2006-06-07 14:57:56 · 9 answers · asked by karma_ins0mnia 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson's stunning debut novel about a young girl finding her voice, is courageous and heart-breaking. Anderson never shies away from the problems encountered by her characters, which is what makes this novel so realistic. In fact, the characterization is first-rate. As Melinda struggles with the everyday problems of high school -- homework, cafeteria lunches, pep rallies, art projects -- all compounded by the secret she can't tell, a myriad of characters offer help and hindrance. At first glance, some of these characters seem stereotyped -- the buzzcut coach/history teacher, the spacy art teacher, the bohemian English teacher -- yet one realizes early on that the reason these characters seem this way is because it's accurate. We've all, I'm sure, had at least one teacher who fits these descriptions. That's what high school is. Despite the "categories," however, these characters come alive in the ways in which they interact with Anderson's main character Melinda.
The story is told through Melinda's point of view. Her observations are candid, quick, and often acerbic. Despite her smart mouth, though, Melinda offers us glimpes into the pain she's feeling, something that Anderson never overdoes. There's no Hallmark verse or soapbox rants here -- just clear, lucid prose and a matter-of-fact attitude.
Melinda's art project -- one of the issues that frustrates and rewards her throughout the school year -- provides a beautiful controlling metaphor for her struggle, and Anderson's use of symbolic imagery does an excellent job of structuring the novel's plot and theme. These evocative scenes create tension and mood, highlighting Melinda's innocence and uncertainty about what happened to her and what she should do as a result. This combination of poetic style and captivating voice kept me hooked. Although the reader knows early on what happened, the novel remains engrossing as Melinda begins to admit to herself and others what has happened.
Speak is an eloquent first novel which marks Laurie Halse Anderson's place as an important new voice in young adult literature.
2006-06-08 06:34:54 · answer #1 · answered by Selkie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gosh I only know Lauri Anderson.
2006-06-07 22:05:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/monkeynote/pmSpeakSample.pdf#search='Laurie%20Halse%20Anderson%20speak%20summary'
2006-06-07 22:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by eeeeeeeeee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read that book a while ago. It was good. That's what you could do...READ!
2006-06-07 22:00:39 · answer #4 · answered by 4eyed zombie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to cliffnotes
i think i read that book???? confused
2006-06-07 22:07:39 · answer #5 · answered by onlyonepanda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
google for it
2006-06-07 22:00:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
good luck with that!
2006-06-07 21:59:27 · answer #7 · answered by Pinkie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try sparknotes
2006-06-07 21:59:28 · answer #8 · answered by That Person. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.google.com
www.amazon.com
www.teenreads.com
2006-06-14 15:54:44 · answer #9 · answered by im_tinkerbell_lol 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋