Shout

by Laurie Halse Anderson

this book reeks of my fear of depression’s black dogs howling and the ancient shames riding my back, their claws buried deep

But recessionals play in a minor key; the princess pricked her finger on a spindle, was shattered by mirrors, cursed by fairies, banished from the kingdom, and hunted down by dogs. Trolls hide under bridges and that’s where she died.

That’s mostly bullshit, for the record. Trying to figure out what you want to do, who you want to be, is messy as hell; the best anyone can hope for is to figure out the next step.

too many grown-ups tell kids to follow their dreams like that’s going to get them somewhere Auntie Laurie says follow your nightmares instead cuz when you figure out what’s eating you alive you can slay it

Pain won’t be contained by bars or marks your scars deserve attention, too.

Censorship is the child of fear the father of ignorance and the desperate weapon of fascists everywhere.

the false innocence you render for them by censoring truth protects only you

We’re all born to fight but few are ever trained, instead they tell us “Be nice.”

We should teach our girls that snapping is OK, instead of waiting for someone else to break them.

shame turned inside out is rage.