I am not going to think about it. It was ugly, but it's over, and I'm not going to think about it

I am not going to think about it. It was ugly, but it's over, and I'm not going to think about it

Laurie Halse Anderson is a renowned author known for her powerful and thought-provoking novels that tackle difficult and often taboo subjects. One of her most famous works is "Speak," a novel that follows the story of a teenage girl named Melinda who is struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Throughout the novel, Melinda grapples with feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation as she tries to come to terms with what happened to her.

The quote "I am not going to think about it. It was ugly, but it's over, and I'm not going to think about it" perfectly encapsulates the internal struggle that Melinda faces throughout the novel. After experiencing a traumatic event at a party, Melinda is left feeling broken and alone. She tries to bury her feelings and memories of what happened, hoping that by ignoring them, they will eventually go away. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Melinda's attempts to suppress her emotions only serve to further isolate her and prevent her from healing.

In many ways, Melinda's journey mirrors the experiences of real-life survivors of trauma. The quote highlights the common coping mechanism of denial and avoidance that many individuals use to protect themselves from the pain of their past. However, as Melinda learns, ignoring her trauma only serves to prolong her suffering and prevent her from moving forward.

Through Melinda's story, Laurie Halse Anderson sheds light on the importance of facing our past traumas head-on and seeking help and support to heal. By acknowledging and processing our pain, we can begin to heal and move forward with our lives. "Speak" is a powerful and poignant novel that reminds readers of the importance of speaking up and breaking the silence surrounding trauma and abuse.