Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: PenguinHouse
Release: October 22, 1999
Review: 5 Stars
Characters: Melinda, Art Teacher (can't remember his name), Ivy, David, Heather, Mom, Dad, IT
It is amazing how this story is so enchanting, yet with so little dialogue. Melinda more or less refuses to speak. Sometimes she'll say a short phrase or two, but most everything goes on in her head. Melinda is my age, we both started high school this year, which makes her story even more touching, and scary. The art teacher (Mr. Freeman?), was a really cool character. I could tell that he knew something was up with Melinda, but he let her tell him at her own pace. Ivy is a pretty minor character, but she's pretty cool. David is really sweet, and I loved his scenes. Sadly, Melinda's parents didn't get what was going on, partially because she didn't tell them, and partially because they're not the best parent material. The few instances where Melinda let them in a little bit though, I could tell that their hearts leaped with joy.
First Impressions: 5/5
Laurie Halse Anderson really has a way with words. She took me in from page one, and I just couldn't stop flipping pages. There are tons of metaphors in the novel, but they are all simply part of Melinda's thought process.
Writing: 5/5 Dear god, give me more. Laurie Halse Anderson's writing is enchanting.
Plot: 4.5/5 The plot was an interesting pace. Melinda didn't tell the reader much, but you could tell when something was coming, and it was interesting seeing her deal with high school as well.
World Building: 4/5 Overall, I loved Melinda's world. It felt realistic, yet still original. That said, I'm pretty sure a whole high school wouldn't hate a kid for calling the cops at a party.
Characters: 5/5 As I said before, I really love the characters. They all have amazing depth and reliability.
Overall, Speak was a beautiful story that I didn't want to end!
Synopsis:
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.
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Laurie was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature…”. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes.
Author Bio:
Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Laurie was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature…”. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes.
You Can Find Her At:
Twitter
I haven't read this one yet, although I have been meaning to get around to it. Since you described it as "beautiful" I will try to get around to it sooner! Thanks for the review.
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