Novel Review for Speak-Challenged/ Module 2

Novel Review of Speak-Challenged Novel/ Module 2 Bibliographic Citation: Anderson, L. (1999). Speak. New York: Scholastic Inc. 198 pages. Summary: The first year of high school is the source of anxiety for anyone. However, the events from a late summer party leave the character, Melinda, alone in a sea of those searching for their place. Speak is the story of Melinda’s journey to regain her self-confidence, as well as her voice. Analysis: Most individuals may find this book difficult to comprehend due to the subject matter, however, the topic of date rape is handled in an incredibly understanding manner. The main character of Melinda feels that she is alone with absolutely no one who would understand what she had to endure, including those that she once considered to be her best friends. This book helps the reader to feel just small portion of the pain and torture associated with horror that a victim must endure. Anderson also allows the reader to understand the isolation an individual can encounter when immersed in the dynamics of the high school social hierarchy, a winding journey that can take one to the highest of highs, and to the lowest of lows. The issue of date rape or a type of physical attack is a volatile topic, yet necessary to discuss. Yet, Laurie Halse Anderson uses the medium of art as a type of expression. This allows the character of Melinda to work through the pain, shame, and isolation that often accompanies such attacks. This book gives the victim a voice in which they can turn a horrible and senseless act into something positive and helpful. Awards: 2000 Printz Honor Book 1999 National Book Award Finalist Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults ALA Quick Pick Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 1999 BCCB Blue Ribbon Book SLJ Best Book of the Year Horn Book Fanfare Title

Novel Review for Module 1-Classics

Novel Review of The Pigman-Classics/ Module 1 Bibliographic Citation: Zindel, P. (1968). The Pigman. New York: Harper & Row. 182 pages. Summary: The Pigman by Paul Zindel is the story of two high school friends, John and Lorraine, each with their own distinct personality quirks. Their friendship is unusual because their unique character traits work to balance each other. Their friendship and love of playing practical jokes and pranks leads them in the strange, yet fun-filled world of Mr. Pignati, who is known as the Pigman. Adventures with the Pigman help the characters discover areas of their own lives in which they feel unsatisfied and lacking emotion. Analysis: The overwhelming theme throughout this novel is loneliness. John and Lorraine seem to be searching for their own level of happiness, instead of the meaningless and depressing existence of the parents in each home. Mr. Pignati suffers from extreme sadness due to the loss of his wife. Regardless of the unusual manner in which their friendship develops, the threesome find solace, happiness and even joy with each other. The author does an excellent job of telling the story from both the perspective of John and Lorraine, allowing the reader to understand the family dynamics of each character. The story of the threesome is continued on in The Pigman’s Legacy. The evidence of the author’s own dysfunctional childhood is shared through the difficult relationships between John, Lorraine and their parents. I think it would be interesting to know more about the relationship between the author and his morning, in order to fully appreciate the feelings of John and Lorraine. Each young adult had distinct struggles within their own family and may relate to these characters more if they understand the point of view from which the author is writing. Mr. Pignati represents an attempt at discovering true happiness and their own identity apart from the family. Time with him is an escape from their own dismal homelife. After reading The Pigman, I feel compelled to read the sequel.