“(From the Q&A with the author at the end of the book.) Have any readers ever asked questions that shocked you? I have gotten one question repeatedly from young men. These are guys who liked the book, but they are honestly confused. They ask me why Melinda was so upset about being raped. The first dozen times I heard this, I was horrified. But I heard it over and over again. I realized that many young men are not being taught the impact that sexual assault has on a woman. They are inundated by sexual imagery in the media, and often come to the (incorrect) conclusion that having sex is not a big deal. This, no doubt, is why the number of sexual assaults is so high. I am also shocked by adults who feel that rape is an inappropriate topic to discuss with teenagers. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 44 percent of rape victims are under the age of 18 and 46 percent of those victims are between the ages of 12-15. It makes adults uncomfortable to acknowledge this, but our inability to speak clearly and openly about sexual issues endangers our children. It is immoral not to discuss this with them.”
Quote by Laurie Halse Anderson
Work
Speak is a narrative that delves into the life of a young girl, her experiences with sexual awakening, and the challenges she faces in a society that often misunderstands and judges her. The story is a powerful exploration of the human condition, the search for self, and the courage it takes to speak one's truth. more
Author
Laurie Halse Anderson is an American author known for her young adult literature. Her works often explore the challenges and growth of adolescence, and are highly appreciated by young readers. more
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