Speak Discussion- Erika Kozub

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      Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, is a great novel that highlights hot topics in adolescent culture that individuals know are present, but don't necessarily like to discuss. This story sends a great message to adolescents and encouraging to speak up for the issues they have going on so the people around you can do anything to help you move past it. Melinda struggles by her inability to speak up for herself. This is something that completely changes who she is as a person, her grades, relationship with others, and her ability to trust.
      One thing that really stuck with me was Melinda's reaction to the treatment she received from students. Although she knew students hated her for calling the cops, she never stood up for herself to tell them why, but she also never talked poorly about anyone other than Andy. One great example of this is the way she treated Rachel. There were numerous times in the book where Melinda made an effort tot talks to Rachel with the slightest hope that they my possibly be friends again. When she finds out Rachel is dating Andy, that they first time Melinda decides to speak up about what happened. This had nothing to do with Melinda wanting to be friends with her. At his point, Melinda only cared about the well being of her friend. This shows Melinda as being a very caring character. She puts aside everything that happened to her in the past in the effort to protect someone from the pain she felt.
      Another thing I noticed about Melinda that I believe was very significant was her ability to finally stand up for herself. When she refused to help Heather with prom decorations, this was a huge turning point in her character. Melinda was beginning to open up and voice her opinion, something she wasn't able to do before this.I believe this led to her finally being able to stand up to Andy the second time he attacked her. When they were in the closet alone together, he was sure she wasn't going to scream because she was so scared to do so last time. This develops a sort of strength in Melinda's character that we didn't know she had. This symbolized her growing as a young woman and finally learning how to defend herself. Something that would really encourage students her age when reading this book.
      Speak was not only a great book because of its story line, but also for the way it was written. Laurie Halse Anderson did a phenomenal job in allowing her readers to live through the pages of the story. Although I was never in Melinda's situation, I was able to relate to her on a personal level. I especially noticed how the paragraphs where we were inside Melinda's head and allowed us to see her thoughts allowed us to connect with her character. Her thoughts were very simple and realistic. The author didn't try so hard to make the paragraphs wordy and impressive with vocabulary, but rather chose to keep it simple to allow readers to connect with her characters. Her word choice was appropriate for adolescent readers and the content was so real and eye-opening that I think it would be a great book to teach in the classroom.
      My favorite part of this book altogether was how the author threw in so many characters that adolescent readers can relate to. We all have the Rachel's, Andy's, Davids, Mr. Freeman's, Ivy's, and Heathers in our lives. I believe the author really hit the target with her characters and fitting each one into the story. All these individuals led Melinda to eventually speak up. They symbolized her safe haven, or the individuals that she wanted o be protected from. Teaching this book in the classroom would allow students to find a solace with one of these characters and finding their equivalent in their lives if they are possibly going through anything similar to what Melinda has to go through. That one person that will listen and encourage them. Their heroes.

Comments

  1. EduFitSeptember 20, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    You did a great job explaining and analyzing the text! I agree when you mentioned how relatable and well-written the book is. Her word choice was very appropriate and overall made it an easy read! And yes, teaching the book could definitely help to encourage students who are possibly battling the same issues that Melinda is

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