Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson came out over 20 years ago in 1990. Her book was popular enough to have a movie be created after it.
The main character in this book is a freshman girl who deals with her sexual assault from the previous summer. During her freshman year, a year for exploration with friend groups, subjects, and interests Melinda is limited to explore by the isolating effects of her trauma. Melinda, the young girl, enters high school with no support after her friend group split up due to a stimulating event too diverse for her, or anyone around her age. Obscure at her school and surrounded by loneliness in her home, she finds art as her only company.
The plot of this book is real and was read in a serious tone. Approaching the book with a strict lens was difficult when I feel the writing didn't extend to the depth of issues regarding the effects of sexual assault. The lack of descriptive language did not allow me to pick up everything that Melinda was really feeling. You could argue the fewer visuals for Melinda's emotions make for a smoother read, but I think a challenging read conveys this trauma more accurately, a rocky road to recovery should be walked by the reader as well to better understand victims of sexual assault and how they see their light at the end of the tunnel.
If high school is a struggle for you, you may relate to this book with the social aspects of feeling out of place. Trying to better understand victims will not get you very far with this book's vague writing and imagery.
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