APRIL 2019 - AudioFile
Narrator and author Laurie Halse Anderson reflects upon the trials of her life in a dynamic voice. And in a unique way, her powerful, poetic memoir advocates for others who have faced similar hardships. Listeners gain insight into the experiences and figures that influenced her debut novel, SPEAK, which brought the difficult topic of teen rape to the forefront of conversation and remains important to this day for new generations. The raw emotion that listeners hear in Anderson's voice, especially towards the end, when she literally shouts for a call to action, makes this audiobook a necessary and engaging listen for teens. M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 11/05/2018
In this powerful memoir told in free verse, Anderson delves into her past and that of her parents, sharing experiences at the root of novels such as Speak (her rape at the age of 13) and The Impossible Knife of Memory (her father’s PTSD after World War II). In language alternately raw and lyrical, she traces the years from her childhood to the start of her writing career, describing how the memory of her rape finally spurred her to write the truth and to become an activist against censorship and rape culture, which are both addressed in the book along with confusing social messages surrounding sexuality (“the rules they fed you/ were the wrong rules”). Exploring the impact of silence on truth (“I learned then that words/ had such power/ some must never be spoken”), she also portrays her parents’ marriage, her shifting relationships with them, and her closeness with her father after her mother’s death. In one especially contemplative poem entitled “how the story found me,” Anderson turns on its head the common refrain “follow your dreams,” recommending that readers “follow your nightmares instead/ cuz when you figure out what’s eating you alive/ you can slay it.” Her potent words and willingness to shout her message are proof of the soundness of that advice. Ages 12–up. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
"Anderson’s prose is so gorgeous . . . that at times the book needs to be put down to absorb her utter mastery of language."—Entertainment Weekly
★ "In this powerful memoir told in free verse, Anderson delves into her past. . .Her potent words and willingness to shout her message are proof of the soundness of that advice." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "A captivating, powerful read about clawing your way out of trauma, reclaiming your body,and undoing lifetimes of lessons in order to use your voice as the weapon it is. Fervent and deafening." —Booklist, starred review
★ "Readers new to Anderson will find this accessible. It's a strong example of how lived experience shapes art and an important book for the #MeToo movement." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A praise song to survivors, a blistering rebuke to predators, and a testament to the healing power of shared stories.” —The Horn Book, starred reivew
★ "Will ring out to readers who themselves believe in the power of stories." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ "In searing free verse, Anderson unloads decades of trauma on these pages . . . Longtime Anderson fans will appreciate this deeply personal look into how the author channeled her pain into the writing of Speak, and readers new to her work will be swept up in her singular style, which melds bold honesty with fluttering moments of lyrical beauty." —Bookpage, starred review
★ "More than a gifted writer, Anderson is an advocate for anyone who feels alienated. Her sensitive, incisive book is essential for all young people." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Immensely powerful." —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ "Poetry is very often written to be heard, and this collection in particular ought to be heard—spoken proudly by Anderson, outloud, and at full volume." —Booklist review of the audio edition, starred review
"With Speak, Anderson opened the door for more novels exploring the deeply felt and deeply personal aftermath of sexual violence. SHOUT serves as both a testament to the life-altering, lifesaving impact of these types of stories — and as an urgent and brutal reminder of their ongoing necessity." —The New York Times Book Review
"A powerful testament that bears witness not just to [Anderson's] own pain, and the pain of others similarly abused, but also to the power of speaking persistently, time and time again, about topics that most people don't want to hear." —The Los Angeles Review of Books
"An absolutely essential read for teenagers and the people who know them." —Refinery29
APRIL 2019 - AudioFile
Narrator and author Laurie Halse Anderson reflects upon the trials of her life in a dynamic voice. And in a unique way, her powerful, poetic memoir advocates for others who have faced similar hardships. Listeners gain insight into the experiences and figures that influenced her debut novel, SPEAK, which brought the difficult topic of teen rape to the forefront of conversation and remains important to this day for new generations. The raw emotion that listeners hear in Anderson's voice, especially towards the end, when she literally shouts for a call to action, makes this audiobook a necessary and engaging listen for teens. M.D. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
