Citation:
Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. NY:
Penguin
Summary:
After a traumatic event happens at her first high school
party, Melinda Sordino’s life changes. Ostracized by her friends and classmates
for calling the cops, she feels completely and utterly alone. She is
selectively mute and rarely speaks in hopes of forgetting what happened at the
party. Even her parents do not know what is wrong. They are frustrated that her
grades are slipping and worried that she doesn’t talk, but they don’t know how
to help. Over the course of her freshmen year, Melinda deals with the loss of
friendships, being used by other people, all while refusing to speak up about what
is happening. When she faces her worst fear again, she learns that sometimes
the power of her voice is enough.
Response:
This is a powerful book for high school readers. The main
character’s fundamental problem is that she was raped and as a coping mechanism,
she has become functionally mute. Since Melinda has not been able to tell
anyone about what happened to her, her ability to fully heal and move forward
is hindered. As a result of this event, Melinda deals with many other issues
that many high school students can relate to such as depression, a disconnect
from family, breaking up friendships, feeling anonymous, and encountering
classmates that have caused emotional harm. A theme that is present throughout
the book is that one’s hurt/sickness can bring a person down if nothing is
done, but to deal with sickness/hurt can lead to new growth and make a person
stronger. This is symbolized with the trees that Melinda draws and works on in
her family’s yard, and is meaningful because the after-effects of her rape are
like dying branches on Melinda that must be tended to so that she can grow and
flourish.
Textbook
Connections:
Genre: fiction
Topics include trying to fit in, losses of friendship, date
rape and rape, depression, and coping with traumatic events.
Other
Resources:
Goodreads book review
Common Sense Media book reviews
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