You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I have loved every format of this story that I've experinced. The original novel, the audiobook, the movie and now this graphic novel. Each iteration you get a little bit MORE each is a unique experience following Melinda's story and all of them are powerful. This is an important story and I love that with this adaptation it will reach even more people.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Quick confession: I haven't read the original novel before. I've seen it on the shelf but never even really bothered to pick it up and see what it was about. But when I saw it got a graphic novel adaptation, I was interested. Is it as strong as the original? I don't know, and honestly it will vary from person to person. I do think it's a strong piece and that many will benefit from it.
It's easy for me to wonder how this book would've positively affected me if I read it when it came out. Reading it now, I'm glad that this book exists. I'm glad that the author was brave enough to write down her experiences and share them with the world. I'm glad that generations have access to this book and be assured that they aren't alone. That they have this book to tell the it wasn't their fault and give them the courage to speak.
I'm sure that the original did a great job of expressing the emotions and turmoil this young lady was experiencing, but I also have to commend the illustrator on their work. The visuals lend themselves well to the story and help express things in a way that words couldn't. I think they fit in well with the main character as well.
Whether or not you have experienced something like this, I feel like this book is an important one to read. Even if your situation isn't exactly like Melinda's, it's easy to relate with her and the way she talks about her experience and reactions can help bring some understanding and insight to it. Even if you go into it years later like I did, it can be assuring and encouraging. It can be an emotionally difficult novel to work through, but still worth reading.
It's easy for me to wonder how this book would've positively affected me if I read it when it came out. Reading it now, I'm glad that this book exists. I'm glad that the author was brave enough to write down her experiences and share them with the world. I'm glad that generations have access to this book and be assured that they aren't alone. That they have this book to tell the it wasn't their fault and give them the courage to speak.
I'm sure that the original did a great job of expressing the emotions and turmoil this young lady was experiencing, but I also have to commend the illustrator on their work. The visuals lend themselves well to the story and help express things in a way that words couldn't. I think they fit in well with the main character as well.
Whether or not you have experienced something like this, I feel like this book is an important one to read. Even if your situation isn't exactly like Melinda's, it's easy to relate with her and the way she talks about her experience and reactions can help bring some understanding and insight to it. Even if you go into it years later like I did, it can be assuring and encouraging. It can be an emotionally difficult novel to work through, but still worth reading.
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Self harm
To be fair, I was quite uncertain about this book. I loved the passion & emotion of Speak so I was not sure how a different version would carry that. While this has the same storyline & characters, I see it as it’s own novel, separate from Speak. And just as good.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
Not the full review (I think):
Wow.
TW: rape, sexual assault, suicidal fantasies.
Little words, big impact. Simple artwork, complex issues.
Read in one sitting.
Didn't read the original novel, but don't think I need to since this was so well done.
Wow.
TW: rape, sexual assault, suicidal fantasies.
Little words, big impact. Simple artwork, complex issues.
Read in one sitting.
Didn't read the original novel, but don't think I need to since this was so well done.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, Rape, Self harm