The first ten lies they tell you in high school.

“Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say.”

From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether.

Ah yes, the award-winning and multi-banned book (those two often go hand in hand), since it’s so famous, I had to read, and see if it’s as impactful as everyone says. Although I think it’s famous enough that people have a general idea of what it’s about, I’m still keeping this spoiler-free for those who haven’t and will not spill what the secret trauma is.

It’s a short book, being only 200 pages, but I’d say the second half was more impactful than the second half. The first 100 pages go through Melinda’s first two academic quarters where she maintains a cynical, deflated tone that is reminiscent of the early 2000s teen ennui. Everyone is a poser, parents don’t get it, reality tv bites, etc. Of course, one is more sympathetic to Melinda’s POV after they find out her secret, and her depressive personality is a result of trauma rather than edgy teen angst. But it does make the story drag much like how life seems to drag for Melinda.

When Melinda finally comes to terms herself with what happened to her, the language and imagery becomes more raw, and speak to the scars Melinda is dealing with. It didn’t only change her physically, but emotionally, mentally, and it just seems no one will care if she does tell.

Nonetheless, I wish we got more insight to how Melinda was before IT happened so readers might have a comparison to how much it impacted her life into a line of BEFORE and AFTER. Perhaps this is because I already knew the secret thus it was not a shock like it must have been back in 1999 to discuss such topics, and left me wanting more from the narrative when it came to her healing arc.

Nonetheless, it’s thoughtful and poignant in detailing what depression and trauma is like, so others may feel like they’re not alone in reacting this way after an event like this happens.

4 stars.