Speak

amazon.com












Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 9780374371524

This contemporary realistic fiction novel takes readers through the healing process of Melinda Sordino after she is raped at a party by a popular young man. She is rejected by everyone after she calls the police and must begin to face what happened and open up to others about the truth.

Melinda's character is absolutely believable throughout the entire story. Her internal journey and emotional growth are very significant. The language is fresh and reflects how young adults think and act. The plot is very true to life and extremely engaging. It contains some unexpected twists and turns and the conclusion is inevitable, but not completely obvious. The setting is recognizable as being in the present and believable. The description of the high school and hospital are accurate. The story transcends the setting and has universal implications for readers in several different situations. 

The theme of Melinda growing into adulthood is a major element in the story. The themes and topics emerge naturally and have a personal resonance with the reader. There are many great quotes in the book, but one that will really resonate with readers is "It's easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say." The style has Anderson's distinct stamp of reaching children and young adults. The dialogue is natural and believable and the balance between narration and dialogue is perfect. The point of view is appropriate and the tone, mood, and physical organization reflects Anderson's personality completely. The story includes the gender quotient of female vs. male and does not stereotype. It is not overloaded with cultural details and presents real people with real problems.

Speak is a very well-written story that will have readers wanting Melinda to heal and finally "speak". Although this book is intended for young adults, I also recommend it to adults and I believe they will highly enjoy it . This is a very gripping story that will not disappoint. 

Awards and nominations for Speak are: National Book Award-Finalist 1999, Golden Kite Award for Fiction 2000, ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2000, Printz-Honor 2000, Edgar Allen Poe Best Young Adult Award-Finalist 2000, and many more. 

If you enjoy this title, you may also enjoy these other titles by Laurie Halse Anderson: Chains, Forge, Fever 1793, Twisted and Prom.

School Library Journal
"Anderson expresses the emotions and the struggles of teenagers perfectly. Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story."

Booklist
"Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers."

Further activities for Speak can be found at:
http://austinenglish3.wikispaces.com/Speak

http://www.viterbo.edu/perspgs/faculty/GSmith/LessonPlanforSpeak.htm

http://hypermedia.educ.psu.edu/k-12/units/findyourvoice/unitplan.html