Speak (Platinum Edition) by Laurie Halse Anderson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Speak (Platinum Edition)
Book Review: Saying Nothing Can Say Everything
Summary: 5 Stars
This book captures so many necessary perspectives- from first day of high school to personal recovery. Written for young adolescents, this book is still a raw look at the human experience.
How do we talk about our lives? What is the best way to heal? How do you communicate honestly? Is anything you say really what you mean? How do you tell someone when you've been dissapointed? Pushed around? Neglected?
Surprisingly this perspective is not so focused on the female voice that it shuts out male readers.
This book creates a witty dialogue- stimulating ideas between readers.
Excellent for bookclubs, secondary classrooms, adults, teens, and readers. It is impossible to read this book and not care about the characters and the outcome of their choices.
Book Review: So, so good
Summary: 5 Stars
So, so good. This YA novel is told from the point of view of a girl who becomes an outcast the summer before she starts high school. She's so bitter and withdrawn that it's obvious she's in pain for some reason--and not just because she's lonely. I think any teenage girl (or boy, for that matter) would do well to read this book.Book Review: Speak
Summary: 5 Stars
Melinda is Outcast. Ever since she called the cops at an end-of-summer party, everyone avoids her. She lost all of her friends and now has to start her first year of high school entirely alone. But there was a reason she called the cops that night, a reason that she's been trying to block from her mind. She can't gain the courage to open her mouth and speak out, so instead she retreats to where it's safe - herself.
This was the first free verse novel and book by Laurie Halse Anderson that I've ever read. Saying that I'm impressed would be an understatement. This author's writing is so deep, emotional, pure, and raw that I'm surprised she even made up this story. Melinda's character felt so real to me; and being inside of her head throughout the entire novel was an entirely new ride for me. She had so much depth, and I could relate to her so well. I'm not much of a talker and people ask me all the time why I'm so quiet - I usually reply with, "Because I have nothing to say." I came across a line in this book that said the exact same thing! Melinda was so misunderstood by every single person she came in contact with. Just because she rarely talked, they assumed she was rebelling, weird, freaky, anything they wanted to imagine. It took me awhile to get used to the style of writing. There were many incomplete sentences, phrases, and repeated words. However I'm so glad that it was set up this way. It gave an entirely new perspective to the writing and into Melinda's head. Anderson's descriptive writing was so captivating and interesting; even when Melinda was doing normal every day routines, the author was able to make it sound so fascinating.
I loved watching the weak and silent Melinda develop into a strong person. During the last few 'chapters', every tiny way that she started to stand up for herself made me want to do a little victory dance. How she was able to put up with all the rude, uncaring people around her, I do not know. I probably would have snapped. But Melinda remained silent - only screaming when she was alone in her bedroom closet. The reader is able to figure out what happened on the night of the party very early on; however, Melinda doesn't actually play it out in her mind until halfway into the book. I like when authors give a little air of mystery to a book and don't cram all the explaining in the beginning. There is no sugarcoating in this novel, and even though Melinda never realizes it, she is depressed. Extremely. So sure, it was dark at times, but there were also funny parts. 'Gasp! You laughed while reading a sad book?!' Yes. The way Melinda used nicknames for her teachers was humorous. If you don't believe me, read the book.
This was a super powerful, enjoyable, memorable, and inspiring book. Melinda had a story to share, and it was one that I'm so glad I finally spent the time to read. I know this book has been used in many English classes, and I would beg to be able to read something this fantastic at school! Next on the list: watch the movie.
Book Review: Speak
Summary: 4 Stars
The book Speak, By Laurie Halse Anderson is about a freshman girl in high school that is raped at a party. She was raped by her best friends boyfriend. After she was raped at the party, she called the cops and got all the kids in trouble. After they found out that she called the cops, no one would talk to her and people called her mean names. The girls name is Melinda. She has no friends except for one named Heather. Heather's new and has no friends except Melinda. Melinda never talks and Heather constantly does. Eventually, Melindas Ex-best friend finds out that she was actually raped and called the cops because of it. She forgives her. But before this all happened Melinda took art class. She was asigned one thing.. that was to make a tree into something more. She worked on it all year and art was the only thing she did well in. At the end of the year she showed her teacher and he was extremelly impressed. All he said was, "You've been through alot." Melinda starts to cry and says, "Let me tell you about it." It's an excellent ending to an excellent book. Some conflicts Melinda faces is obviously when no one would talk to her. But "IT" trys to talk to her. It's makes people mad, and it makes Melinda get sick because it brings back so many bad memories. Melinda also faces challenges with her teachers. They aren't very good teachers, and very fair either. She fails a lot of classes. Some good things that happen to Melinda are that one day in P.E. she's assigned to shot free throws. She makes all 42 of them. The basketball coach wants her to go out for basketball but she doesn't. Melinda finally has something good happen when she tells Rachel what really happens. It's a very good book.Book Review: Speak
Summary: 5 Stars
An instant classic for this generation. Speaks to anyone and everyone who has been a teenager, alienated, or alone. A powerful book, great writing. Would recommend this one to anyone with a teenager, any teens looking for someone who feels like they do, and anyone dealing with hard situations in life. A wonderful message of hope, and endurance, with touches of black humor.