My thoughts on Speak

Unfortunately before reading Speak, I already knew how the novel ended.  This knowledge did not completely ruin the novel, it just forced me to read the entire novel in one night.  While reading I was constantly wondering when and how Melinda would actually "speak" out.  I would be devastated if this incident happened to me while in high school.  I don't think I would actually be able to hold the truth in for so long.  I cannot understand how her old "friends" just ignored her.  I don't think if I were in her friend's shoes I could do this.  It's hard for me to hold grudges, therefore I believe that I would not leave my friend to suffer alone and depressed.  Another part of the novel that I cannot stop thinking about is the constant reminder of trees.  Melinda is assigned a yearlong art project on trees, her family has to trim a tree in their front yard, and she was surrounded by trees during the incident.  Did you notice all of the references to trees?  If so, please leave your comments on this constant reference.