A review of
Speak
Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
Review by S.M&L.Y.
Title: Speak
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Author Information:
Laurie Halse Anderson took her first breath in Potsdam, New York on October
rd
23 , 1961. If Laurie could have anything in the world she would like world peace, and
the second thing she would want is for people to say her name right, (it’s pronounced
Halt-z!). Laurie looks at writing to be more of a hobby, but one day she realized that she
could actually write books and get paid. So that’s exactly what she did, and like all other
authors she got several rejection letters. So she then joined the Society of Children’s
Book Writers and Illustrators. There she enrolled in a group of supportive critiques, and
to Laurie that made all the difference.
Book Cover:
After reading the book Speak you will accurately know the meaning of the book’s
cover. On the cover there’s a tree and the reasoning behind this is that in the beginning of
the year Melinda was asked to begin drawings of trees until the end of school, and as
winter begin to fade and school year grew shorter, Melinda’s drawings of trees would not
only be creative but they would express feelings, feelings that not only the artist could
see, but ones that every person would experience while looking at them. Also on the
cover Melinda’s eyes are different colors and one side is darker, The lighter side
represents who she was before the party, and the darker side is who she becomes after the
party. This shows that one day someone can feel like they’re on top of the world, and the
next day everything is slipped from under their feet and everything they had is lost.
Characters
Even though Melinda feels like no one loves her, or no one wants to be a part of
her life, many people either have or still do take part in it. Some fall into her pitiable
excuse of a life for the better, but most are in it for the worst.
Melinda- main character
Rachael- Melinda’s ex best friend
Heather from Ohio- Melinda’s “friend” in the beginning of her “hopeless” new
life
Andy Evans- raped Melinda
Ivy- good friend in Melinda’s art class
Nicole- inspires Melinda (Jock)
David Petrakis- Melinda has a crush on him and he stands up to Mr. Neck
Mr. Neck- rude history teacher
Melinda’s parents- close to divorce and are always mean and cruel to Melinda
The Martha’s- very cool group that Heather tries to join, but gets rejected
Themes
Loneliness, bullying, heartbreak, depression, life
Summary
After ruining an end of the summer party for her own good, Melinda Sordino’s
life drastically changed! Melinda was once an average girl, one with friends, and people
who cared about her. Now all her friends ignore her, and she feels alone. Melinda is now
in high school, with “the wrong clothes, the wrong hair, and the wrong attitude.” Laurie
Halse Anderson precisely describes the cruel high school life, and all the crap it throws at
you.
Favorite quote: “It’s my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a
skirt I hate, and a stomach ache.” Page: 3
This is one of our favorite quotes because first of all, it explains how she felt
going back to school knowing that her social life is destroyed and school is going to be a
living hell.
Opinion:
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson in my opinion is a book for every teenage girl to
read. It was honestly one on the best books I have ever read. It really did make you think
about how one day your life can be so great and nothing bad can happen, and then the
next change in a blink of an eye.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to any teenage girl who likes to read about realistic
fiction. I think they should read it because it really does make you think about what
cliques in schools can do to people. Also how people take others for granted and say
harsh things to up their own confidence level.
Publisher/ Price:
Publisher- Speak (April, 1, 2001)
Price- $ 11.56
Awards Speak Received:
A 2000 Printz Honor Book
A 1999 National Book Award Finalist
An Edgar Allen Poe Award Finalist