The author effectively conveys the idea that individuals have the ability to overcome trauma and emerge stronger. Anderson achieves this through the use of first-person narrative, allowing readers to witness the protagonist's journey towards transformation. The first-person point of view, characterized by the use of pronouns such as "I", "we", "me", and "us", grants readers direct access to the protagonist's thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to trauma . event and its subsequent recovery. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout the book, readers are exposed to the profound impact of a traumatic event, the associated struggles, and the healing process. The novel takes the form of the diary of the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, who survives a classmate's act of violence but is consequently marginalized at school. Melinda's innermost thoughts, introspection, and attempts to find her voice and address the issue are all laid bare for readers to witness. Melinda confesses: "I want to confess everything, hand over the blame and the mistake and the anger to someone else. There's a beast in my stomach, I can feel it scraping the inside of my ribs. Even if I discharge the memory, it will stay with me , staining me" (Anderson, 1999, p. 38). Through these words, readers grasp the depth of Melinda's feelings of dirtiness and the disturbing nature of the traumatic event. In line with many victims of violence, Melinda also experiences a sense of guilt despite her innocence. Melinda's overwhelming emotions of anger and guilt lead her to withdrawal and near-silence. However, as time passes, he begins to yearn for release: “A clean little part of me is waiting to warm up and burst to the surface” (Anderson, 1999, p. 122). His statement, "It wasn't my fault. And I won't let this kill me. I can grow" (Anderson, 1999, p. 128), represents a testament to his recovery from trauma. Through Melinda's courageous words and actions, readers witness her transformation and come to understand that healing is indeed possible. It becomes evident that the author's choice to use a first-person narrative effectively conveys the idea that change and healing can also occur following trauma. Reference Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.