Reviews

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

moonspluvia's review against another edition

4.0

This is the beginning of my adventure with this story. It’s weird because it seems more appropriate to read the original book or watch the movie first. I’ve wanted to read this story for some time now, and I saw this graphic novel at the store and I knew I needed it. I think after I read the original book and watch the movie, I’ll reread this, but overall I enjoyed it. The art was incredible and I am very excited to dive into the source material for this!!

odurant8's review against another edition

5.0

Somehow the graphic novel format made this book new for me. I’ve read the original a few times, and this made me see it in new ways. Another masterpiece by Laurie.

percys_panda_pillow_pet's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

florizona's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

My personal goal of reading everything that Emily Carroll has illustrated led me to pick up her graphic novel interpretation of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, which was not something I’d normally choose, but I really enjoyed it. Carroll’s artwork made the emotionally heavy material easier to bear somehow- in a way it’s not far off from the spooky material that she usually presents- the same anxiety and fear is there, but directed at human physical and social interactions rather than the supernatural. And the satisfaction of having a loved protagonist find reconnection with her family and community is gratifying.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship

blackcatchroniclesx's review against another edition

3.0

Doesn’t feel personal cause I’ve healed so much since it happened. If I read this in 2015 it would be 5 stars. 

tangiblereads's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Speak was a difficult read as far as context goes, so I understand why so many people were looking to challenge and ban it.  Unfortunately what happened to the main character is all too real for so many people. The expression of emotions was lovely and expressive.  Well done. Great artistry, and black and white is very fitting. Many triggers so check them before reading.  Book was a great depiction of high school students, the changing friendships and fickleness of kids, and biased teachers. 

axellesbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

An excellent graphic novel-izaton of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. The illustrations do a stellar job visualizing the character's struggle with the aftermath of an assault at a summer party.

What to listen to while reading...
Girl Disappearing by Tori Amos
Til It Happens to You by Lady Gaga
Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap
Sullen Girl by Fiona Apple
I Can't Carry this Anymore by Anson Seabra
The Story Never Ends by Lauv
Breathe Me by Sia
Rise Up by Audra Day

kjthenerd3's review against another edition

5.0

This one threw me off in the beginning, but I got into it enough that I followed along a lot better. An important narrative that I can’t wait to eventually read in its original format :)

aperea4's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0