Yes LH. I got the label, more or less, but not so much bullying then, as I was by far, the biggest kid in the grade. That, however, can make you a target nonetheless. I fought a lot in school. Was in trouble a lot. Was alone a lot for a while until I figured out the game. But the game wasn't me so, as time went by, I found a smaller group of close comrades and more genuine relations.

Shimrod, thanks! I will check out Mr. Williams and his new release on your recommendation. I'm holding you personally responsible!

Oh, by the way LH, I grew up in Delano CA. Some of you may have heard about that place. A farming community primarily, at that time. It now has a great prison industry and County Line Road (between Kern and Tulare Cos.) I am told, is now the line of demarcation between the prison gangs of Northern and Southern California. Farm kids were the most of us in one way or another but bullies can be of any rank, any class. Criminals all in my opinion.

Rap, I hadn't thought about nor did I mention it in the initial post but I too will read the middle out in either or both directions and all combinations. I "edit" or critique as I go along and think about not only what the author is trying to get across but how he could have done it better or differently and sometimes I just take off with an idea and the next thing I know a few minutes have lapsed and I haven't read at all. Just lost in thought. But isn't that what a good book should do?

Also didn't mention that I love reading dictionaries and lexicons. Mike in DC: I too, devoured an encyclopedia, The Britannica. I still have it, though it is quite dated. That makes it even more interesting.