For the first time in what seems forever, I read a book in one sitting last night. I kept the light on till late, propped up the pillows and evaded sleep for a few hours to join Melinda for her freshman year in high school.
The review on the cover said, " An uncanny funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, SPEAK will hold readers from first word to last. - THE HORN BOOK, starred review." They were telling the truth.
This book was a birthday gift for my daughter,( who turned 15 yesterday and is a high school freshman)and I remembered that I had another copy somewhere in my books at home. It was only after reading the new copy that I searched for the other edition.
I read the inscription of a now grown, once Melinda-like student that in 2004, gave me a copy of this book to read - sadly I was too distracted at the time to read it.
I'm sorry that it took so long for me to get to this story. So much of Melinda's story is something we all can relate to: looking for acceptance, friends and herself. This novel goes beyond a simple coming of age account somehow. Somewhere in those pages, I seem to have found myself. I'm realizing that I need to speak too!
I'd like to thank my student for passing this book along to me, helping me realize how important those days past were, and to always encourage the Melinda's of the world to speak. May you always speak your mind and use the unique gift of your voice!
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