December's Book Choice: "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute...

I read this book about a month ago and found myself dwelling on it for days. It is a fast moving, easy to read book that really grabbed my attention. I hope you enjoy it. Please leave a comment if you have an available copy of the book.

Book club will be held on Friday, December 18 at 7:00 PM at my house. We will discuss the book for approximately 1-1 1/2 hours. After that we will break out the chocolate fountain, exchange white elephant gifts, and watch the movie of the book for those who want to. It will most likely be a late evening so come prepared. By prepared I mean bring your jammies and pillows if you want to. More info on the party (food assignments for the chocolate fountain, info on white elephant gifts) to come soon so be sure to check the blog often this month. I will also be sending out the newsletter in the next couple of days so watch for that.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Love you all much and see you soon!