Speechless by Hannah Harrington

The theme or central idea of the book I read, Speechless by Hannah Harrington, is strength. Chelsea expects her senior year of high school to be the best year of her life, she had all these fantastic goals and expectations, but it ended up being all for nothing. “The sad thing is I thought this was going to be my year.  Getting my license, having a car of my own, partying it up with Kristen and Warren and Derek, hanging out every weekend and going to dances and prom and living the high life, as it were.  Maybe landing a boyfriend of my own for once instead of being Kristen and Warren’s third wheel” (Harrington 83). During a party at her best friend’s house with cops, an almost dead friend named Noah, and under age drunk teenagers; Chelsea ends up letting out a huge secret that will change her and Noah’s life forever. No one is able to trust Chelsea again; she comes to school that Monday after Winter Break with her locker written on and her car with a bunch of shaving cream all over it.  She has to put on a smile and try to make new friends she would have never thought she would ever be friends with when she was popular.  Her parents at home aren’t much help either with trying to make her stop the “stupid” and “childish” vow of silence. Chelsea must remain strong throughout the book while everyone tries to tear her down. Chelsea will not give up, she is determined to stay mute till the whole thing blows over and her new friends are made and trust her. 

In the article I chose, Speechless Article, the websites article includes Hannah Harringtons views of bullying and her personal expreinces that helped her convery a good and convincing tone throughout the book.