Introduction to Speak

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Book Cover

The book cover represents a key symbol that is repeatedly presented throughout the book. In the background is the face of the main character, Melinda Sordino. She is facing hard challenges throughout the book and her mouth is not shown because she is afraid to speak. In silver, is the symbol of a tree. In art class, Melinda's object she must base all her art on is a tree. Melinda expresses her feelings through her art and finds a way to connect trees to her emotions. I chose this book because I have heard of it through friends and was not able to read it last year.

Time and Setting

The story takes mainly takes place at Merryweather High School in Syracuse, New York.  This school is where the main character Melinda Sordino attends 9th grade or freshman year. Melinda dreads going to school everyday because she has been isolated into an outcast by all her friends that summer. Each chapter usually follows Melinda into an academic class where she states what happens in each period. The story also takes place at Melinda's house once in a while. The time takes place in present day time which makes this story easily relatable to teenagers.

Character Traits

Ever since Melinda called the cops and busted the summer party, everyone including her best friend Rachel despises her. Melinda becomes an outcast who falls into a deep depression. She lives a lonely life with no one to really talk to. Melinda is desperate to tell the truth to her friends and family but is afraid they will not believe her. Melinda's silence continues to hold her back from speaking out and letting everyone know what really happened. Melinda's physical description is rarely described but there are a few things mentioned. She often bites her chapped lips and nails. She also has black eyebrows, auburn hair, and "muddy" brown eyes. 

Character Complications

 Andy Evans, a senior at Merryweather High, raped Melina at the summer party but nobody knows but her. Trapped and confused, Melinda is stuck in a tough position about whether or not she should speak the truth. She knows that if she does it will change everything. Also, Melinda is left alone with almost no friends to support her. Throughout the book, Melinda will continue to fight and overcome her fear in order to speak the truth about the event and obtain freedom from the numerous emotions building up inside her each day.

Video: Speak Trailer