Speechless

 Author's note: This is something I wrote in response to the book Speak. I'm glad that I read this book and I hope others decide to read it too!

Melinda Sordino found herself in a crisis: she and her friends were gathered at a end of the summer drinking party. Unfortunately, a tragic event happened to 13 year old Mel while at the party. Ergo, she killed the party by calling the cops, although, drinking was not the reason why she did so. Speak, by Laurie Anderson, sends a message that tells us not to judge a book by its cover in life while associating humor beautifully.

This book causes readers to question what they’d do if in Mel’s shoes. Many would seemingly do the same as Melinda, and probably receive an identical punishment. It would have been logical for Melinda to tell someone, anyone, what had actually happened. On the contrary, she kept it locked inside of her, thinking no one would listen or trust what she’s saying to be true. To get the weight off one’s back, the wise thing to do would be consult with an adult or friend that is trustworthy.

Throughout the many hardships that were in Speak, the author managed to incorporate humor in each chapter. Though it is a serious topic, the author managed to include Mel’s sarcastic voice. The comedy in this book keeps readers entertained and creates the story to flow well. For instance there is a list of: “THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL”. Following that list they make another which is: “TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL”. Another one of my favorites from the many humorous quotes is: “It’s easier to floss with barbed wire than admit you like someone in Middle School.” Surely one will find themselves snickering while reading this book.

While remembering the almost dangerous amusement, there’s a major lesson learned. Similar to “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, this lesson is: when not knowing the whole situation, it’s best not to make judgement on anything. This may make lives miserable. Take Melinda for example: no more friends, grades down the drain, and she’s literally speechless. Stepping into Melinda’s world for me would leave me with puffy eyes every day and refuse to move a muscle the whole day. Melinda is brave enough to actually go to school. This is definitely worth some applause.

This book contains valuable lessons and it is a pleasure to read. While giggling through Speak, you might find yourself shedding a few tears as well. After I finished this book, I found myself on the edge of my seat craving for more! Don’t you want to discover what’s held within the cover?

The Sun Will Shine

 Author's Note: This is a piece I wrote in response to the short story All Summer in a Day. The short story is placed in the future where people can live on Venus, no matter how badly it affects them and their behavior.

A proportion of rain to sunlight: seven years to two hours. Sadly, this is the life people in the short story All Summer in a Day have to live. One girl, Margot, was the only one who recalled the sun and the rays it gave off. Living on the planet Venus, Margot is going through depression in this book; the bullies and the teacher did not help.

Margot is faced with depression. There are many elements that are provoke her distress. Primarily, this was caused by moving from Earth to Venus. The Earth we live on takes in lots of sunlight daily, which is healthy for the body. Whereas, Venus shows the sun every seven years for about two hours. It was a dramatic adjustment that Margot had to make. Her loss of vitamin D was overwhelming when she moved to Venus. Without the Sun, there is a very high possibility of getting depression. For example, during the winter season, people do not receive enough sunlight. Therefore, they may have to tollerate seasonal affective disorder; also known as SAD. Amid the winter, days are shorter; light lessens. SAD mostly arises to people who are sensitive to light, or the shortage of it. 

Although lack of sunlight is a major factor in Margot’s depression, the bullies play a tremendous roll too. The offender, William, was very heartless towards Margot. For god’s sake, he locked her in a closet when the sun was predicted to reappear! Not a soul in that room wanted to ruffle his feathers and get caught up into being bullied along with her; so the students watched as William tormented poor, melancholy, Margot.

Considering the bullies in this story, don’t forget the character the teacher is. The teacher was a bully within herself. She left the classroom for who knows what. William took advantage of the time when she was gone and bullied Margot around. Afterwards, when Margot was surrounded by closet walls, the teacher went on with what she thought was her whole class to see the Sun. What she should’ve done, as a responsible teacher, is go through her class list and be sure that all of her students are with her. This teacher contributed to the bulling. 

In the short story All Summer in a Day, Margot suffered through depression on behalf of the tormenters and teachers at her school. Unquestionably, there is a way for teachers to contribute to the bullying. Not only the bullying is a problem, but bear in mind the lack of sunlight and how it is a major factor as well. To grasp the joy the Sun gives us take five to ten minutes out of your day to read the phenomenal short story: All Summer in a Day.