Why I choose this book.

I choose this book because it seemed interesting.  Im curious to know how being silent effects your life in school.  I was never the most talkative of person but, i have also never let people walk over me by being silent.  This book reminds me about those students who will never raise their hand or talk in class.

Speaking Early

So I was trying to get a little ahead and started reading this book. Well, I couldn't put it down, as you can see. I really enjoyed reading the first half of this book. Last semester I read graphic novels for this class and reading this type of book is so much different. Even though Speak doesn't have any pictures it is still very visual. For example, Anderson writes on page 28 paragraph 2, "My throat squeezes shut, as if two hands of black fingernails are clamped on my windpipe." I love the imagery, metaphors, and similes that she uses.

Another great thing that Anderson has is this book is a nice readable structure. She sections it by period in school, then by classes or important moments, into short paragraphs, journal style with flashbacks interlaced. It is very logical and spaces the book in a way that the eye can easily run along. Not only does this style make the book more accessible but it also allows the reader to feel more connected and empathetic to the main character.

There were a lot of moments in the first half of this book that I can really relate to. This story in general is very relatable to me and one of the reasons I was drawn to it. Her relationship with her parents is very similar to my relationship with mine. When you are in that situation you feel so alone. It is hard to realize that there are so many other people with a similar experience as you out there, just no one talks about it.

I love, love, love the suspense that Anderson is creating within the readers mind. This book already seems like a book that would be enlightening to read twice for all the nuances and connections. I cannot wait to find out what happened to her and why she is the way she is. Why are her lips so scabbed? What happened with "IT"/Andy?! I am dying to read on with so many burning questions in my head. It is a great writer who can make such extreme suspense so subtly and elegantly. Do I really have to wait?!?!?

So to speak

I chose this book because when I heard the summary, I felt like I could relate to the main character. I generally don't speak much in group settings. It is more of not knowing how to say what I want to say, instead of not having anything to say. But I think that might be all of us in that we do have a lot in our minds to share but not all of us have the same way or style of expressing the thoughts. I look forward to seeing how everyone in this group express their thoughts on this book. Happy reading!

Speak the movie (2004)

IMDB Page

7.6 out of 10 starring Kristen Stewart (pre-Twilight)

A few things I read said the movie was close to the novel. Maybe we can watch it when we are done.

Let's speak

I am super excited to read this book with you ladies!!! :)
Thanks for setting this up Marissa!

I have always been the one in class with my hand held up high the whole time.
I tend to speak before I think and think I could learn a lot from this book.
I am very intrigued about reading this book to be able to put myself into the shoes of a mute.
I like how the book is organized and think it will be an enjoyable read. :)

Why I chose Speak

I've always been too loud and mouthy, much to my own chagrin. The idea of a girl who is a selective mute is fascinating. Does being silent open up a whole new world? My constant stream of words has sometimes kept me from noticing things.

I also know of a few selective mutes in our school and I thought this novel might give me more insight into their choice to remain silent.

Speak

Read to page 92 for next week.