SpeakPeter Smith Pub Inc
Summary: Melinda Sordino has just started high school, but she is alone, friendless, and an outcast. A party that she attended was busted by the cops after she called them. Since then, her peers have ostracized her and her friends have abandoned her. Only and unfortunately for Melinda, no one asked her why she called the cops. After a few beers, she was led into the woods alone by a popular, well liked older boy and raped. Since then, her confidence has bottomed out, depression has hit, and she has told no one about it. It is near impossible for her to make new friends and she loathes to be close to people. Melinda's assault is a secret that she carries within herself, the only outside signs her anti-social behavior and the bloody lips she continuously chews at. Melinda cannot speak and she cannot tell anyone what happened to her. She has no friends to tell, after all, and no teachers who make her feel comfortable enough to confide in. Her art teacher is the only one she even likes, and she does well in his class only, much to her parents dismay. To make matters worse, she doesn't feel that she can talk to her parents about what happens. Left to deal with the rape and following traumas alone, she withdraws....until final she is able to Speak.
Like most victims, she just wants someone to LISTEN.
Personal Review: This was a fast read that addresses a serious issue in today's society. The boy in this novel feels he has done nothing wrong, and makes Melinda feel guilty as if it was her fault. This guilt is what keeps her from speaking sooner, and what causes her depression and inability to talk about it. I like that Andy final gets it in the end, and that Melinda finds her voice. It is a serious novel, but not unapproachable by teens, or too serious and detailed for the classroom. I think many teens could relate to this book.
Cautionary Note: This is a book about rape. The scene where Andy rapes her is talked about, but is not so explicit that teens could not read it.
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