cherryxpop 's review for:

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

4.0

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

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