SHOUT is Laurie’s story about being a survivor, about being a woman, about being an advocate who is passionate about young people, about intellectual freedom, and about being the best people we can all possibly be. It’s angry and it’s hopeful. It’s sad and it’s powerful. It’s real and raw. The verse is flawless. It adds movement and clarity. It is exactly what it wants to be: a shout, not a whisper. This is a masterclass in feminism, in storytelling, and in the power of words to draw action that changes the world. Find below ten incredible quotes from SHOUT that will, no doubt, stay with you for a long, long time. Once you read these, go grab the book from your favorite bookstore or library.
untreated pain is a cancer of the soul that can kill you Scars may look stronger than unwounded skin but they’re not, once broken, we’re easily hurt again, or worse the temptation is to hide behind shields play defense, drown ourselves in sorrow or drug our way to haunted oblivion until death erases hope. Most relationships come with expiration dates just like milk and bread. Some go sour Before you can taste them. Too many grownups tell kids to follow their dreams like that’s going to get them somewhere. Aunt Laurie says follow your nightmares instead cause when you figure out what’s eating you alive you can slay it. Pain won’t be contained By bars or marks Your scars deserve attention, too. Censorship is the child of fear the father of ignorance and the desperate weapon of fascists everywhere. The false innocence you render for them by censoring truth protects only you. The opposite of innocence is not sin. Dearly beloved, the opposite of innocence is strength. We’re all born to fight, but few are ever trained, instead they tell us “Be nice.” Sisters, drop everything. Walk away from the lake, leaning on each other’s shoulders when you need the support. Feel the contractions of another truth ready to be born: shame turned inside out is rage. Stories activate, motivate celebrate, cerebrate snare our fates and share our great incarnations of hope. For more insight into the work of Laurie Halse Anderson, check out this interview with her on the 15th anniversary of Speak, her conversation with Courtney Summers on the power of girls’ stories, and dig into a discussion of censorship.
