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ryner 's review for:
Speak: The Graphic Novel
by Laurie Halse Anderson
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Melinda begins her freshman year in high school as an outcast, as the friends she once had now shun her after an incident at a party last year. Sinking deeper and deeper into despair and depression, Melinda turns inward and further isolates from the world, because no one knows what happened to her the night of the party.
I'd been aware of the regular print edition of this novel for well over two decades in my work at a library, but I'd never picked it up until this year when I selected the graphic novel edition to fulfill the Read Harder category "Read a banned book." It was powerful. And heartbreaking. I can only imagine that the traditional novel is an even more emotional and heavy experience. It could be traumatic for survivors of rape or sexual abuse, and younger readers might find it more emotionally taxing than they are ready for, but it is a worthy and important read because it will make you uncomfortable.
I'd been aware of the regular print edition of this novel for well over two decades in my work at a library, but I'd never picked it up until this year when I selected the graphic novel edition to fulfill the Read Harder category "Read a banned book." It was powerful. And heartbreaking. I can only imagine that the traditional novel is an even more emotional and heavy experience. It could be traumatic for survivors of rape or sexual abuse, and younger readers might find it more emotionally taxing than they are ready for, but it is a worthy and important read because it will make you uncomfortable.