Speak

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Speak

It's hard to speak when you're drowning.

Melinda's Summer before 9th grade was supposed to be a fun time spent with friends. But when she is invited to a senior party her life changes forever. An upper classmen takes advantage of Melinda and rapes her. Not knowing what else to do, Melinda calls 911, and the party is crashed.

She starts 9th grade as the freshman who ruined the party. Her friends shun her and it seems like the whole school hates her. She no longer feels like she fits in, alone and without anyone to talk to. Melinda wants to talk about what happened. To tell everyone the truth. She wants to make sense of the emotions running rampant in her mind, but she doesn't know how. Something bad happened, something unspeakable and she needs someone to listen to her.

It's heartbreaking to see all the people Melinda should be able to confide in, turn their backs on her. Even her parents neglect to acknowledge the drastic behavior changes in Melinda. Wrapped up in their busy lives, they only see a misbehaving child. They cannot see the pain behind it all. And the worst part, is that this happens every day.

How many times do we hear about someone being molested and raped? Countless people have been victims, and yet still society shuns them not wanting to believe the evil that is out there in the world. No one should have to feel alone and isolated like Melinda. No one should have to endure the pain this awful act brings.

This should be required reading for everyone.