Summary

Part Two of the work revolves around the publication of SPEAK, and the public's overwhelming and resounding response. It begins with "Polyhymnia" and its opening lines are the opening lines of the novel. Anderson compares and contrasts herself with the main character, Melinda. The two stories may overlap at times, she notes, but the story possesses "its own DNA" (168). Anderson's truth comes out gradually, in bits and pieces throughout the verses. These bits and pieces are picked up by other survivors who contact her. Collectively they build the mosaic of collective survivors.

"conspiracy" recounts Anderson's ascension to the National Book Awards, and her discomfort among the other authors and attendees but for Walter Dean Myers, author of MONSTER. Anderson still feels unaccustomed to the fame and attention, but Myers alleviates her discomfort. The two soon bond over their shared characters, "the children with...