"Let me tell you about it."

I just finished the book, and I couldn't wait to blog about the power of the book. I am not even sure where to begin. I have tears welling up in my eyes, and I want to go and hug Melinda. I want to tell her that everything is going to be okay, and that the healing process takes time.

Even though I am a loud person, sometimes I can't find the words to speak about what I am thinking/ feeling. I also feel that I am the only person dealing with these issues. But Melinda finds the strength in nature and art to help find her roots to start speaking out. When she knows that other girls have gone through similar situations she is empowered and when she knows that someone who is close to her could get hurt she is moved to act.

I am a huge fan of the teacher/student relationship that Mr. Freeman and Melinda have with each other. I love this quote:
" Think about love, or hate, or joy, or rage--what ever makes you feel something, makes your palms sweat or your toes curl. Focus on that feeling. When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time. You'd be shocked how many adults are really dead inside--walking through their days with no idea who they are, just waiting for a heart attack or cancer or a Mack truck to come along and finish the job. It's the saddest thing I know" (122).
This quote rings extremely true and personally in my heart. What are we living for? Why don't we truly express ourselves? This reminds me of how Pastor Mark, said that the symbol of Christianity is a mark of pain, hurt, and suffering. Life is not easy. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with others is not easy, but we push through the blockage, because even a stream will find its away around a damn.

My two favorite aspects of the book are Melinda's thoughts and how she uses metaphors and similes to compare people to animals. She paints such a beautiful picture of everything for the reader. Her thoughts are biting, stinging, hysterical, and most of all powerful. I wish that she would have used an animal metaphor at the end of the story to describe her self; however, her growth through nature is beautifully articulated. I am able to related to Melinda because I too grow from observing and being in nature. Trees are life bearing, homes, givers of oxygen, wood, nuts, and shade. They are also strong, stable, and flexible. My favorite yoga pose is the tree.

Melinda's story is extremely powerful, but I know that it rings true in many lives. A story like this would give other girls and guys the power to speak up against what has happened in their lives that they think is wrong or sinful. I have never personally experienced anything like this, but it is imperative to share this book and Melinda's story.

I was laying in bed the other night thinking about the book and I look up and on my bulletin board behind my bed I have a pin that says "Speak up about Speak!" These there is this great website that lets people talk about their thoughts and reactions to the book. http://speakupaboutspeak.blogspot.com/