Speak by: Laurie Halse Anderson

review by: Janna Gartland '04

 Are you tired of reading for your classes? Then read for fun! Speak is a young adult book that will fascinate you and will be a quick read. I was able to read it over the weekend and I just couldn't put it down because it was so good! Not only does the author blend humor and reality, but also the author's depiction of the main character connects the reader to her in a powerful way.

The book is about a girl named Melinda, who is just starting her first hear of high school at Merryweather High School. While she should be excited about her ninth grade year, she has found herself without friends and with a terrible secret that she feels like she can't share with anyone.

A few weeks before school started Melinda went to a party and ended up calling the Cops, now everyone at school hates her and she is an outcast. The reader follows Melinda through her ninth grade year, yearning for her to make some sort of connection with someone, anyone. As the year progresses we realize slowly the huge secret that Melinda is hiding from everyone and how while she has trouble speaking up for herself, it is even worse keeping silent!

The book has very short chapters, some chapters are only a paragraph long, and so it is a good book to read when you are waiting in an appointment or in between classes. Laurie Halse Anderson brings the reader right into Melinda's world and into her mind. The language vividly describes Melinda's interaction with other people and brings an ironic sense of humor to the book. You will find yourself laughing out-loud at the book's funny sense of humor. The author also does a good job of foreshadowing "the secret" to the reader. As we progress through the book we get closer and closer to the hidden secret, until finally it is revealed to us through Melinda.

The book's tone is very much like any teenager's mind. Melinda brings sadness but also vivid life and humor to the book. After reading the book the reader will feel a connection to this girl and yearn for more. I would recommend Speak above all other books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and know that you would enjoy it too.