Discussion question about SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

[Penguin Teen]

-Melinda says: "It is easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say." Do you agree with her? Why or why not? Do the events in the novel support or negate her statement? Does her outlook change at any point in the novel? How so?

[Jenna]

I agree with her. I mean if you do try to express your feelings about anything similar to what Melinda was going through most parents would just ship you off to a therapist. Maybe for some people that works, but for me it would just make me feel worse.