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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
So you’re going to not actually show how to recover from ptsd because like that would be helpful.
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Laurie Halse Anderson - Speak
Speak tells the story of Melinda Sordino, a 14-year-old girl starting her first year of high school while carrying the heavy burden of a traumatic experience. After calling the police at a summer party, Melinda becomes a social outcast. No one knows why she did it, and she can’t bring herself to speak up. The novel follows her quiet struggle through isolation, fear, and recovery, told in a simple yet powerful voice.
Melinda is a quiet observer, often retreating into her thoughts or hiding in an abandoned janitor’s closet at school. As time passes, she begins to find small sources of strength - in art class, where her teacher encourages her to express herself, and in new connections with people who don’t expect her to explain herself. Slowly, Melinda begins to confront the truth of what happened to her that night, and eventually finds the courage to speak, fight back, and be heard.
The book explores important themes like trauma, silence, friendship, the pressure to fit in, and the slow, messy process of healing. Despite the heavy subject, the writing is calm and reflective, making it a relaxing read - especially if you’re looking to quietly tune into someone else’s story. It never rushes and lets you sit with Melinda’s perspective.
I would recommend Speak to anyone interested in contemporary fiction that deals with real issues, especially those who appreciate character-driven stories. It’s great for readers who want something thoughtful and emotionally honest, but not too intense in style. Though the topic is serious, the book itself is gentle and introspective - perfect for when you want to read something meaningful but not overwhelming.
New vocabulary words:
indoctrination - the process of repeating an idea or belief to someone until they accept it without criticism or question
demerit - a fault or disadvantage/ a mark given to someone, especially a student in a school, because they have done something wrong or broken a rule
varsity - used to describe sports teams at school or colleges that are the most skilled level of play
New vocabulary words:
indoctrination - the process of repeating an idea or belief to someone until they accept it without criticism or question
demerit - a fault or disadvantage/ a mark given to someone, especially a student in a school, because they have done something wrong or broken a rule
varsity - used to describe sports teams at school or colleges that are the most skilled level of play
benevolent - kind and helpful
confection - a sweet food, especially one that is unusual or complicated
hatchet - a small axe
thaw - to (cause to) change from a solid, frozen state to a liquid or soft one, because of an increase in temperature
extradite - to make someone return for trial to another country or state where they have been accused of doing something illegal
belligerence - the wish to fight or argue
draconian - Draconian laws, government actions, etc. are extremely severe, or go further than what is right or necessary
confection - a sweet food, especially one that is unusual or complicated
hatchet - a small axe
thaw - to (cause to) change from a solid, frozen state to a liquid or soft one, because of an increase in temperature
extradite - to make someone return for trial to another country or state where they have been accused of doing something illegal
belligerence - the wish to fight or argue
draconian - Draconian laws, government actions, etc. are extremely severe, or go further than what is right or necessary
dark
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was an incredibly quick read. The narration style is fast, stream of consciousness, and effortless page-turning. But, overall the plot and character development was just OK. The recovery/breakthrough points felt too easy for a character who isolated and struggled so deeply for much of the story. I think perhaps I just wanted it to be a *little* bit longer to deep-dive into her breaking out of the dark more. It felt like she just woke up one day and was better, and I don't think that was the intention.
However, I am definitely not the target audience. As a high schoolers, I probably would have felt much differently.
I DO think the trauma reveal is done very well. Readers get a sense of what may have happened to Melinda, but it's uncertain for much of the story. I like that this mirrors her perception, and as she admits to herself what happened, the trauma is exposed in full - again mirroring Melinda's acceptance/coming to terms.
All in all, average read.
However, I am definitely not the target audience. As a high schoolers, I probably would have felt much differently.
I DO think the trauma reveal is done very well. Readers get a sense of what may have happened to Melinda, but it's uncertain for much of the story. I like that this mirrors her perception, and as she admits to herself what happened, the trauma is exposed in full - again mirroring Melinda's acceptance/coming to terms.
All in all, average read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual violence
Moderate: Rape, Self harm
Minor: Alcoholism, Abortion
This was one of the best books I've ever read! I would definitely put this in my top 10!! Amazing read-highly HIGHLY recommended. Read it if you can. I promise you won't be disappointed!
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint, it was claimed to be biased against male students, and it included rape and profanity.
Nope! It was great.
Nope! It was great.