The Cat’s Eye

First published in 1989, Margaret Atwood’s book the Cat’s Eye is still a relevant read today as we focus on Bully-Awareness month. Written in simple prose, The Cat’s eye takes us on a journey of a school bully and her victim as we follow Elaine, a young teenager who undergoes torment and cruel games by Cordelia, Grace and Carol – once her school-friends. Elaine learns at a young age that friends can turn on you. Wanting to be accepted, she endures the taunting and silently suffers from a waning self- esteem and emotional distress which she carries with her into adulthood. The book’s reflection on how we strive to be accepted and on how bullying can have devasting consequences later in life is a true depiction of how children suffer from this phenomenon. A must-read for teenagers and parents alike.