Speak - Laurie Anderson
Teenage angst has become a very redundant topic in modern literature. Many novels offer nothing new or bold, and simply repeat stories we've heard multiple times before. However, the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is an exception to this stereotype. Her writing stands out among other books and offers insight into touchy subject areas that are important and need to be addressed. The novel Speak tells the story of a very confused girl trying to cope with problems that no one should have to, while at the same time trying to survive high school.
Prior to her freshman year, Melinda had everything she wanted. Popularity, friends, acceptance, and academic success. However, one night changed all of that. Something intended to be harmless fun would haunt Melinda and change everyone's perspective of her, and her perspective of everyone. Her only escape from the bitter reality around her now has become Mr. Freeman's unconventional art class. What exactly happened to Melinda to put her in this state, one may ask? You'll have to read the novel to unravel the captivating mystery for yourself.
Speak is written in the first person point of view, and as a writer, Laurie has mastered the perspective. The most common downfall of typical novels of this genre is the author's inability to write in character and capture a believable teenage attitude. Laurie does not have this problem in the slightest way. Everything she writes feels real and authentic. By the end of the novel you feel as if Melinda was someone that you go to school with, which puts the moral of the story into a very real, awakening perspective.Speak puts a daring twist on the typical tales of a teenage outcast.
This novel has something for everyone. If you're looking for a deeper meaning, or just a book to snuggle up with on a rainy day, Speak will not disappoint you.
Prior to her freshman year, Melinda had everything she wanted. Popularity, friends, acceptance, and academic success. However, one night changed all of that. Something intended to be harmless fun would haunt Melinda and change everyone's perspective of her, and her perspective of everyone. Her only escape from the bitter reality around her now has become Mr. Freeman's unconventional art class. What exactly happened to Melinda to put her in this state, one may ask? You'll have to read the novel to unravel the captivating mystery for yourself.
Speak is written in the first person point of view, and as a writer, Laurie has mastered the perspective. The most common downfall of typical novels of this genre is the author's inability to write in character and capture a believable teenage attitude. Laurie does not have this problem in the slightest way. Everything she writes feels real and authentic. By the end of the novel you feel as if Melinda was someone that you go to school with, which puts the moral of the story into a very real, awakening perspective.Speak puts a daring twist on the typical tales of a teenage outcast.
This novel has something for everyone. If you're looking for a deeper meaning, or just a book to snuggle up with on a rainy day, Speak will not disappoint you.
I loved Speak =)
TheReflectingGod, April 19th, 2011 at 03:29:44pm
I had to read this earlier in my freshman year.
It was a good book not the best book. Movie wasnt all that great though
strummer92, April 20th, 2008 at 02:33:05pm
I will surely check it out ;D
worn-out astronaut., April 20th, 2008 at 12:00:59pm
dude I just got done reading this, and I loved it so much!
There's another book that's a lot like Speak, it's called The True Meaning of Cleavage & I love it! I forgot who the author is but OMGYES @ SPEAK
lishaaaaa, April 19th, 2008 at 11:57:05pm
i had to read this for summer school last year,
we also watched the movie.
it wasnt too bad i suppose.
pseudo superhero, April 19th, 2008 at 10:21:02pm
Oh my god, I love laurie anderson as a musician, i didn't even know she wrote books, too!
Sweet!
I am so going to check this out.
Great blog ^_^
Miley Cyrus, April 19th, 2008 at 06:23:03pm
I dont know why
i just never liked them or reading them
Rain, April 19th, 2008 at 03:18:17pm
Why are books stupid?
Kurtni, April 19th, 2008 at 03:02:51pm
no offence but this doesnt really help me to read this book
sorry but books are stupid and i hate reading so i'll never read this book and plus it doesnt appeal to me.
oh well
good blog
Rain, April 19th, 2008 at 02:14:56pm
I loved Speak. I read it and yeah, it was like I knew her. That book is awesome.
Great review. :D
Tyler Durden, April 19th, 2008 at 11:57:40am