Speak: a Novel
Laurie Halse Anderson
#serioustopic #lauriehalseanderson #highschool #nojoke #emotional #IT #melindasorano #linda #speak #silence #tree #art
Amazon summary:
'Speak up for yourself - we want to know what you have to say.'
From my first day at Merryweather High, I know this is a lie.
Nobody will even talk to me, let alone listen - all because I called the cops on an end-of-summer party.
But if I could only tell everyone why I called the police that night...
If I could explain what happened to me...
If I could speak...
Then everything might change.
DISCLAIMER:
There are no spoilers in this review, but it does tackle some very serious issues.
My Review:
8/10
I had to read this book for school in my literature and writing class, so I had time to analyze the story.
This book was a lot. A little background to start: The author, Laurie Halse Anderson, is a 60-year-old American author from Potsdam, New York. The story of Speak came to her in a nightmare; she dreamed about a teenage girl sobbing uncontrollably and she knew that she needed to tell Melinda's story. Anderson, herself a survivor of sexual assault, wanted to write a book to help survivors feel seen and empowered, even when they felt alone and voiceless. (My teacher brainstormed with me a way to summarize the author's life respectably).
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This book put some things in perspective for me. It made me think that someone next to me could be going through a life-altering event, and I wouldn't know. That is how Melinda feels like she can't speak her mind and if only she had a support structure in her life, she could be been able to talk through it. This book made me realize that I need to speak less and listen more. It made me also realize how I need to be empathetic.
Speak is an impactful book that tackles many adult topics, but I think there is a lesson to be learned and it could be different for every reader, which makes me think everyone should read this book at one point in their lives. The age for this book though would be 14+.
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Below is a PDF document of resources and information about sexual assault. It is free to download and read, and if you or anyone you know is going through any of these life events, and if you ever need someone to talk with, reach out to someone you trust (parents, school guidance counselors, therapists). and for more information please read the PDF below.