BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie. 1999. SPEAK. Harrisonburg, Virginia: RR Donnelley & Sons Company. ISBN 9780374371524
PLOT SUMMARY/CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The summer of her ninth grade year, Melinda and a friend attended a senior party which soon turned in the wrong direction. After have thee end of summer party busted by calling the cops Melinda Sordino is not a favorite person with her peers. Her friends will not speak to her and people she does not even know hate her. She feels the safest place is alone however she is wrong. Unable to speak of the event that leads to her calling the cops she is unable to speak to her friends or even her family. She suffers from depression, isolation, failing grades, and much more. She survives, or rather hides, from her ninth grade year in the custodians closet. She is finally able to confront and speak about that night. Come to find out she was raped by a senior the night of the party and that is why she called the cops. After her former best friend begins dating the rapist she tells her of the event. Soon after her attacker confronts her and tries to rape her again, but this time she was able to fight back and scream catching the attention of some other people which came to her rescue.
Anderson speaks of a topic most try to avoid however she writes in such a way the reader can understand and learn from this book. Each page is filled with the drama, issues, and insecurities that can be found in any high school. Readers can relate to some of the issues in this book regardless of young or old. Either they are currently dealing with these issues or they are able to recall them from their high school days. This book is hard to read at times because of the depth of her emotion and pain…but even harder to put down.
SPEAK is full of symbolism. For example, as Melinda begins to emerge from her depression she goes out to the family garden and begins to weed and clear it of all its debris. This is symbolic of what is going on in her life and her needing to “weed” out the events of that night.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
*Starred review in HORN BOOK: “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.”
* KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn…its raw and unvarnished look…will be hard for readers to forget.”
*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Melinda’s sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”
*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.”
Exemplary or Favorite Lines
*“You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.”
*“I have survived. I am here. Confused, screwed up, but here. So, how can I find my way? Is there a chain saw of the soul, an ax I can take to my memories or fears?”
*“I wonder how long it would take for anyone to notice if I just stopped talking.”
*THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have 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 you in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.
TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.
2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.
3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.
4. The new text books will arrive any day now.
5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.
6. We are enforcing the dress code.
7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.
8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.
9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.
10. We want to hear what you have to say.”
1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have 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 you in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.
TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL
1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.
2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.
3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.
4. The new text books will arrive any day now.
5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.
6. We are enforcing the dress code.
7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.
8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.
9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.
10. We want to hear what you have to say.”
--- Laurie Halse Anderson, SPEAK
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