Tolog Review: Speak

Speak
by Laurie Halse Anderson
reviewed by Mia Valencia-Chanler

Traumatic experiences can bring a person to silence. Silence holds more power than words because it grasps our attention since people are always used to noise filling the gap. In the novel, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the reader sees the after effects of what a serious incident can have on a young women’s life. In the beginning of the novel, the reader discovers the summer prior to starting high school she had called the cops at a party. After this, she developed a bad reputation as being the snitch and was virtually excluded from groups at school. The only place she felt welcomed was in her art class with Mr. Freeman. This was not enough though. Her thoughts became her outlet; however, were also her worst nightmare when she tried to forget about that one summer night. Many times Melinda found herself staying and eating in the old janitor’s closet. Her self- esteem lowered and she started skipping school. Melinda felt as if her world was crashing down. I think that most people can relate to this feel of being alone. Just as Melinda is ready to crash, she is struck with a sprig of hope. For Mr. Neck’s class she wrote an extra credit assignment on the people whom fought, even with going to jai at risk, to gain equality in women’s right. But, when the teacher asks her to read it to the class, Melinda refuses in order to maintain her silence. David, a boy in her class, then tells her that if she ever wants to truly make a difference she has to speak up or wrongs will not be fixed. From that moment on, Melinda began to stand up for herself. She soon found her own strength and was able to speak up about what really happened back in August. As well as inspire others to come forward. We can all learn from Melinda’s bravery and see that little do we know, there’s strength inside each of us.