I was surely intrigued to review this book because the 1970s was always a time that interested me. The pop culture back then must've been one hell of time to have grown up in. Being bullied is something that every one of us book geeks can relate to, so this book landing on my lap must be a boon from above.

The author's story begins in 1970. From the onset of the novel, Craig's big brother David, who is stronger and bigger than him, bugs him a bit. But that is what David does most of the time. It is David's loving side that Craig saw that made him want to be just like his big brother. And there are random things that Craig does learn from David while he grows up. Craig has a big family. The change of his mindset is essentially the most important aspect of this novel. I wouldn't call the younger Craig exactly cowardly, but through his experiences, we learn that missing an opportunity to stand up for oneself is a clear sign of not just disrespecting others, but yourself as well. He has a brother younger than him that needs teaching as well.

Having lived in Marin County in a town called San Rafael, seeing Craig grow up is reminiscent to me because in him I saw an almost mirror reflection of my own self in my younger years. It's a bit difficult getting through the parts where he gets bullied by his older brother, but the author shows little negativity about it. The book is enjoyable in that sense. Bullied children are usually extremely vulnerable to depression. Miserable. But the author clearly knows a thing or two about elaborating when it comes to the lives of his family members.

Dial goes out of his way to deliver easy to imagine setting descriptions. He elaborates on buildings, especially the inside as seen in the chapter where Craig gets a chance to tag along with his father to work one day. On this day, he is extremely proud of his father, who works as an office worker at a construction company. The author sees another side of his father that he doesn't see much at home. A man who is respected and who laughs more. Sometimes he does chores around the house and it is nice to David or Craig giving him a hand.

The author's character descriptions weren't that good to me, but they were well enough to make me see the characters clearly. "Timmy had blonde hair, fair complexion and was a year younger than David, but they were two peas in a pod, always hanging out and laughing and scheming on their siblings." This is an example of a simple character description that could do with some elaboration. Or better, if Timmy's personality was defined and differentiated from David's, he would've seemed more realistic to me.

David's attitude towards his younger brother is misleading because we notice that there are tidbits of goodness in him throughout the whole book. But David is like this big meanie who disguises his goodness. He loves music and has this record player for listening to music. "David bought records and kicked us out of our room while he listened to the record albums." I actually loved David's proclivity to work on his younger brother's nerves when, whether he knows it or not, he actually turned out to be Craig's rolemodel.

Each member of Craig's family has a different problem to contend with, so this novel isn't as jejune as it would've been if the author's main focus were entirely on bullying. His father is hardworking and loves his mother, a stay-at-home mother who loves to bake. She can bake an assortment of treats. The author also has an older sister named Bernadette who has an eating disorder to deal with.

The author perfectly uses a more child-like narrative voice to portray his life during the 1970s in his early years. There was a brief dose of hippie culture when Craig went out with his family at one point. I wished that the author made everything that was popular during the 1970s more realistic. Not just through mentioning the popular songs songs of the time, but also through mentioning things like movies, video games, and politics during that time. If the author focused more on politics and things that happened during that time, I would've enjoyed this book more.

There was a shock at the last part of the novel that I didn't expect. Though it was sad and unexpected, I had to shed a tear - what came afterward spurred me to keep more books from Craig M. Dial in mind. He looses somebody close to him and it was truly a heartbreaking moment in the book. The pain that Craig and his family felt reminded me of my own experiences, and the healing that the author eventually got was inspiring.

My compliments to Craig M. Dial for writing an amazing story that kept me enthralled throughout the whole book. I had no idea what I was in for when I started reading this book, but there was always something for me to take as a lesson. Every child has to grow up at some point and being bullied is not to be used as an excuse for going forward.

There are some amazing and iconic songs that readers can enjoy while reading this book. The author's recommendation to readers is that they should be connected to the internet while doing so. Some of the tracks include Edison Lighthouse's "Love grows where the Rosemary goes", Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime", and Simon and Garfunkel's " Cecilia. Get a copy of this book as soon as possible and enjoy the music that the author lists at the back as well. ...more

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May 09, 2019 Beccaboo rated it liked it

read my full review at www.beckbecksbooks.com

I received this book for free from the author, Craig M Dial, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.

I had been meaning to read Bully Brother for quite a while. The author sent me a copy a long time ago. I misplaced it and he was kind enough to send me another copy. I’m glad he did.

I always make this disclaimer, but as with any memoir or ...more

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Apr 14, 2019 Rebecca rated it really liked it

Bully Brother is a great read and a wonderfully descriptive text, you can see a clear picture of everything that is happening. The author has even set the scene with songs you can listen to while reading the book. I found this feature to be very interesting and unlike other books I have read. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to you. My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in return for my review.

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Dec 18, 2018 Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews rated it really liked it

First, I want to thank Craig M. Dial for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

I have had the privilege this year to read some amazing memoirs that will stay with me after I have finished reading them. Bully Brother by Craig M. Dial is a true story of brotherly heartache and love is definitely one to be added to that list.

This is a true story that is about Craig’s life between the ages of eight and sixteen beginning in 1970. Unlike any other authors I have read for he First, I want to thank Craig M. Dial for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

I have had the privilege this year to read some amazing memoirs that will stay with me after I have finished reading them. Bully Brother by Craig M. Dial is a true story of brotherly heartache and love is definitely one to be added to that list.

This is a true story that is about Craig’s life between the ages of eight and sixteen beginning in 1970. Unlike any other authors I have read for he suggests having the internet available while reading. When the story refers to a song title and artist, pause your reading, then search and listen to the music. The song will help set the stage for the tone of the story line for that chapter, and may help you better appreciate and understand the book. There is a play list in the back of the book.

Craig shares incredible in-depth detailed stories about his mother, father and siblings growing up in California. The fact that he can remember all the details that he shared is mind blowing. I felt that I was actually there as he was telling the stories. He sure does has a gift for storytelling and needs to continue his writing career.

After reading about Craig’s Mom I would love to meet her! Homemade Italian food is my weakness and I love to cook. I would love the chance to have a cooking lesson from her. Reading everything she cooks for everyone in the book was making me hungry. Lasagna is my total weakness! Craig was very lucky to grow up with a Mom like her.

Please don’t let the title of the book Bully Brother fool you. Yes, growing up he was bullied but all kids are but read this book and there will be a life lesson at the end of the book.

There is a turning point in the book that even I did not see coming that totally surprised me. This part of the book Craig poured his heart and soul into it. He was incredibly passionate about this section of the book. I totally understood why. My heart goes out to him and his family. From this section on was in my opinion was his best writing yet.

This book is dedicated to Craig’s only daughter, Renee. He wishes she were still alive to read this book and he knows that your beautiful spirit shines on.

Craig would like to thank his wife Sandra for encouraging him for writing this book. He also wants to thank his Nephew David, for whom he was named after my brother, but the two never met. He thanks him for asking you years ago about the man you were named after. You helped me get the courage to this story. ...more

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Jan 24, 2019 Claudia Bechtol rated it it was amazing

Craig Dial's memoir of early 70's Marin County was to me, at first a Why is this important? It's a memoir and it's only a kid. I don't like waxing nostalgic about what alot of us feel are the good ol' days and that bygone times were so much more real and important and better, etc etc. And Craig's older brother was pretty darned mean and yes, I have an older brother who was a real jerk at times, but not as bad as Craig's brother, David.
Of course our older brothers had to be cool and dress right ...more

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Dec 08, 2018 Sarah Carter rated it liked it

Shelves: books-i-ve-reviewed

“If David could have just been nice to me, then life would have been perfect!”

Craig grows up right in the middle of a family with five children and is constantly tormented by his older brother, David. It’s not just the typical sibling rivalry, but bullying that involves violence, trickery, control and spit. His parents take a laid-back approach to sibling relationships, so David gets away with all his tormenting to all his siblings. It’s only after a tragedy that the siblings find peace.

Bully ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Lauren Jones rated it really liked it

right past us.

For those who have siblings, you can definitely relate to the whole whirlwind of concepts that come when you mention “brotherly love”. Dial has a truly heartfelt and pragmatic sense of self when discussing the bouts of brotherhood, especially with being a middle child. What makes this story worthy to stand out among the crowd of all other familial biographies, you ask? This one certainly has some serious emotional angst, but the strength that this author has to publish this work of right past us.

For those who have siblings, you can definitely relate to the whole whirlwind of concepts that come when you mention “brotherly love”. Dial has a truly heartfelt and pragmatic sense of self when discussing the bouts of brotherhood, especially with being a middle child. What makes this story worthy to stand out among the crowd of all other familial biographies, you ask? This one certainly has some serious emotional angst, but the strength that this author has to publish this work of non-fiction about his youth are prevalent with the words spoken and the messages relayed through his own memories. Nothing is more credible than a true story.

Craig begins the story with the sibling rivalry between him and his older brother, even going into detail about gross childish tendencies involving all of the classic torture tactics like spit pools, wet willies and farts while being held down. He also discusses the good days too; those good days seemed to be blissful and Craig admits to learning a lot from his older brother. As both grow in age, he treks on with his life which is nothing short of a roller coaster. In it, he shares the joy of school and work, happiness that gets from the community, and pride over his family and accomplishments. Nothing can ever prepare a family for heartache when she strikes, for she is a quick one and leaves no mercy. Craig walks the reader through this passage of his life too, knowing that someone will be able to find solace in knowing that there is light after darkness, no matter how dark or for how long it seems to fall around you.

Dial’s biographical story is credible since he is writing about his own life and the life of his family. While there are some spelling and grammatical errors, this should not hinder enjoyment of the novel. The pace is fast and steady, allowing the reader to be able to zip through the pages quickly. If you are a reader of non-fiction and memoirs, you may like to read this one. While this story is one told of compassion, laughter, and a love for music, there are some parts that are difficult to get through even though the author remains honest and open about every experience.

A physical copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the author and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating to Bully Brother by Craig M. Dial. ...more

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