Reviews - Speak | The StoryGraph

7.57k reviews for:

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

4.02 AVERAGE

marissas_library's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the book. It was interesting, kept a good pace and had good characters.

mymarifae's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

very beautiful, VERY VERY VERY VERY difficult read. i'm glad i did though.

Content Warnings

lisa_fitz's review against another edition

4.0

It was a sad, sort of wallowy year for the main character, it was tough being with her at times but you really wanted to see her reclaim her "voice" after a very traumatic experience.

yellow_fellow's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

kmayo77's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

ttthomas's review against another edition

4.0

After reading the graphic novel, I knew I had to read the original novel, and I was not disappointed. This is a powerful story with a great message that was told abstractly and through short vignettes. What I loved about this novel was how well fleshed out Melinda was. You truly felt for her, and she felt real, like an extension of the author and what she went through. My only real issue was the writing, which at times felt too abstract and removed from the narrative. Nevertheless, this is an important and engaging book that more than deserves all the accolades it’s received.

nonquest's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

shellfishhuman's review against another edition

3.0

challenging dark sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

mrylmbrt's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad 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: Complicated

Content Warnings

snilest0404's review against another edition

4.0

Speak rounds out as a strong 4-star read for me. This story follows high schooler Melinda, who goes nearly mute after being sexually assaulted at a summer party before her freshman year. As she navigates the challenges of high school and the struggles of adolescence, she also wrestles with the heavy weight of her trauma.

I appreciated this quick yet powerful read and the way it portrays Melinda’s path toward healing and reclaiming her voice. Definitely recommend.

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