Speak Up

Laurie Halse Anderson, born in upstate NY in 1961, has quite a literary career going, banging out kids books and historical fiction. I was fortunate to come across Speak, her first young adult novel, published in 1999. Set in a suburb of Syracuse, a first person account, the story tracks a female high-schooler through her freshman year, divided into four marking periods. She has been ostracized because of something that happened at a summer party. A bright girl, she is underperforming, doing well only in Art. She spends a lot of time in closets. She cuts classes and says little. Her powers of observation are keen. Although the major revelation is not surprising, it is well camouflaged by the author. The narrative smacks of authenticity, the prose and dialogue true to teenagers, at least as far as my 71-year-old self can tell. I’m sure many adults would enjoy it. The 198 pages of the large paperback platinum edition read like considerably less. 5000+ users at Amazon have rated Speak, forging to a consensus of 4.7 on a scale of five. I’ll go with four. 20 years after its release, it is still selling well. Anderson has published nearly 40 books, including a memoir and two graphic novels. She has received several awards. In 2004 Speak was adapted to the big screen. I’ve added it to my Netflix list. Kudos, madam. (Facts from Wiki)

RIP NFL WR Ken Burrough, 73. All-America at Texas Southern, he was the tenth player selected in the 1970 draft. After an injury plagued rookie season, the Saints traded him to Houston, where he flourished. He played eleven seasons with the Oilers, and was named twice to the Pro Bowl. Overall, he had 421 receptions and scored 49 TDs. He was the last player to wear double-zero. Well done, sir. (Wiki)

The Russians have made a hall of fame entry into political spin, claiming their aim is to “de-Nazify” Ukraine.

Interesting headline from foxnews.com: “Notorious hacker group ‘Anonymous’ declares war on Putin for invasion.” Root for the lesser of two evils.

Played the book shop wrong today. Went out too soon and it started sprinkling again. Had to pack up. Should have waited until two PM. Now the sun is shining, mocking me. To paraphrase Mrs. Gump: “Anal is as anal does.”

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