It's hard to say why this book has completely drawn in. The book is told from the perspective of Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who was raped over the summer at a party. At the party Melinda called the cops and once the party got busted everyone turned on her. The story follows Melinda's struggle through her first year of high school, most of it spent in an art classroom and an old janitor's closet. We witness the loss of her best friend and her failed attempt at making new ones as she tries to conceal her secret. Melinda is the epitome of the struggling, angst-filled teenager. However she has this one secret eating away at her as she struggles to find an identity in high school, other than that of "the squealer".
The book has been made into a movie (and has a sequel) since it's publishing. I would use the movie to compare and contrast the book, as well as deciding which one has the stronger impact on the students. Due to the taboo topic of rape and the use of PTSD, I wouldn't use this book below the high school level. It is also very relatable in other situations to students of this age group such as friendship issues and underage drinking. Students see these problems more than they should and I think a controversial book like this one could get them talking. The whole idea of the book is speak. Anderson seems to have the desire to get students speaking up about topics and ideas that aren't exactly normal.
I really want to read this book. I did not pick it for my reading list, but I will definitely be checking it out. I love books that make you want to read them again and again. Rape is a taboo topic you are right, but it is something that students need to learn about because it happens. I like how you said the book gives you topics to "speak" about, especially since that is the idea of the whole book.
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