tahirarani 's review for:

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

3.0

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Though I originally read it in middle school, I believe, to this day, that Speak is a very powerful and moving book for young adults. But truthfully, I was not very impressed with Shout. I understand the message, the relevance of this publication in the midst of the Me Too movement, how much Laurie Halse Anderson wants to illuminate that her story is one among millions, set within the system of toxic masculinity and sexism. And I thank her for her bravery in sharing her pain. But, outside of the personal narrative, it rang loudly of white feminism, and what I mean by that is that it was cringey. Now, I understand Anderson made attempts to acknowledge race as well, but still, I was expecting the messaging to be more nuanced, more complex, but it felt like intro to righteous second wave feminism 101. I think it’s valuable for young readers, certainly, but I am sad it wasn’t better.