`` Because boys and girls can be victims of rape , we need to try to teach them to make decisions about life that keep them safe , sober and with people they can trust , and make sure people who might be inclined to rape -- who think they can get away with it -- Real talk about sex among families is more important than ever , `` Speak '' author says . The book was written by a man who has been married for 30 years and whose wife of 20 years had an affair with another man. The novel 's central themes -- teen rape and stigma -- are still relevant , Anderson says .
Real talk about sex among families is more important than ever , `` Speak '' author says . The book was written by a man who has been married for 30 years and whose wife of 20 years had an affair with another man. The novel 's central themes -- teen rape and stigma -- are still relevant , Anderson says .