Out of My Mind, written by Sharon M. Draper, is a meaningful and powerful story that follows the life and struggles of a twelve-year-old girl, Melody Brooks. Melody has photographic memory, making it feel like her head is “recording” The novel offers a deep dive into the world of a non-verbal child, providing a well understanding and exploration of her internal thoughts, frustrations, and even dreams. The book emphasizes the importance of making awareness to inclusion, and the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Through Melody’s journey, Draper portrays how society often underestimates the potential of people with any physical disability.
Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes-each one delicate and different, each one melting untouched in my hands.
Deep within me, my words pile up in huge drifts. Mountains of phrases and sentence is a connected idea. Clever expressions. Jokes. Love songs.
From the time I was little-maybe just a few months old-words were like sweet, liquid gifts, and I drank them like lemonade. I could almost taste them. They made my jumbled thoughts and feelings have substance. My parents have always blanketed me with conversation they chattered and babbled. They verbalize and vocalize. My father saying to me. My mother whispered her strength into my ear.
Every word my parents spoke to me or about me I absorbed and kept and remembered. All of them.
I have no idea how entangled the complicated process of words and thought, but it happened quickly and naturally. By the time I was two, all my memories and all my words had meanings.
But only in my head. I’ve never spoken one single word.
I am almost twelve years old. ( p.284)
This quotation speaks to the inside of Melody’s mind, her wanting for communication, and the isolation she must experiences because of the disconnect between her thoughts and her inability to speak. It really highlights both the beauty and the anger of being unable to share your thoughts with the world.