Maya S’s Reviews > Silence > Status Update

The conflict in my story is a combination of character Vs. Character and also character Vs. Self. The character Vs character aspect comes mainly from her Dad, which she is terrified of because of what he let someone else do to her. But because of this, the main character takes fault in the situation and is afraid to stand up because the news will “hurt others”. Oakley wants to speak but she is holding herself back

The main characters are Oakley and Cole. Oakley stopped talking when she was young and nobody knows why. Cole is her best friend which Oakley is grateful for because he is the only one who understands her. They both live in England. Oakley is trying to avoid her dad almost the whole book, but she never says why. The only evidence we have is that she was scared of what her dad let someone do to her. We don’t know who.

I think that the most sympathetic character in my book is Cole. I have a lot of respect for him because whenever Oakley has a hard time at school, Cole makes sure he comforts her. He always has stayed her friend and has been patient when she doesn’t speak. Oakley always says that she doesn’t deserve Cole because he is too nice and respectful for anyone. So far, he hasn’t done one bad thing.

The setting for my book is in England, it doesn’t say where though. For a large section of the book the characters go on vacation to Italy. The setting takes place in the 2000s. I think that if the story took place in a different time, it would be extremely different. If the book took place in the early 1900s, Oakley’s parents probably wouldn’t have tolerated her behavior of not speaking.

The main character, Oakley is her own antagonist because she is always saying how much she wants to do things, but can’t because of herself. For example, Oakley always feels like she wants to speak, but her fear of hurting people and lack of self esteem holds her back. Although progressively through the book that is wearing away, the main focus always seems to be that she is stopping herself from enjoying life.

The protagonist in my story is a 16 year old girl who stopped speaking when she was 5. She won’t reveal why she won’t speak. She has only one friend, Cole. Oakley is so afraid to confess why she won’t talk because she feels like it will hurt him and her family. Other characters always baby her and treat her like she’s made of glass. Some people say she’s stubborn, but Cole doesn’t mind her not talking.

My prediction is that Cole will get Oakley to talk. I think this because Cole is really the only person that can get through to her and make her feel comfortable. Oakley's parents always say that Cole can help and that he is thier last hope. Also, when Cole sent his nightly text, Oakley typed out a response, but deleted it. This shows that she really wants to communicate with him but is just scared of doing so.

At first, I didn't realize that I was reading a book similar to another, because I thought that it was very original to write about a girl who doesn't speak. As I thought about it, I realized that I read a book last year called The Thing About Jellyfish, which was about a girl who's best friend died so she stopped talking. I find it kind of funny that I didn't realize the similarity between the two books.

I am wondering why Oakley can't wright anything down or text anyone if she doesn't want to speak. As off-topic as it may sound, I have been wondering how she does her school work if she refuses to write or type anything to anyone. Or can't she just talk to Cole about her issue. He promised to be secretive. I think that her choice is selfish, even though she says that she doesn't want to hurt anyone by telling them.

Oakley, the main character goes to her best friend's house and his dad is making lunch. The author was really good at explaining the environment around them. She explained how the burgers were always burnt and they had to cover them in ketchup to get rid of the charred taste. This has happened to me before so I can recall that same feeling. If I don't understand I go back and read slower the next time.