Commentary On The Book Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak About It
Laurie Halse Anderson is no stranger to the world of censorship and book banning; following the debut of her Printz Honor Award wining book, Speak. Some may argue that this book is considered explicit, but it is considered an awakening for the youth. The fact that the main character is around the adolescent age makes this book a little more relatable to teens. Overall, Speak encourages both teens and adults to speak up about their experiences and seek help if necessary. Through Speak, Anderson addresses rape to young readers, making it relatable to the audience, and encouraging readers to speak up about their own experiences.
Anderson’s story revolves around a freshman girl named Melinda Sordino. In a summer party she was raped
No one knew it but me. For years I’d suffered silently from the effects of sexual abuse… There are times when we have to choose to fight or give in. This is one girl’s response. It’s hard, enthralling, terrifying, and beautiful…[it] brings people together, empowers them to face the truth and offers hope by knowing that we are not alone” (Andersen). Speak deals with a sensitive subject, and by reading and discussing a sensitive and painful moment, healing takes place. Melinda represents many girls that are raped or intimidated into sexual intercourse. Each person handles traumatic events differently. Some may have the resources and encouragement to seek help. Others, like Melinda, feel alone and unaware of someone to turn to for help. Anderson explains, “It’s because boys are inundated with very explicit sexuality in the media and they don’t have enough trusted loving adults in their lives to explain the emotional side of human sexuality and the consequences of some of these actions.” With this book, people are inspired to speak up about their abuse. Speak has influenced many people to finally reveal their secrets and not to feel ashamed of what was done to