Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson

66 reviews

ihaveaproblem's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.75

omg yes. i only read if you know that you are %100 ready to face these topics 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Vomit

lobstertelephone's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual harassment, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, and Suicidal thoughts

nerdysread's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This one was hard to read. It’s a great graphic novel, a good story. Emily Carroll’s art style is perfect to illustrate Melinda’s story and thoughts. 
Now, I have to read the novel

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Self harm

Moderate: Racism and Bullying

rowan808's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm and Sexual assault

aoifsdarcy's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse

carrotcake's review against another edition

dark emotional sad

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, and Self harm

readandfindout's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Art: 5 stars

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Bullying, and Mental illness

waterwolves's review against another edition

challenging 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? Yes

5.0

This graphic novel knocked my socks off.  It grabbed me right away and didn't let go.  It is an incredible work of art.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying and Rape

Minor: Self harm

emyjo's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault

Moderate: Self harm

leahsbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I haven't read the original novel that this graphic novel is adapted from, but this story is incredibly powerful in graphic format, and I can't help but think that it makes it even more accessible. Stories like this are so important to have out in the world, so that young people (and adults too) who are struggling can understand how to process events and emotions that they may not be comfortable sharing. 

Melinda is a character who my heart broke for. After experiencing a severe trauma, she doesn't know how to share it with anyone else, and it keeps her isolated and alone. So instead, she continues to draw further inward as everything around her falls apart. Her family life is in shambles, as are her grades and social life. The only positive in her life is art class. 

It was so hard to see Melinda self-destructing, but seeing her learn how to reclaim her voice and use it to speak up for herself was incredible. I'd highly recommend this graphic novel, and I'm absolutely planning to read the original book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Violence