Speak: (National Book Award Finalist)

It was an okay book. The plot was a fairly predictable due to Google Play's Synopsis. Main Character is funny. It contains very stereotypical high school circumstances. Loved the character Mr. Freeman. Hated the ending. But it kept me interested enough to finish within less than 6 hours... would definitely be interested in reading a sequel if the author releases one. This was also made into a film adaption.

by Laurie Halse Anderson Speaking out at the "wrong" time-calling 911 from a teen drinking party-has made Melinda a social outcast; now she barely speaks at all. Imagine yourself going to a school where you know everyone hates you but you don’t know why? Shunned by her friends and taunted by everyone, Melinda goes through the day and the entire school year mostly alone inside her own head. Who in this crowd is your real friend? Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, is an excellent portrayal of high school alienation. Are you interested yet? Raw, gritty, emotional are just three words that describe Speak. It is a story that should be read not only by high school students and teachers but parents, school counselors and social workers. Melinda, the story protagonist, hides a dark secret. Rejected by her friends at her suburban, middle class high school, and targeted by her social studies teacher, “Mr. Neck,” as a problem student; Melinda loses her identity, self- confidence and her voice. She is unable to “speak” about her trauma. Can Melinda find her voice to speak of her sorrow, or will her silence destroy her? Melinda is to face the bullying going around her high school experience. The challenge is set for Melinda on her way to survive high school as she encounters bullying, suicidal feelings, and rape along her way. What happens to Melinda in the end of her first year in high school? You’ll need to find that out on your own… “Rachel is the way she is. She used to call herself my friend but now she hangs with the crowd who most hate me. Backstabber! I hope Andy breaks her heart, and then she’ll suffer the pain I’m suffering now.” (101) The quote demonstrated Melinda’s anger for the betrayal of her best friend Rachel. According to the book, friendships change from middle school going on to high school, this usually happens due to the fact of when your friend becomes popular and you become an outsider. The quote challenges you to think how loyal you are as a friend and who your real friends are. Speak is much like the movies you watch on T.V. You have each clique you would find in a normal high school. These cliques include your jocks, the popular girls, your art geeks, your computer geeks, Goths, nerds, and loners. In this novel there is only one that particularly stands out, Melinda the girl that won’t speak, the girl that is hated by many people, the girl who has no friends, the girl who is living in silence. Anderson brought out an excellent main character in the novel. Even though Melinda presents out a lot of drama and depressing moments, Melinda also presents out courage as her way to find hope in every aspect possible. “Heather thought to be my friend or at least I thought to be her friend but what kind of friendship is it when she’s the one who is bossing me around? I decided to let Heather and her little friends stay together and I...I will go off on my own to be independent.” (120) In this quote you find Melinda defending herself, after being under control by someone else that called to be a leader and boss to Melinda. There are more scenes where you see Melinda standing up for herself, but you find those towards the end of the book, as a conclusion to the novel. This book was written for teens and parents to fully understand and comprehend the challenges faced during high school years. This is advice that is given for real life situations faced every day, by people all over the world. Maybe this book, can be your way to find the light of hope? Are you thriving to learn and read more about Melinda’s life, to actually get caught up in her world? I highly recommend you read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. This book is a touching story of a girl's path to hope and strength, and I really enjoyed it. Reviewed by Miranda Tyson

This book has my son reading ahead in class. He is usually reluctant to read (especially what is required by class) and is last minute in finishing reading and the assignment(s) that goes with it. He associated (understood) your character(s) very well. So well in fact, his teacher now thinks he's a genius (as well as a deep thinker). Kudos to you for reaching even a teen boy's imagination and heart.