What's On The Inside Is What Counts

     Being a teenager is sometimes described as being an important time in someone's life. It's not perfect - but weird enough to make things interesting. There are so many different things someone can feel, and those feelings can go as soon as they come. My book, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a valuable one because being teenage isn't portrayed as a teenage dream or anything. It's described from the perspective of a high school Freshman, Melinda. Melinda isn't like most people at her school, she's different, she's quiet. She's outcast. Speak is valuable because it speaks deeply to teenagers like Melinda, teenagers that don't want to show the “real them” in fear of acceptance.

     Melinda went through a lot during the summer before 9th grade. She went to a party one night, and left with no friends, no one to talk to, and a horrible reputation. Over a course of days, Melinda goes through having potatoes thrown at her, having her hair pulled, getting kicked (literally) in the back, and being excluded from her - and just about all - friend groups. I know many teens can relate to the feeling of not having a place, and it can cause feelings of not even being wanted around. In one chapter, Melinda suggests that her parents would be divorced already if it weren't for her being born. She thinks of herself as a waste of space. However, as time goes on, Melinda seems to get used to her social invisibility. At one part she says, “I heard her talking about it in algebra. I knew I wouldn't get an invitation.” This also goes to show that being completely on your own isn't as solemn as it might seem. While she is lonely, and friendless, Melinda seems to find ways to occupy herself and make the most of this new life she has.

     Ultimately, this story connects to life because - in my opinion - teens do tend to feel a lot like Melinda. They feel alone, outcast, and painfully afraid to say what they're really thinking. Also like Melinda, teenagers  can feel neglected, or lonely even in crowded rooms. Melinda's story ties to teens in many unspeakable ways. Speak is definitely a book for teens that feel outcast, or lonely, and teens that feel like they can't speak their minds.