Past: Speak (audio) by Laurie Halse Anderson
Even though I am a middle-aged dude, I like young adult fiction. Really, I try to enjoy books in all genres, but I have a special place in my heart for YA fiction. I have always disagreed with labeling books as “YA Fiction” but I understand the necessity for it. Just because a book I marketing for teens, doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy it. It doesn’t mean the writing is necessarily more “childish.” I don’t read YA fiction to feel young; I read it because books like Speak are well-written and spotlight difficult subjects.
It the case of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, that subject is rape.
I can’t help but compare this book with 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher which deals also deals with the topic of teen sexual assault. Asher’s book is more controversial because, in addition to rape, it deals with suicide. If I had to chose which I would recommend to a young person, I would start with Speak because it is more direct, less dark and less scandalous than 13RW. I believe Speak offers more hope to a teen who may be dealing with these harsh issues.
NOTE: Speak was made into a 2004 movie starring Kristen Stewart.
Present:
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Andrew M. Friday 