Congratulations to Lauren Lowhorn, a 10th grader at Tri Jr. Sr. High School, for winning the “Save a Book” Blog Contest!” WARNING: Her essay has spoilers for the book Speak, so if you want to remain surprised, read the book first, then this essay.
Thanks to the judges for your help, and thanks to everyone who entered and wrote some wonderful and memorable essays about the stories you would save. They were all very powerful indeed!
If I Could Save a Book
“Books-they open worlds to the imaginations and wonder. Some books however are more important to us than others. If I could save one book from vanishing into oblivion, it would be Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I would save this book for multiple reasons; however, I have three very important ones.
First of all, it is very well written. It has the correct realistic twist that some books don’t have. For instance, Melinda Sordino, the main character, deals with a very possible incident that could happen to anyone. While at a party, Melinda drinks too much and is led off into the woods and is faced with a problem that would change her life. She ends up calling the police on the party but never tells anyone the rest of the story. It will always remind us of the little secrets we keep. When Melinda was led off into the woods, she was raped. It’s almost strange how little secrets can make a big difference.
Secondly, this book takes you back to your freshman year of high school, and puts you in the shoes of Melinda Sordino. It can take you back to when you remember a certain kid in your grade, who was either hated or made fun of constantly-that kid is Melinda Sordino. It creates a state of mind that you are her, you are that certain kid. It would most definitely make you feel her emotions and what she faces and goes up against through out the story. This book basically will make you feel tha tyou need to apologize to that kid for making him or her feel that way, or it will comfort you and help you realize you weren’t the only one made fun of. Over all it makes a great image and can trigger your imagination.
Most of all, this entire story shows the courage of one girl, and how she transforms her fear and anger into confidence and fearlessness. Eventually, during the school year she finds serenity in art class. She is extremely nervous and rude about the whole idea of the class. But her teacher Mr. Freeman changes her perspective on life and art. Mr. Freeman is a calm, rational person who has his mind set that art will teach you to find your soul. Even though her entire class hated her, there was one new girl who had somewhat befriended Melinda. Her name was Heather. She was spunky and talkative. Melinda, having no friends, was desperate. They did not stay friends for long after Heather found out what Melinda had done. Finally in the book she faced the guy who had raped her. Once the fight begins Melinda doesn’t have a chance, but with her quick thinking skills, she grabs a piece of glass from the floor and puts him in a head lock threatening to cut him if he moved. This book shows you real life villains and real life heroes.
This book was a great asset to me and will be to people to come. I would save this book because its well written, it makes you think, and most of all it shows you how to be stronger, not physically but emotionally. it can take you back into the past, throw you into the future, or even sit you down in the present.
