Speak
By Laurie Halse Anderson
Realistic Fiction – Families, peers romance, coming of age (p. 49-57)
A National Book Award Finalist
A Printz Honor Book
Before the party that summer Melinda was a typical high school girl. Before the party, Melinda had friends. Something happened that night that changed everything – and Melinda is now dealing with the fallout.
When Melinda calls the police at a party over the summer, the cops show and the party is busted up. Now everyone is mad at Melinda, even her best friend Rachel. No one will talk to her – she’s become a social outcast and a target for typical high school cruelty. Not that people speaking to her matters much, as Melinda rarely speaks anymore. Not to her friends (or she wouldn’t, even if she had any), nor to her teachers or her less than attentive parents.
Melinda’s story is broken up into marking periods. The reader watches as her grades fall lower and lower and she finds herself losing the only friend she does have – a new girl that she doesn’t even particularly like. Worst of all is the constant reminder of that horrible night. She sees IT in the halls and cafeteria. IT winks at her as though they have a secret, the two of them. When Melinda’s (former) best friend Rachel begins dating the “Beast,” Melinda tries to find her voice to intervene.
As Spring rolls around, Melinda is making headway. She finds herself beginning to care about some things again. She is finding an outlet for her anger and other emotions through her art, with the guidance of Mr. Freeman, an art teacher who pushes Melinda to pour her soul into her work. Melinda finally finds a way to tell Rachel why she called the cops that night. This leads to a confrontation between Melinda and “Beast” – and she finally finds the word that escaped her last time. NO.
I found this book to be extremely compelling. Written in 1999, it still resonates with readers today, as evidence by the powerful excerpts from letters and emails received by Laurie Halse Anderson that she includes in the poem “Listen” that can be found in the beginning of the 10th Anniversary edition. Laurie hits the nail on the head with her depiction of high school life – from the cliques, to the expectations, to Melinda’s being ostracized for doing what she had to. Speak is extremely important. It not only deals with issues that effect numerous teenagers, it shows how these issues can eat at a person if they’re not addressed. Whether the readers identifies with Melinda, Rachel or even just the high school experience, everyone who reads this book will come away with insight that they didn’t have prior to reading it. Teachers especially should read this, and remember that a students’ disinterest may very well have nothing to do with the subject being taught.
I would recommend this to high school students, as well as mature junior high students (8th grade, perhaps 7th in some cases). It is not only an excellent book, it is also high-interest. I know my 8th grade girls would have devoured it. Though there is a scene of assault, it is written in a way that makes it appropriate for junior high readers. Additionally, Speak has been made into a movie, starring a pre-Twilight Kristin Stewart. This title will definitely be on my recommended list for grades 8 and up.
Book Talk Hook: Have you ever had something happen to you, but just couldn’t find the words to tell someone? Have you ever been angry with a friend for something you thought they did, only to find out later that you were the one who was wrong? Sometimes the truth can change everything.
It sounds like a very good but heavy book. Your book talk hook definitely got my attention. I am very curious to find out what went on at the party. It seems very sad that Melinda could not find a voice to speak up. I agree with you on how unaddressed issues can compound and create more problems.
ReplyDeleteMy friend, who is a school librarian, just told me about this book not long ago. She said it was very powerful. The ostracism suffered by Melinda sounds very painful but unfortunately, very, very real.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it's a book every young woman should read as any girl could wind up in Melinda's situation and have the same experiences. Maybe Melinda's version can help other young women find their voice and speak out about violence towards women and the ostracism that can accompany it.
I didn't know about the movie. That might make a nice follow-up to the book itself, especially with Kristin Stewart's current popularity. It is a topic that needs to be discussed.
PS: That is a great hook ... I think you'd grab a lot of young people's attention with it.
ReplyDeleteWith only fourteen folks in class, it is amazing that two of you chose Speak for your edgy novel. I agree that it is a book most teen girls should read. Girls identify with Melinda no matter whether they are shy outsiders or popular "in crowders". At my library, I can say that most of the girls in my school have read the book at least once by the time they graduate. Personally, I didn't think the movie did the book justice.
ReplyDeleteThis is a book everyone should know about. I remember reading it when it first came out and hardly breathing for long period of times because I felt Melinda's pain and I kept thinking - why doesn't someone help her. Which finally does happen but mostly she helps herself.
ReplyDeleteThe author Laurie Halse Anderson is a very important YA writer - Margaret Edwards Award winner. She also writes historical fiction
This sounds like a very powerful book, and it's wonderful that so many students are picking it up to read. Even if the movie isn't as good as the book (very few film versions match up to the written word, in my opinion) that really would really make for a great book club event.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very interesting book. It definitly sounds like a very heavy subject. I could see a couple of the 8th grade girls at my school being interested in the title.
ReplyDelete