Speak

Caroline L

Book Review

The book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, contains the perspective of a rape victim. This book teaches readers to ‘speak’ up for yourself. The main character is faced with the decision whether to seek help or keep her feelings inside. She learns that it is better talk through your conflicts with anyone who is willing to listen rather than keeping them bottled up.

Speak begins by showing the us how horribly Melinda is treated. When Melinda called the police after being raped at a high school party, all her peers treated her with utter disrespect because they did not know the truth. To start off high school, Melinda had zero friends and absent parents which creates an environment unfit for her to excel in her new school. Throughout the whole story the only thing Melinda has is her art. She works very hard in her art class but slacks off in her other classes. Her failing grades draw the attention of her parents and they are very disappointed in her. This is difficult for Melinda because they don’t understand the constant battle she is fighting within herself.

One thing I would’ve liked to have been different in the book Speak, is how the author didn’t fulfill my curiosity about what happens to Melinda and the man who raped her. I wish the author had added another chapter about how Melinda begins to change. Something I really enjoyed about the book is how the author demonstrated Melinda’s internal issues via her artwork. You could tell that as she suffered, her artistic talent channeled all her emotions which created outstanding pieces. I also really liked her art teacher because he constantly supported Melinda.

What I take away from Speak is that you can’t erase your conflicts by pressing them deep down into yourself, at one point you must confront whatever is holding you back. I believe that this would book would be best for high school girls and possibly boys to read. Speak can show the story of what really can happen to high schoolers.