"Speak" Review

   I am currently reading "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson. This novel is about a girl named Melinda, who is narrating her life. Melinda is outcast in school and by her friends, but it is not mentioned why. In a way, this book could be classified as a mystery to the reader. The plot map of "Speak" is very interesting. Anderson does not write chapters, rather she splits different instances in Melinda's life into groups and titles them. Melinda experiences many of the things a normal ninth grade girl would, but the reader is puzzled by how she approaches these events. The tone of the story is extremely sad and dismal, however the reader does not know why Melinda acts in such a way.
   You could ask many questions about this book because as the reader, you must infer what has happened to Melinda. Some level one questions that could be asked are, "Why do Melinda's parents ignore her?" or "Does Melinda want a better life?" Level two questions could be, "Why is Melinda so depressed?" or "What caused Melinda's friends to desert her so suddenly?" The obvious level three question is "Will Melinda ever be able return to a normal life, despite her traumatic experience?" Melinda is a mysterious main character. Most of the books that I have read, describe the main character in great detail. All I know about Melinda is that she very depressed about something that happened during the summer, but everyone at school does not the truth because she is to scared to speak up. Melinda has no friends and two parents that often fight. Her life is bound for a memorable ending, and I cannot wait to keep reading.