Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The “Why” Behind the Ban I find myself at a loss when I look at the controversy surrounding this book. I’m not at a loss because the book is “bad”—quite the opposite. I am baffled as to why so many schools want to see this story banned. Does it tackle a heavy, gut-wrenching subject matter? Yes. But it’s a story that needs to be told because the concept of consent needs to be normalized, not hidden away in the shadows.
The Everywoman Narrator One of the most striking things about Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing is that Melinda is never described in great detail physically. This feels intentional; she is a blank canvas that any reader can step into. Because she is so relatable, her pain becomes universal. While we may not all have faced the specific “demons” Melinda grapples with, we have all experienced the crushing weight of feeling alone and helpless. That vulnerability makes her the perfect narrator for a story about survival.
The Lack of Support My heart broke for Melinda on every page, mostly because of her lack of a support system. Reading this, I kept wishing she had a stronger base to lean on—a teacher, a parent, or a friend who could see past the silence. It highlights the terrifying reality of how easily a person can slip through the cracks when they lose their voice.
The Personal Impact It’s hard to write a traditional review for a book like this. To be honest, it changed me in ways I can’t fully articulate in a public space. It isn’t just a “high school book”; it’s a visceral look at trauma and the courage it takes to speak again.
The Verdict I’m giving this 4 stars. It is a haunting, necessary piece of literature that will stay with me for a long time.
