A review by mmuutthh
Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I have not read the source novel this is based on, but this "adaptation" was brilliantly effective. As someone who chronically and nervously bites their lips, every line around the main character's mouth was felt by me. There is a theme that is presented -- very explicitly -- near the beginning, and it winds up becoming beautifully visualized and potently enriching by the end, but I couldn't help think it could have been more present in other ways more thoughtout the middle of the book. (Or maybe it was and I just wasn't as focused on it when it wasn't literally being commented on in the text or visually.) 

But yes, I loved the book -- as messy and complicated as it is to say that about a book revolving around the topic of sexual assault. My only other slight criticism is there's moments where it feels like the book was made to be printed in color, and there's some real contrast issues between some of the text and the art. 
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