Stiefbold+Book+Review

__BOOK REVIEW (: __ There is a vast amount of conflict in this story. From Melinda’s parents ignoring their problems, including Melinda, as much as possible, issues with older guys or Melinda trying to make it through her freshman year with only one friend, who we come to see, is just as fake as everyone else, each conflict shows a different side to Melinda and continuously increases her strengths. As well as, the ability to acknowledge each strength she possess. Characters:
 * Conflict: **

__ Melinda Sordino: __ Melinda is the main character in //Speak.// To me,she deals with the rememberence of her tragedy, along with the aftermath, extremely better then most teenagers. Her characteristics, such as, keeping to herself and, eventually, facing her problems head on, are what makes the story eye catching. __ Andy Evans: __ Andy (aka: "The Beast") plays a big part in the story, for he is the reason behind almost every hardship Melinda faces at school and with herself. Andy is portrayed, at high school, as the "popular guy." He is the guy that al the girls want to be with and all the guys want to be. However, these people do not see the real him, the boy that ruined Melinda's life and leaves her with the fear of letting anyone know about what happened to her. __ Rachel Bruin: __ Rachel may not play a big part in Melinda's life, at least not since the party, but she really opens Melinda's eyes. Rachel is Melinda's ex- bestfriend and when Rachel starts to get involved with "The Beast", Melinda realizes that she must stand up and do something about her awful situation before Rachel becomes, yet, another victim to "The Beast" __ Heather: __ Heather becomes good friends with Melinda, but quickly leaves her in the dust in order to receive a higher social status. Heather makes Melinda realize that the only way to get her old real friends back, is to get them to listen to her as she tells the true story. __ David Petrakis: __ David is Melinda's lab partner and, even after Heather has left her the in the dust, he is basically the only person in Melinda's high school life that doesn't shun her. David gives Melinda hope and encouragment.

Believability: The believability of the story, //Speak//, is highly realistic. On average, 36 women and young girls are raped,which averages to about 1,000 women a month. Of this, a high percentage is high school girls anywhere from the ages of 14-17. Also, it is commonly known that most high schoolers like to follow the crowd, and if one person says something, everyone else believes it. Therefore, the odds of this story happening to someone in real life are very possible, if it hasn't already. 


 * I, personally, love this story for it's lessons. It teaches young girls to believe in themselves and what they think is right, otherwise, you will never be able to go on with your life. The characters of this story explain this lesson very vividilly, making me feel as if I am there, following Melinda as she tackles a horrible tragedy. I believe that others, just like I did, will truly take these lessons and morals to heart.**

Karyn's Books