Speak

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 014131088X

PLOT SUMMARY

Speak is the story of high school freshman Melinda Sordino.  While at a party the summer before high school, Melinda calls 911.  When the police show up, the party is dismantled.  From that point on, Melinda is treated as a social outcast.  Later, her classmates learn the real reason that she called 911—she was raped.  In this story, Anderson chronicles Melinda’s reactions to her rape. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson was published nearly fifteen years ago, its popularity is still great.  Of all the books I read for this class, this was the only one that I purchased my own copy of because the request list at my local library was to long for me to receive a copy in a timely manner.

Speak remains popular in large part because of the appeal of the protagonist, Melinda.  While readers of all ages will be able to identify with the character on some level, female teenagers will be able to identify with Melinda the most.  Like other contemporary realistic fiction novels, the appeal of this book is the emotional growth that Melinda demonstrates throughout the story.  The other characters, especially Melinda’s classmates, behave in a way typical of high school students.  The varied dynamics between the characters will be familiar to readers and the characters are without question believable.  I found it interesting that Anderson never really describes Melinda’s physical appearance.  This allows readers to create their own images and relate to the character on an additional level.

The plot of this book follows Melinda’s reactions to her date rape the summer before high school.  The story is unique and original, but highly relatable.  Although there are obvious antagonists in this story (Andy and Melinda’s former friends), Melinda herself provides the most barriers for herself.  Melinda can only overcome these barriers when she learns to cope with the trauma and find the strength to speak up about the rape.  Like other works from this genre, the conclusion leaves the reader satisfied.

Mostly set in the school, Anderson has created a setting that is familiar for most people.  The school is generalized and nonspecific.  It could be any school in any community.  This increases the emotional value of this book as readers will recognize that terrible events like this could happen to their friends and in their schools, just like they happened to Melinda.

The major themes of this story include sense of belonging and personal strength.  Throughout the story, Melinda explores how she fits in to the social structure of the school as she is ostracized.  Most importantly, Melinda discovers personal strength in her abilities to speak up for herself.

Anderson has written this novel in a way that reads almost like a journal entry.  The internal dialogue not only engages readers, but gives them insight into Melinda’s thought process.  I especially like how Melinda’s comments are typical of teenage girls.  For example, according to Melinda “Gym should be illegal. It is humiliating” (18).  Comical quips such as that lend a lighthearted feel to otherwise difficult content.

This novel has been frequently challenged in libraries across the country because of the rape content.  In fact, Speak was listed as number sixty on the American Library Association’s Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009.  Despite a difficult topic, Anderson tells a story that is cathartic and engaging.  Although Speak has been challenged, its literary merit has been upheld time and time again.  Speak has won numerous awards including:

• 2000 Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of the Year
• 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults
• 2000 Printz Honor Book

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal: “Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.”

Starred review in Horn Book: “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.”

Booklist: “Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”

Library Journal: “A story told with acute insight, acid wit, and affecting prose.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books are well-reviewed and deal with difficult topics similar to Anderson’s Speak:

Asher, Jay. Thirteen Reasons Why. ISBN 159514188X

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. ISBN 014241557X