As the bell rang, students shuffle through the tight hallways where the doors into other hallways and classrooms were jammed causing traffic. I strode through the hallways taking advantage of my quick, nimble movements. I walk into English class seeing that I was the first one there, as more of my classmates walk in as if they were kindergarteners on the first day of school, loud and obnoxious. A few of us peek at the agenda and pouted, seeing that we had to get yet another book to read. As we walk to the library in an unorderly and boisterous way, I ponder on what book we would be getting. We walk into the library and get out new books. It was titled, Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson. We go back to class and Ms. Reid starts reading us the book but also expects us to read it …show more content…
It broke my fears of what people would think about my opinion and how I look at the world. The people I know today look at those who have different opinions look at people like me, who have ever changing perspectives of serious world problems, like aliens invading Earth. Like we are the crazy people who seriously need help and that we are the people who will be holding this world back. It made me furious knowing that there are people like this in the world, but after I read this book, I’ve unlocked a new section of a my mind and taught myself to take part in serious rallies or events that take place in my community. It taught me to expand my mind, to support those who have succumbed to depression over rape, bullying, or loss of attention from those whom they held dear no matter how people will judge me for helping a victim. It shed an opinion that was so ignorant that I would say it corrupted me. I pushed myself to change, to express my voice, to be comfortable with stating my opinion whether it is accepted or not and it changed the way I looked at different
Mr. Prud’homme, a substitute teacher for the summer session, went to Gene and Finny to discipline them the next morning for missing dinner, but he was soon won over by Finny’s ebullient talkativeness and leaves without giving punishment. Mr. Patch-Withers, the substitute headmaster, held tea that afternoon. Most of the students and faculty conversed awkwardly; Finny, on the other hand, proved he’s a great conversationalist. As Mr. ...
I always looked at death as such a sad thing that is eventually going to occur to everyone. However, after reading this book, it made me realize death can actually be a beautiful thing. Death allows a person to go to a next life, one where they will be loved and others will be there for them. It was interesting to be able to read about stories that these hospice care workers witnessed themselves. I have experienced a few deaths within my life and I never coped with them very well. After reading this book, I honestly believe I will be able to look at the positive side of death and be able to deal with my emotions better. I can also help others surrounding me deal with a death that they are experiencing. This book was filled with information that I loved learning. For example, I never knew that a dying person can choose a time to die. The thought of this never occurred to me before. I always thought that when it was someone’s time to go, they had no choice. But, a dying person can “put off” passing on until they see a certain person or event that has great significance in their life. Nevertheless, there are still people who will wait to die until they’re all alone in the room. This book makes you think of real life situations and think what you would do in them. Taken as a whole, it was a very in depth book that changes the way you would naturally perceive
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is story written from the perspective of a freshman from Merryweather High School named Melinda Sordino. Everything was going well between her and her friends until the summer before high school; Melinda called the police for a party (and busted everyone who attended) that she knew wasn’t permitted. From then on, her relationship with some her closest friends, including Rachel, quickly grows apart and she tries to avoid eye contact with everyone. The only place where Melinda feels safe is inside her mind, where her thoughts take over. Nevertheless, Melinda meets a new student from Ohio named Heather and she tries her best to form a bond with her. Later in the story, their friendship drifts apart and Melinda is
The book makes me understand the importance of reading and know how weak I’m in reading comprehension. Not only is my reading speed slow, but also my thoughts after reading are immature. I haven’t fix some time to read English books before so my background knowledge and vocabulary are far from abundant.
Shreya Shirodkar Ms. Lane American Literature January 17, 2014 Laurie Halse Anderson: Changing the Scope of Young Adult Fiction How do you write about the major, life-changing events of people you've never met? How do you write about sensitive issues in an engaging, but still thought-provoking way? How do you write about your own demons so that others do not follow your path? Writer Laurie Halse Anderson provided the answers to these questions. Written at a time when difficult topics, such as sexual harassment, were just beginning to be spoken about, her stories were a combination of her struggles and the struggles of teens across the country.
“Dad: [Bangs table, silverware jumps] ‘Cut the crap. She knows what’s up. The interim reports came today. Listen to me, young lady. I’m only going to say this once. You get those grades up or your name is mud. Hear me? Get them up!’ [Attacks baked potato.] Mom: [annoyed at being upstaged] ‘I’ll handle this. Melinda. [She smiles. Audience shudders] We’re not asking for much, dear. We just want you to do your best. And we know your best is much better than this. You tested so well, dear. Look at me when I talk to you.’” Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson
Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every year, over 300,000 victims are raped and sexually assaulted in the United States. Each one of these victims face emotional distraught for many years to come, including Melinda, the main character of Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel, Speak. However, at the end of the novel, Melinda resolves her internal conflict by speaking about her problems. Unfortunately, not enough people speak up about sexual abuse, however, victims of sexual assault can find the emotional and mental support they need just by stepping out of their comfort zone to speak up about their condition. Undoubtedly, speaking up helps people overcome difficult situations
It all started when I discovered her artwork at the age of 12. Laurie Anderson is an exceptional artist. I just recently broadened my research and discovered that she is a broad ranged artist. These articles gave me a better base of knowledge on Laurie and it gave me a little bit of influence to research her more in-depth. Anderson, does not just stick to one art medium. This woman can be seen in a few movies as well as television shows. She is also an artist, a music composer, and a film director. These combined make this artist truly amazing.
In the book Speak written by Laurie Halse Anderson the main character, Melinda, faces a serious problem. She went to a party over summer where there was underage drinking going on, she called the cops. The classmates of hers got mad at her and she lost all her friends even though they didn't know the reason she really called the cops. Her problems are caused caused by two major conflicts, Man vs Self, and Man vs Man. Man vs Man is a conflict because she was raped at the party, we don't find this out until later in the book but when we find out it changes how you feel for Melinda. Man vs Self is another conflict because she would never tell anybody what actually happened, once she starts talking about it she doesn't have as hard of a time in school. The climax of the story is when rachel almost gets raped again in the old janitor's closet during prom. This is the
All in all, I found that this book widened my horizons as it covers various topics from racism, slavery, intellectual and moral education, and the hypocrisy of civilized society. I think that by reading this book, you can truly feel thankful of your current lifestyle. You are free, have rights and have almost everything you could want. We should be thankful for this, and not take it for granted.
I really liked this book because of the stories it had in it, that really helped me understand how bad these times really were, and how the treatment was horrible. I read a lot of how strict they were which was a part of my essay.
It seems to me that if everyone could read this book and understand the cruelness of that time, it would make a substantial difference. Many of us don’t have the knowledge about slavery, post-slavery and civil rights to realize how important it is. Not only do we not have the knowledge, many don’t want to take a stand. Even the little racist comments are still something that isn’t right. Additionally, many teens don’t have much communication or strong bonds with their parents or family members. Knowing the importance of this from reading this book would help anyone in the present and future. Family is the base of everything and I’m finally starting to learn that. Reading this book made me see the importance of equality and having a strong family
In the novel, “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. Melinda, the protagonist, does not join a group at Merryweather High School. Lots of people join but don’t get into the group on the first day, but some people get lucky and get it. Once someone joins a group they will change, and probably won’t be the same person you knew before they join the particular group.
Ozick, Cynthia. Ms Brogan, English at Harry Truman High School. Ed. Brogan. 22 August 2009. .
Telling a story through the voice of a modern day teenager may seem impossible. But, then also having teenagers be the ones criticizing and reading your work makes it even more impossible. To capture all of the mood changes, hardships and comments a teenager thinks in their head is a daunting task. Often that is why I find realistic fiction dull and boring because the author is not able to do that. However, Laurie Halse Anderson crafted her work in a way that she almost took thoughts from my mind and put them into her writing. I was captivated by the way she wrote her stories and used witty comments as well as sensitivity. I think many readers would agree with me on this too. She sounded like a teenager herself. One of my favorite quotes from