by Laurie Halse Anderson
Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, Giroux. ISBN 0374371520
Melinda Sordino was raped over the summer, but no one knows that is why she called the police to a wild party. All they know is that she got a lot of people in trouble and she no longer has any friends. Speak is the first person account of Melinda's struggle to find her voice after remaining silent about the rape. She barely manages high school as she hopes that by not speaking, the pain will go away. She finds that speaking out is the only way to help herself and others.
Critical Analysis
The setting takes a back seat in this story, which is driven by rich characterization of Melinda Sordino and an engaging problem. In Speak, which takes place primarily in Melinda's home and high school, Laurie Halse Anderson makes the point that internalizing traumatic experiences doesn't make them go away. She does this without being preachy or exaggerating the problem. In fact, many teenagers who have a guilty secret will be able to identify with Melinda, even if they have not experienced pain at the same level. My only qualm with story is the coincidental timing of the volleyball team coming by when Melinda is trapped in "her" closet by Andy at the end of the book. Even with this quirk, the plot is well-built and authentic; the main and supporting characters are genuine and believable; and Anderson's writing suits the novel with seeming effortlessness.
The setting takes a back seat in this story, which is driven by rich characterization of Melinda Sordino and an engaging problem. In Speak, which takes place primarily in Melinda's home and high school, Laurie Halse Anderson makes the point that internalizing traumatic experiences doesn't make them go away. She does this without being preachy or exaggerating the problem. In fact, many teenagers who have a guilty secret will be able to identify with Melinda, even if they have not experienced pain at the same level. My only qualm with story is the coincidental timing of the volleyball team coming by when Melinda is trapped in "her" closet by Andy at the end of the book. Even with this quirk, the plot is well-built and authentic; the main and supporting characters are genuine and believable; and Anderson's writing suits the novel with seeming effortlessness.
Review Excerpts
* In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. -- Publishers Weekly
* Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. --Booklist
Connections
* Speak has been made into a movie starring Kristen Stewart.
* Here Laurie Halse Anderson reads a poems she wrote in response to teen letters about Speak on it's 10th anniversary.
* Expert from Speak
I am Outcast.
There is no point looking for my ex-friends. Our clan, the Plain Janes, has splintered and the pieces are being absorbed by rival factions. Nicole lounges with the Jocks, comparing scars from summer league sports. Ivy floats between the Suffering Artists on one side of the aisle and the Thespians on the other. She has enough personality to travel with two packs. Jessica has moved to Nevada. No real loss. She was mostly Ivy's friend, anyway.
The kids behind me laugh so loud I know they're laughing about me. I can't help myself. I turn around. It's Rachel, surrounded by a bunch of kids wearing clothes that most definitely did not come from the EastSide Mall. Rachel Bruin, my ex-best friend. She stares at something above my left ear. Words climb up my throat. This was the girl who suffered through Brownies with me, who taught me how to swim, who understood about my parents, who didn't make fun of my bedroom. If there is anyone in the entire galaxy I am dying to tell what really happened, it's Rachel. My throat burns.
Her eyes meet mine for a second. "I hate you," she mouths silently. She turns her back to me and laughs with her friends. I bite my lip. I am not going to think about it. It was ugly, but it's over, and I'm not going to think about it. My lip bleeds a little. It tastes like metal. I need to sit down.
I stand in the center aisle of the auditorium, a wounded zebra in a National Geographic special, looking for someone, anyone, to sit next to. A predator approaches: gray jock buzz cut, whistle around a neck thicker than his head. Probably a social studies teacher, hired to coach a blood sport.
Mr. Neck: "Sit."
I grab a seat. Another wounded zebra turns and smiles at me. She's packing at least five grand worth of orthodontia, but has great shoes. "I'm Heather from Ohio," she says. "I'm new here. Are you?" I don't have time to answer. The lights dim and the indoctrination begins.
THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have enough time to get to your class before] the bell rings.]
3. The dress code will be enforced.
4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
5. Our football team will win the championship this year.
6. We expect more of you here.
7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.
8. Your schedule was created with your needs in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.
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