So Much to Tell You

by John Marsden

Book Overview

Winner of Australia's Book of the Year Award. Set in Australia and written in the form of a diary, this is the tragic story of the effects of divorce and her parents' anger on a young woman's life.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0449703746
• Release Date: July 1990
• Publisher: Fawcett
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.3" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

So much to review!

I found so much to tell you an extremely moving story; it presents a highly original story in an interesting format (journal layout). This is a book which is set as compulsory reading material at our school, and I think that this is a really good piece of reading material; its short direct style is new and refreshing. Mariana (the main character) though not speaking, is very perspective and insightful, through her journal we get detailed descriptions of the people around her, family and friends and how people interact with her, for the duration of the novel, Marina gradually becomes more open about he life and we can understand her feelings of isolation and depression, even though we may not be able to relate to them. The main themes in this book are Adolescence, Child abuse, domestic violence,depression,family,relationships,councelling,self image and trust, all these combined ensure a truly emotional read.

An intrigating story

Did you ever wonder about the importance of knowing how to communicate is? Well, language is a powerful symbol of emotions flowing between people. John Marsden wrote this book in order to help people progress and communicate as much as you can. All began that day when Marina realized she couldn't speak anymore, and was sent to a hospital because of a horrible accident she had. Since she was not showing any progression she was sent to this strange boarding school, but at least it was better than being in the hospital all day surrounded by four scary walls. She didn't want to think or talk about it until the day she was forced by her English teacher to write on a plain notebook every day. At first she didn't want to, but as she felt more confident on herself she began writing about what she saw, what she felt and what she had gone through. Slowly she was able to call her notebook her personal best friend. It was the only place were she could let go her anger and fears. She was afraid someone would someday open it and get to know all about her. By writing in her journal, Marina was able to unfold all her life and let the trauma out. She felt miserable, but something strange was going on, even though she was timid, mute and had a big ugly scar on her face, most of the girls were being nice with her. Marina had to share her room with other eight girls. Cathy, was the thin one, tall a great writer of poems, and kind. She helped her to start incorporating with the others, but not bye speaking. As Marina got to know everybody well her face started to show expressions: Happiness, sadness and gratitude. Sophie was the boyish, pretty girl who found Marina very irritating. Lisa was the strong and silent one, and Kate was the loudest one and who's sort of crude. All of these girls may seem perfect, but they also had problems going on through their lives, which they didn't show. Girls were not judging her on what she looked, but on who she was. Will Marina ever speak again? Will she have more confidence on herself? Will she be able to unite her family? This book is fast paced and actually is a page-turner because you want to know what's going to happen next. I recommend it mostly for girls all ages who are mature enough and don't know themselves, but are seeking to, and want to know about the importance of communication. Throughout this book you learn to cherish yourself and that by writing you can get your feelings, fears and problems. Without having to think it twice, I can easily say I loved the book. You may be wondering why. I liked the book, because through the way I was reading it, I got understand not every person in the world is happy, everypody has his or her pains and shames. A great deal of communication got opened in my heart. What would it be like, if people wouldn't communicate? This tremendous book written by John Marsden deserves five stars. It was the winner of the 1990 Christopher award.

I read it all in one night!

So much to tell you tells the story of a girl named Marina who since some tragic event has not been able to talk. She's spent a while in a hospital but even that wouldn't help her. SO in hope that she might find a voice and interact with others her mother sends her to a boarding school. In this school she recieves a journal she has to write in for school. As she starts pouring out her emotions, and even reaching out to students, she starts to admit what really happen. Will she ever have the chance to speak again? Read the book and find out.I really enjoyed this book. It tells the emotional story of one girls stuggle to get over her past and growing up. Though it's short it's definatly a powerful read. If you like stories such as "Don't you Dare read this Mrs. Dumphery" or other diary stories I reccomend this book to you. It's really a great read.

Moving

I found the book moving and compelling. Given that it is short and that I could not put it down, it was over far too quickly. I think it would be an excellent book to read and discuss with teenagers. One thing, unlike other reviewers, I am sure that the main character does not talk, not out of willfulness, but because she truly is unable to.

A great first novel

This book was John Marsden's first novel, and it's a great read. The story is entirely from the point of view of Marina through her diary entries. She doesn't speak anymore and in boarding school her only outlet is the journal that she has to keep for English.As the story progresses, Marsden gives us tantalising hints of what is going on in her life, what happened to make her this way, which is nicely resolved by the end of the story.If the story ends too soon for you, the sequel "Take my word for it," does the same sort of thing with another girl living in the same dorm. She sees the events of "So Much to Tell You" from a different viewpoint, and the story goes on past the ending of the first book.This is a great read for teens. John Marsden was a teacher for many years, and really understands how young people think. It is mainly a girls book, however, unlike the Tomorrow series which has a more general appeal due to its action orientation.