Book 2

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin

Summary of the book:

The narrator and protagonist Melinda Sordino, goes through a several of changes and then withdraws into a shell of her former self. Melinda is a freshmen in Merryweather High School who experiences a horrible personal tragedy. After her rape, she is left confused, terrified, and alone and so she withdraws and speaks as little as possible. She is outlasted by all her friends because of misunderstanding that happened in the summer party. No one knows that she was raped, she never spoke about it. It is ironic that her ex-best friend Rachel is the one who took her and the girls to that summer party in which she was assaulted, then she turns her back on her. Moreover, the fact that Rachel starts dating Andy “Beast” Evans is even more hurtful to Melinda. Melinda comes full circle when Andy tries to assault her for a second time, she fights back physically and verbally, she speaks out!

Response:

The book’s message is important and it is a good one for young adults to have a book that deals with topics such as rape, depression and bullying. The voice of the protagonist evokes strong feelings and captures the internal and external conflicts that some high school students deal with, like stress and conflict. Although the subject matter is controversial, it is vital to have this story being told, as it is an outlet for some teens that may have experienced something similar and don’t know where to turn. The target audience and age level is 12-18 years old. The textbook connection would be “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. 

Links and URLs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3cdQdeKhlw video discussion on the novel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y87HizgVplM book review analysis video.