Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless.
In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she's never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society's failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #MeToo and #TimesUp, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. Shout speaks truth to power in a loud, clear voice — and once you hear it, it is impossible to ignore.
"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 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." — Publishers Weekly
Recommended Age | 14 and up |
---|---|
Author | Laurie Halse Anderson |
ISBN | 0670012106 |
Publication Date | Mar 12, 2019 |
Publisher | Viking Books for Young Readers |
Language | English |