Scan barcode
gluvsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
‘Speak’ is a graphic novel that explores the dark and haunting aftermath of being a survivor. It is so very needed in today’s society, the topics discussed may be on the heavier side but they are important nonetheless—there should be more books like this one especially in GN form to help reach younger audiences.
It was an emotional read, watching Mel go through the stages of depression, anxiety and PTSD after her sexual assault. From her just wanting to hide and disappear to being able to stand up and speak for herself; from feeling numb, to finally seeing the light was most empowering.
———————
Quotes:
———————
Quotes:
“It takes more to scare me now.”
“If I try hard enough, maybe I can gobble up my whole head and disappear.”
“I wash my face until there is nothing legit of it. No eyes, no nose… no mouth. A slick nothing.”
“The whole point of not talking about it, of silencing the memory, is to make it go away. It won’t.”
“I just need to hang on long enough for my new skin to graft.”
“They don’t even know me. They have no clue what’s in my head.”
“It’s beginning to feel like IT raped my mind, too.”
“I survived.”
“Frozen stillness melts inside me. Shards of ice drip to the floor and vanish int the puddle of sunlight.”
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Rape, Mental illness, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Racism, and Sexism
annabelreadsandwrites's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? No
4.25
Graphic: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Sexism and Racism
jaimeberger's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Speak is a book that everyone should read and no one should have to. It's dark and intense and a beautifully done portrayal of adolescent trauma. You connect with the main character, you want to reach through the pages to encourage her, and ultimately you cry with her. I will definitely be reading the full length version of this as well.
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, and Domestic abuse
More...