Reviews

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

the_bibliophiles's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

historybowler's review against another edition

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5.0

If any modern YA classic deserves the graphic novel treatment, it is this one. Not only does it make complete sense seeing as Melinda is so tied to her art, but it also makes this book more welcoming for anybody who hasn't read it before. The stark illustration works so well with Anderson's wonderful prose. Especially in this day and age, you should read this book

ionablue's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

4.5

ehicks212's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cat_noonan's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

selena_so_far's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

lottevanderpaelt's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

papertraildiary's review against another edition

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4.0

Really well done. I don't remember reading the novel when I was much younger but I think this format did a great job of showing Melinda's mental state unravelling after her rape. It's a year of school, and there are so many little details and triggers around her. And the tree symbolism is heavily used here but I thought that was good. It's tough, but important, and will bring Speak to a new generation of readers.

veerleox's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

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4saradouglas's review against another edition

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4.0

I was nervous the graphic novel form of the book wouldn't do justice to the novel, but they did a really good job on it. It was (obviously) shorter by necessity and so I do still prefer the novel, but I hope this graphic novel will help introduce the story to those who may have missed it the first time around or introduce it to a new group of young people. The art matched the story well, and it turned out to be a great read.