Speak

Speak by Lauri Halse Anderson is one of the most impactful books I've ever come across. Judging by the cover, Speak looks like any regular, young adult novel that you would read on a warm sunny afternoon, sipping on a glass of lemonade.

But I had no idea that this book is going to take me on an emotional roller coaster ride and change my life forever. I read this book as a young 13-year-old; it was a gift from my uncle/family friend. And it was specifically mentioned to me - This book is a must-read for everyone out there.

It normally takes me some time to get hooked on to a book, but once I began reading this book, I was pinned, page 1 onward.

The story revolves around 16-year-old Melinda Sordino, who is alienated by her peers for calling the cops at a party. But no one knows why she did what she did. Eventually, the story reveals that Melinda was sexually assaulted during the party by a senior from the same school. Not knowing what else to do, she ended up calling the cops. Her friends, oblivious to the truth, assumed that Melinda is a tattle-tale and treat her like an outlander for the entire year. Unable to tell this heinous act to anyone, Melinda pretends as if nothing had happened, goes to school like a normal student and lives her usual life. The book so beautifully talks about the dark side of sexual assault and rape, in a satirical way, where it makes you uncomfortable about the situation yet at the same time, gives you a glimpse into the tormented life of the victim.

It's frightening and traumatic to see the guy who violated you roam freely, without any conviction and watch your life go by like any other day.

It's miserable to live in a society where you are shunned for something you never wanted in the first place, and when push comes to shove, the blame is put on you - why couldn't you have worn better clothes? Why were you with a guy you barely know?

And no matter what, you will always have that feeling of self-doubt and blame that no one can eradicate. Melinda's character and personality are so well written - with all her insecurities, her strengths and her will to fight the one who ruined everything for her.

On doing research several years later, I came to know that Anderson based the plot on her life's personal experience of being raped as a teenager which is quite brave of her. To come out in public and talk about such an essential issue must have been quite challenging and freeing for her.

I highly recommend this book, and please do read this. I promise the ending will not disappoint you. I'm not going to give away the ending because that is something you need to experience and feel on your own. Although you're left constantly on your toes, waiting for the plot to turn around and become flowery and happy again, the ending is something so so so unexpected, something that only Anderson's exemplary writing could have give us.

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