Saturday, March 7, 2015

REVIEW: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson


Speak
Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country.









MY THOUGHTS
Yeah, I'm a bit late to this one aren't I? This book is a huge mark in the YA world and it come out 15 years ago, so the fact that I didn't get to this one now is very unusual. At least I got to it, right?

This book focuses on Melinda who just started high school and is a social outcast. She used to have friends, until Melinda called the cops on a party over the summer. Now, no one wants to talk to her. All the while Melinda is falling apart, trying to hide within herself what really happened.

The only thing I really knew about this book was that it's about <highlight to view spoiler> rape.<end of spoiler> I think everyone in the book world already knew that about this book, since it's been out for 15 years, but just in case. I really do wish I could've gone into this book without knowing that, so I would be more shocked as I think that was the intent, but oh well.

I must admit, I was on the fringe on whether I should have given this 3 or 4 stars. I completely love the message behind this book and the writing is absolutely amazing. This book captures greatly how you can speak out about something and about depression as well. Really, this book does a great job at focusing on tough subjects. We need books like this out in the world!

It is very easy to feel for Melinda in this book, even without knowing what she went through. And, while I have never gone through what Melinda has gone through, she is relatable. My only issue with this book is just the pacing and overall non-existent happenings.This book is incredibly realistic and it captures Melinda's depression in an entire school year, and it makes for a slow book. Don't get me wrong, I really think this is perfect for the book, I just had some trouble with that.

IN CONCLUSION
I can honestly see why this is practically considered a YA classic. It is a very sad book, and I hate thinking that girls (and some guys I guess, but mostly girls) have to go through this. The author did such a great job with creating such a realistic read with a tough subject.

I hereby give this book
4 Wheels
Meaning: It was amazing!


2 comments :

  1. Great review. I’ve read almost all of Laurie Halse Anderson’s books, and this one is my favorite. I knew how it ended before I read it, but I still really liked the writing style.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  2. I actually don't know anything about this book yet, but I do intend to read it. I really don't like the cover, which always puts me off because I do judge by covers >.> But I am going to read this one anyone! It seems like a very good approach to a tough subject.

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