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Can anybody tell me what parts you liked and didn't like about the book speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and why


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'll start with loving the title of the book. It says a lot about the theme throughout. I also think the subject matter is relevant and important, and the high school setting, with all of the ugliness if you're an outsider, as well as Melinda's emotions, are excellent in presentation.

I read somewhere that most of the book was well done and the only thing the reviewer found contrived was the attack on Melinda at the end of the book. I'd say that was a tough one, too, but there were some other things I wish hadn't been so glossed over. Melinda's relationship with her parents - was it always this shallow? I think they're having problems, which might be why they don't recognize what's going on with their daughter, but after a few months, you have to DO something. She was crying for help so long, but those closest to her didn't hear (or wouldn't.) I loved her art teacher, too, but nowadays especially, I'm not sure how realistic it would be for a teacher to get away with doing one project the whole year (not with testing) and doesn't he drive her somewhere? When reading it, this made me very aware it was only a story, when the theme could have made this so much more.