So Much to Tell You (Paperback)

by John Marsden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
After what happened to her face, Marina stopped talking. Completely. Even the people at the hospital couldn't help her find her voice again. In an almost hopeless, last-ditch effort, Marina is shuffled to a boarding school--where she's required to keep a journal. Ugh! Slowly, though, the secrets begin to pour from her spirit onto the paper. The more shape she can give to the nightmare, the more she is released from it. This is one of the most intelligent, realistic novels about post-traumatic stress ever written for young people. Marina's transformation will inspire any teen who has ever struggled to find his or her voice. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal
Grade 7-9-- Marina, a 14 year old living at a boarding school in Australia, has been facially disfigured under circumstances which are gradually revealed. Since that terrible event, she has not spoken. An English teacher makes diary writing a class assignment; the diary, this novel, becomes Marina's "voice." Still, she remains withdrawn and nurses a great bitterness toward the world. Initially, she rejects the overtures of her dorm mates. With time, she shares in group responsibilities and discovers that her dorm mates--even the "golden" ones--have problems. Eventually, Marina is able to accept affection, friendship, and her own growing interest in school and social life. As the novel's pace quickens, she confronts her feelings toward her father, who had intended to attack his unfaithful wife with acid; Marina was the mistaken victim. Marina realizes that, despite everything, she feels forgiveness and compassion for her father. Marsden is a master storyteller. His characterizations--especially of young people--are interesting and believable. The descriptions of the girls' relationships are humorous and moving. There are faint echoes here of Richard D'Ambrosio's No Language But a Cry. (Dell , 1971), a popular nonfiction YA title. This is an intelligent work of literature which is satisfying both intellectually and emotionally. --Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, N.Y.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (January 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0862033861
• ISBN-13: 978-0862033866
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,865,905 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I read it all in one night!, June 9, 2001

By	Nancy E. "Nancy" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So Much to Tell You (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intrigating story, January 25, 2002

By	virginia (san salvador, el salvador) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So Much to Tell You (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So much to review!, April 15, 2006

By	lisa "charm" (Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So Much to Tell You (Mass Market Paperback)

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.