Speak, a novel written by Laurie Halse Anderson, is a young adult book that depicts the story of Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a summer party. The book explores themes of teenage angst, trauma, and the struggle to find one's voice. In this article, we will delve deeper into the story of Speak and discuss why it is a must-read for young adults. Additionally, we will provide a link to where you can download the Speak book PDF.
Book Details
Title | Speak |
Author | Laurie Halse Anderson |
Genre | Young Adult Fiction |
Published | 1999 |
Pages | 208 |
The Story of Speak
The story of Speak revolves around Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a summer party. The reason for her call is revealed later in the book: Melinda was raped by an older boy at the party. The trauma of the assault has left her mute and unable to speak about what happened to her.
Throughout the book, Melinda struggles to find her voice and come to terms with what has happened to her. She is ostracized by her peers and teachers, who do not understand the reason for her sudden change in behavior. Melinda's parents are also distant and preoccupied with their own problems, leaving her feeling alone and helpless.
Despite the challenges she faces, Melinda finds solace in her art class and her art teacher, Mr. Freeman. Through her artwork, Melinda is able to express her feelings and emotions in a way that she cannot with words. As the school year progresses, Melinda begins to find her voice and eventually speaks out about what happened to her.
Why Speak is a Must-Read for Young Adults
Speak is a powerful and poignant book that delves into the difficult topic of sexual assault and its aftermath. The book's portrayal of trauma and its impact on a young person's life is both realistic and heartbreaking. It is a book that speaks to the experience of many young people who may feel alone and unheard.
Additionally, Speak is a book that can help parents and educators start a dialogue about difficult topics such as sexual assault and bullying. It provides a way for young people to understand the impact of these issues and how they can support their peers who may be going through something similar.
FAQ
Where can I download the Speak book PDF?
You can download the Speak book PDF by clicking on the link that will be provided at the end of this article.
Is Speak appropriate for young adults?
Speak is a young adult book that deals with mature themes such as sexual assault and trauma. It is recommended for readers aged 14 and above.
What is the message of Speak?
The message of Speak is that it is important to find your voice and speak out about things that are important to you. It also highlights the need for support and understanding for those who have experienced trauma and are struggling to cope.
Closing Thoughts
Speak is a book that should be on every young adult's reading list. It is a powerful and moving story that addresses important issues that many young people face. Through the character of Melinda Sordino, readers can learn about the impact of trauma on a person's life and the importance of finding one's voice. We hope that this article has encouraged you to read Speak and that you will find it as impactful as we did.
To download the Speak book PDF, click on the link below:
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Reference Source:
Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.