Title: Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Pages: 202
Reason Read: Banned Book Week
Rating:

My Thoughts

SPEAK was a very hard emotional read. It was a thought-provoking story that deals with hard subjects like sexual assault, bullying, trauma, depression, and pure pressure. The story’s sad but hopeful. At times, it was difficult to keep reading. Even though my heart hurts, it was worth the pain and sorrow.

I thought Anderson did a great job illustrating how sexual assault affects victims. The scene in question was described in the way Melinda, the MC, remembered it, which was utter confusion and extreme pain. I thought that the way the reader comes to realize what happened to Melinda was done really well. Until she was ready to remember the event, the reader only knew that something terrible happened to her and gets to experience the journey of self-awareness with her.

I loved that the story wasn’t completely resolved at the end. It felt more realistic that way. Healing for Melinda has started, but she has a long road to traverse. As I said above, it was sad but hopeful.

I thought SPEAK was extremely powerful. It was definitely one of the most influential books I’ve ever read. I can barely begin to describe all the emotions I felt while reading it. I cried when Melinda finally realized she could overcome her depression and sadness caused by her trauma. I laughed at many of the descriptions used to describe high school because they were so accurate (at least from my POV).  I was angry every time Melinda’s assailant tried to quiet her by taunting her, making her afraid to go to school, and causing her to remember what he did to her over and over again. I was also proud when Melinda finally stood up to him and he got what he deserved.

To be completely honest, 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 trauma at a younger age. I think I would’ve realized that even though I felt irreparable like she did, I could heal and become a much stronger person by facing my fears and confronting my demons.

I also loved that Anderson showed how hard I thought it was to stumble through high school and hope to graduate unscathed. I was amazed at how accurate she portrayed my own feelings of growing up. I think every teenage girl should read this so they understand how staying silent can / will diminish them, and that while speaking up is much harder, it’s also healthier. And, hopefully, it’ll help them realize the strength they have to face adversity and heartache.