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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
The story and art were good, but there were some lazy editing errors that made me want to give the book a lower rating than I had. The story itself, though, is so heart-wrenching and powerful. It made me sob.
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Classism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Racism, Xenophobia, Blood, Dysphoria
There are no words.
Read this book and remember to breathe. There were so many moments I was holding my breath.
The illustrations made this book even more powerful.
Read this book and remember to breathe. There were so many moments I was holding my breath.
The illustrations made this book even more powerful.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I remember reading this book as part of my high school curriculum and loving it. This graphic novel version hits the same yet so different. The visuals used to depict the rape and negative thoughts of the main character are so gut punching. It felt visceral. I would have loved an ending where we see everyone find out she was raped and that's why she's been silent and failing classes.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Speak effected me so deeply that I didn’t think the graphic novel could match it. But it did. Adding drawings to an already volatile piece of work made it that much more powerful, in my opinion. I cried at the end for Melinda, as I did throughout the novel. So many students have been through this and not all make it out to the other side like she did. Many students might not pick up the novel version, but might read the graphic novel and for that I am so thankful this book was illustrated and written. I loved the black and white of the book because there was no color in Melinda’s life in the book. It matched perfectly.
Difficult read .. powerful read ... important read. The graphic storytelling element here is important.
The graphic format of this powerful story is that much better because of the artwork. When I first read the book years ago, it packed a punch. After so much time, the story still resonates and will offer comfort & hope to anyone who has suffered a sexual assault and is looking for a voice.
Includes author’s note as well as a resource list.
Includes author’s note as well as a resource list.