Title: Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Series: Stand-alone
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
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When Melinda Sordino’s friends discover she called the police to quiet a party, they ostracize her, turning her into an outcast–even among kids she barely knows. But even worse than the harsh conformity of high-school cliques is a secret that you have to hide.
There are a few slight spoilers in this review. But, I don’t think they’ll ruin the book for you if you haven’t read it.
First, now having read this book, I can say without a doubt that this book isn’t soft porn. The rape scene isn’t described in detail. (But, even if it was, I still wouldn’t call it soft porn because it’s not designed to cause arousal in any way, shape, or form.) The scene is described in the way Melinda remembers it, which is utter confusion and extreme pain.
I love how the reader comes to realize what happened to Melinda. Anderson wrote the book in such a way that the reader doesn’t realize Melinda was raped until she’s ready to remember the event. The reader only knows that something terrible happened as little clues are revealed here and there. The reader gets to experience the journey of self-awareness with Melinda.
I also love that the story isn’t completely resolved at the end. It felt more realistic that way. It ends with Melinda beginning to heal. The reader knows she has a long road to traverse, but there is a glimmer of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.
This book is extremely powerful. I can barely begin to describe all the emotions I felt while reading it. I cried, I laughed, I was angry, I was proud. I cried when Melinda finally realized she could overcome her depression and sadness caused by the rape and the after events. I laughed at many of the descriptions used to describe high school because they’re so accurate (at least from my point-of-view). I was angry every time Melinda’s assailant tried to quiet her by taunting her, making her afraid to go to school, and remembering what he did to her over and over again. I was proud when Melinda finally stood up to her assailant and he got what he deserved.
Honestly, I wish this book would’ve been available when I was 14 and going through some of the same things she went through. I think it would’ve helped me work through my emotions a lot quicker. I think I would’ve realized that even though I felt irreparable (like Melinda felt), I could heal and become a much stronger person by facing my fears and confronting my demons.
Even if you’ve never been raped or sexually assaulted, I still think this book would have a huge impact on you. It describes what most teenagers feel as they stumble through high school and hope to graduate unscathed. I was amazed at how accurate her feelings were. And, I was amazed that while I read this, I kept thinking, “Mel, you can get through this. High school doesn’t last forever and your life will be much better afterward. I know it’s hard in the moment. You just need to learn how to heal from this tragedy and you’ll be a much better person for it.”
I think every teenage girl should read this so they know what staying silent can, or probably will, do to them. Speaking up is much harder than staying silent. But, it’s also much healthier. You begin to realize the strength you have to face adversity, and I think every teenager, boy or girl, should have help in understanding this concept. Speak is definitely one of the most influential books I’ve ever read.
About Jenni Elyse
Is it a true story (meaning a story about a specific person the author had in mind), or fiction? It sounds good.
It’s fictional. In the edition that I bought, Anderson says that she woke up from a nightmare about a character who became Melinda.
i’ve been waiting to see what you thought of the book. i feel the same way. i think anderson is an amazing writer—she never backs down from uncomfortable topics. but that’s not the main reason why i love and respect her writing so much. it’s the telling of the story, the poetic way she has of writing, the artistry mixed with emotional intensity. those are the things that make me LOVE most everything she writes.
I completely agree with her writing style. It is very poetic. It’s nice to read something with good prose and a good story.
and i should add that she is one of my modern-day heroes. she is a funny, brave, stubborn, and strongly opinionated woman making a difference in the world. she is also a survivor of a sexual assault. love her.
I was wondering if she was a survivor of sexual assault. I kept looking for things about it in her biography, but I could never find anything.
I have to say that I’m glad that books like this are around. I’m glad to hear that it wasn’t done in a morbid/bad way. (Get what I’m saying?) Even though I’ve never, nor hope, to go through anything like this, I do think it will help girls having this difficulty.
I’m glad these types of books are around too. Sure, I like to read mostly for the entertainment. But, I think books like these that help people realize they’re not the only ones experiencing what they are, are good. There needs to be more well-written books in this genre.
I just have to share Laurie Halse Anderson’s comment about my review. She tweeted it to me.
halseanderson says @jenni_elyse A lovely, moving, thoughtful review. Thank you!
I’m glad you liked it. I liked it too. I thought it was very powerful. It didn’t trivialize the event and I was glad about how strong the main character was able to become. It was such an interesting read. I was really surprised at the controversy about it that you blogged about earlier. It’s not something I think deserves to be censured because it is so well written and tastefully done.
I agree with you completely. It is very tastefully done and other than some minor swearing, I don’t think parents should shy away from it with their children. But, if parents don’t want their own children to it, then that’s fine. Just don’t take away that right from other parents.
Excellent review, Jenni! I also loved how this book ends with Melinda finally being able to speak and start on her journey to recover. I’ve met LHA in person and she is so awesome. Her other books are great too.
That’s cool that you got to meet LHA in person. I love meeting authors! Usually, they’re so down-to-earth. You said once that authors are your celebrities. I agree with you 100% (other than Ewan McGregor, of course).
I haven’t read this one yet but it’s interesting to read your very well done review on it!
I think you would like it. And, thanks for the compliment on my review. I think it’s so hard to review books sometimes. I always want to do the books I read justice, but I never feel like I’m deep enough.