Dark / Emotional / Romantic / Gritty / Challenging

- Bully was Penelope Douglas's debut novel, published in 2013, which marked the beginning of their successful writing career in the new adult romance genre.
- The story has sparked discussions and analyses around the dynamics of bullying, providing a platform for dialogue about real-life issues faced by many young adults.
- Due to its popularity, Bully was later translated into multiple languages, reaching an international audience and earning a diverse fan base.

Readers who enjoy Bully by Penelope Douglas likely favor emotionally charged new adult romances with themes of angst and redemption. Fans of books like Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire or After by Anna Todd, which explore complex relationships and personal growth, would find this novel appealing.

Bully by Penelope Douglas receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its compelling exploration of personal growth and complex characters, enjoying the suspenseful narrative and intense emotions. However, some criticize the romanticization of bullying and the lack of depth in character development. Its high tension and drama make it a gripping but polarizing read.

Bully by Penelope Douglas follows a young woman navigating the complexities of high school while dealing with emotional challenges and a tumultuous relationship with a former friend. The story explores themes of personal growth, resilience, and overcoming adversity within a setting of drama and tension.

**Tate**  
A 17-year-old girl who excels in running and academics, facing the challenges of bullying and emotional turmoil, while grappling with complicated feelings for her former best friend, Jared.

**Jared**  
Once a childhood friend turned bully, he is a driven and confident individual whose past traumas influence his complex relationship with Tate.

**K.C.**  
Tate's best friend and confidante, she supports Tate through her struggles and has her own romantic entanglements, sometimes creating tension in their friendship.

**Madoc**  
Jared's best friend, known for his physicality and aggressive behavior, who plays a role in the bullying dynamic but shows moments of potential growth.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Bully reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Bully

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Overview

Get ready to explore Bully and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Bully Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Bully Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness, death, bullying, sexual violence and harassment, and substance use.

Chapters 1-10

Bully Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, bullying, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, child abuse, addiction, substance use, and cursing.

Chapters 11-18

Bully Chapters 11-18 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, bullying, sexual violence, emotional abuse, child abuse, sexual content, and substance use.

Chapters 19-26

Bully Chapters 19-26 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, bullying, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, child abuse, and sexual content.

Bully

Book Brief

Bully

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Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bully?

Tate

Jared

K.C.

Madoc