Speak Playlist

1. Hate Me-Blue October
This song describes how Melinda felt when all her friends abandoned her after what happened at the party. She didn't have very many friends to start off her freshman year, and her parents were worried about her just like this song starts out with his mom calling.
2. Fireproof-The National
I think this song really captures how Melinda feels when she is going through her depression. She is numb, trying to be strong, but really she is breaking inside and nobody seems to notice. Andy "IT" keeps harassing her outside and inside of school, and how she reacts to him kind of reminds me of this song. This song has that mood and tone to all these feelings.
3. Hide and Seek-Imogen Heap
Melinda uses the janitor's closet to hide from her troubles. It is a place where she feels safe and protected, but she knows she can't hide forever. She knows this isn't healthy, and she will have to face life eventually.
4. The Fear- Ben Howard
Even though this song talks about fear it also has a hopeful ring to it. When Melinda starts to express herself through her art, she also feels a little hope but she also is still holding on to some pain and fear that she has to work through. Mr. Freeman helps her overcome her fear through art and tell her story.
5. What About Us-Pink
I think this song encaptures all the victims of rape. It represents how what was supposed to be this beautiful moment of human connection for Melinda was robbed of her. She doesn't trust people and love anymore. It reminds me of the writing on the bathroom wall of all the girls that had been silenced and now they are standing up.
6. Til' It Happens To You- Lady Gaga
I don't know if this is in the correct chronological order of the book, per say, but it is an honest song about being a victim of rape and what it feels like. Lady Gaga actually wrote the song about her experience. There is a lot of guilt, shame, and silence. I like the line in the song that says, "It won't be real", like how Melinda was in shock after going through this. Melinda also felt like it was her fault what happened to her, until she finally realized it wasn't.
7. Shake It Out- Florence and the Machine
This is the perfect song to show how the book ended. Melinda finally broke her silence and spoke to help someone else, her friend Rachel. She also speaks through her art. Her school mates finally stand up for her as well. The song shows Melinda's transformation from keeping secrets and being scared, to finally facing her demons and moving forward in her life. The rhythm and cheerfulness of this song represent that.