Speak-a review

Anderson, L. H. (2001). Speak. New York: Puffin Books.

It is Melinda’s freshman year at Merryweather High School and she has no friends. You see, at the end-of-summer party after a few drinks, a senior led her away from the crowd. Before she knew it she was on the ground, shorts pulled down with the strong field hockey player on top of her. She didn’t want it to happen, to be raped. Scared and alone she called 9-1-1. When the cops show up and bust up the party, everyone blames Melinda. Melinda who never told anyone about the rape. Melinda finds an unused closet to spend some of the school day in. It is her refuge. Until one day, the boy who attacked her at the party tries to attack her in her one place she can get away. She screams and fights him off long enough for some other field hockey players to come upon their situation. It is only then that others understand what she has been dealing with.