Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson --- Pt. 2

Pgs. 69-132

They chose Wombats! I'm not really sure why, but I'm glad they picked a mascot.

We start to see more of the relationship between Melinda (because that's her name) and her parents. We knew they were never around, but we didn't know any more than that. Now we see that Melinda's mom has to work very hard while Melinda's dad doesn't really work all that much. At one point Melinda seems to blame her dad about some of the problems that her parents are having, but we can't tell if it is true or not. Then, her parents are brought to the school to talk about Mel's skipping habits and grades. I find this hilarious, because she ends up in MISS (Merryweather In School Suspension). She misses school then she goes to MISS. It's amazing.

Mel is definitely not getting anywhere with her art project. She just can't seem to figure it out. It all ends up looking too fake or too sickly. We do find out that she can play some basket ball, whatever good that will do her. She is offered an A if she can teach the basket ball team to shoot. Are our schools really that messed up? Later, Mr. Freeman gives Mel a ride to her mom's workplace. Mr. Freeman talks about the Picasso-esqe, cubist tree that Mel attempted. He thinks that she has real talent, but that she needs to show depth, unlike the mirror that she seems to be. She needs to show emotion. It's terrible that most people might misconstrue this scene now-a-days for some awful sexual scene, when it could just be innocent.

She's afraid of IT. IT makes me think of that old movie about the killer clown. I wonder if Anderson did that on purpose. There are several clowns mentioned in the book. One of the art students has clowns as her project. I'm sure I will find out soon enough.

Now Heather is breaking up the friendship! What is wrong with that girl? Mel did everything she could to help her out and support her when things were tough. Now, she's just going to dump her? That is just messed up. If Heather left her just because the Marthas wanted her to, I will be very upset.

Lastly, David Petrakis invites her to a get-together. Mel freaks. Apparently parties are bad. Which means she's had some awful experiences at a party or parties. Probably has something to do with IT. Clowns are always at parties.