Peer pressure does a lot of bad things, one of those things is convincing victims to feel like they have done something wrong. Speak is a fast-paced read that involves the reader emotionally from the very start. Speak is an accurate portrayal of the very common existence of high school cruelty and peer pressure.
Melinda begins her high school career a complete outcast, alienated from even her best friends. Because of a traumatic event that occurred over the summer, she is unable to express herself, or even to explain herself, to those who harass and dislike her. As the book progresses, we are allowed inside Melinda's mind as she tries to cope with the tragedy, as well as the subsequent fallout. This book gives an honest and realistic view of high school and the pettiness and ugliness that exists there. Luckily, Melinda realizes her voice, and finds the strength to overcome her status as an outcast. She is a heroine worthy of our praise.
The story is not written as your average outcast "popular people are stupid" cliche. It's an original. The tone is like Melinda is just relaying her thoughts and what she sees to the reader, rather than her feelings and rage and anger against the people that hurt her. Her character gets stronger as you read on, as she begins to stand up for herself. I liked how the author didn't just tell you what had happened to Melinda in order for her to stay so silent - instead, bits of the incident unfolds as you read along.
We recommend this to parents who have girls in high school, to refresh your memory of what it was like, and to give you a window on their world... This is a powerful novel that actually says something, and it deserves a wide readership. Pick it up and follow the main character through her freshman year- we guarantee you'll be moved no matter what age you are. The author masterfully lets the story unfold slowly, drawing you in.
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