Image Credit: AZ Quotes
Laurie Halse Anderson has been one of my favorite authors since I was in high school. I’ve read and re-read many of her books!
Born October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York, Anderson enjoyed writing and reading. She has a younger sister. She never saw herself as a writer. When she was a senior in high school, Anderson became an exchange student. She lived on a pig farm in Denmark for 13 months.
After high school, she attended community college. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1984, earning a bachelor’s degree in languages and linguistics.
Her first marriage was to Greg Anderson, and they had two daughters. Years after her divorce, she reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, Scott Larrabee. They married, combining their families. Scott also had two children, so they have four children between them.
Originally a freelance journalist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, she began writing children’s and young adult novels. Her first novel was published in 1996, titled Ndito Runs. She’s also written several works of non-fiction.
Several of her books have made The New York Times Bestseller List, and recognized by the American Library Association (ALA).
Speak (1999)
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Speak was my first introduction to Anderson and her writing. It’s an impressive book that I’ve experienced multiple times, both in personal reading and in several classes between high school and college. Melinda learns to persevere through a traumatic event, horrible rumors, and people attempting to ruin her reputation.
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Catalyst (2002)
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Catalyst is set in the same high school as Speak. Once again, Anderson did not disappoint with her realism.
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Prom (2005)
Image Credit: Goodreads
This wasn’t my favorite book, but it was a good read about the drama surrounding high school prom.
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Twisted (2007)
Image Credit: Goodreads
I remember reading this one only once. I’m adding this to my TBR!
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Wintergirls (2009)
Image Credit: Amazon
This was probably the most challenging book that I’ve read, aside from the first time I read Speak. She dives deep into mental illness, eating disorders, and friendship. I want to read it again.
What about you?
Have you read any of Laurie Halse Anderson’s work?
Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂
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I seem to be missing something. I can’t see the post. 😦
I think it’s because it’s blank. I’m editing it now 🙂
Ahhh. Premature posting. Happens to us all! 😀
Thanks! It should be good now 🙂 Happy New Year!
I’ll say it’s good! Fantastic post, Laura!
Have a great New Year! 🙂
Thank you so much, Ariel! I hope you have a Happy New Year, too!
I read Speak and Twisted. Both very good books. She and Ellen Hopkins (author of the Crank series) made up most of my reading in high school. Speak was turned into a movie too
I’ll have to check out Ellen Hopkins – That’s a new name to me. I liked the movie adaptation of Speak, as well. Kristen Stewart was really good!
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