Lisa Lilly asked Kevin O'Brien:

Sorry, my previous question referred to You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, not No One Needs to Know. I loved that one as well, along with all your other novels. ?

Kevin O'Brien Hi, Lisa--I'm so sorry to take so long to get back to you! Thanks for your thoughtful questions. What a sad story about your high school classmate. When I was promoting YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE, I always asked my audiences if anyone was ever bullied in school. Each time, at least a third of the audience members raised their hands. I think kids who are being bullied feel ashamed about it. At least, that was my own experience. I was getting picked on in high school, because I wasn't the most masculine kid around. I didn't want anyone to know that I was being bullied, because I was ashamed. I hated myself for being so passive. I did my best to avoid the guys who were bullying me. Eventually, I joined the varsity gymnastics team, and people left me alone. In fact, a few former tormentors actually become friends (sort of). I think if we can remove the shame of being bullied from the victims, they'd be more likely to get help--from other students, teachers and family. My best friend in high school was a jock, and he had no idea I was being tormented. I told him about it later, and he said, "Why the hell didn't you say anything? I would have beaten the crap out of those guys!" Anyway, Lisa, as you might guess, writing YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE was very therapeutic for this former bullied teen! Thanks again for your question.

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