Speak

Reader reviewed by Amy

Speak is about a high school freshman named Melinda who is an outcast at her school after she calls the police while at a summer party that gets out of hand. The book is a great short read that allows the reader to enter the life of a high school student and see the daily problems that occur. 

Reader reviewed by Marina

This was the best book i've ever read in my entire life! The things that the young girl went through was just horrible. And the things the kids did to her was just very mean. The movie itself related to book 100%. I just can't believe what she went through. So many girls out there relate to that character. It was just a wonderful book overall. I love it. And it will forever be in my heart.

Reader reviewed by Katie

This book is an intense read for those of you who have not read it. It is a very powerful book and gives you a day in the life of someone who is truly suffering from a really persol experience like rape. In this book, Melinda is raped at a party and calls the police who crash the party. The following year of high school to say the least is Hell for Melinda. Shes outcasted just for ruining other peoples good time, but what they don't know is that what she had to go through. The emotions pouring from this novel are beyond intense. The is a very powerful message in this book and it caan be interpreted several ways. From Melinda's view, it's ok to get help for something like rape and don't let people tear you down further. From the people looking at her, don't always jump to conclusions about someone because you aren't always going to know just what's going on and sometimes its much worse than you may anticipate. I think this book was very well written and I definitely recommend it. The movie is also pretty good. It stars Twilight's Kristen Stewart.

Reader reviewed by Kayci

Speak, although predictable, gave an unabashed portrayal of a female teenage outcast grappling with emotions that she cannot even bring herself to communicate. The book was frustrating at times as I felt like it was forcing the metaphor issue with the art class and communication. Also, the lack of dialogue became problematic for me especially as it became pretty obvious what was going on yet the character would never fully communicate that until almost the end. If the author did this intentionally to give the reader insight into how the main character felt about her inability to communicate, then it was certainly a success but it seemed dragged out towards the end. The portrayal of friendships and peer relationships was a bit exaggerated for me, particularly with the portrayal of cliques and Melindas friends blatant lack of concern for her; not giving her so much as a phone call post-party to ask her what was up. Also, the main characters unsympathetic parents and administrators added another level of frustration in that everything felt a little too set-up and fit in a little too well. There were no unexpected characters and that made the book forced and boring by the end of it. Perhaps its that many other books and storylines have been produced post-Speak that made the storyline and characters predictable. However, as far as tackling a serious issue and giving it an honest portrayal, the book does well in portraying Melindas inability to communicate and her state as an outcast. There are unexpected humorous moments and deeply emotional moments as well. While the book becomes predictable, the overall experience is honest and makes for a good read and good discussion piece.

Reader reviewed by Erica

This book is amazing. Laurie Halso Anderson does an amazing job illustrating the feelings and hardships the main character, Melinda, is going through. She highlights the fact that teenagers are mean, and all her characters seem so real. There's the appropriate background and depth behind them all. The story also seems to have so much meaning behind it, and get the message out to SPEAK. The book keeps you interested, and you always want more.

Reader reviewed by megannx3

This book is about a girl who becomes an outcast after being raped. Everyone thinks she is just a dirty girl. Her bestfriend betrays her, and hates her. This girl is going through a world wind of emotion she keeps to herself. At the end of the book, She finally stands up for herself. I think everyone can relate to this character in some kind of way. 

Reader reviewed by Ashley from Ms. Upham's class

During the summer, something happened at a  PARTY  and Melinda  FREAKED OUT  and called the cops.  Now she is starting high school with no friends.  Melinda tries to tell her so called best friend  what happened but she wont  TALK  her and no one will LISTEN!   She feels so lonely and gets so sad.  Not only is she dealing with having no friends but she is also dealing with another terrifying situation and her parents are no help at all.  If you want to know what happened to Melinda and how she got through her  LONELY  first year of high school, read Speak.  If you have ever felt lonely as a teenager, you should read Speak.    

The author makes you want to keep reading and you really feel for Melinda and her situation.  She makes all the characters and situations seem so real.  I think the author is an excellent writer and can't wait to read more of her books.  She really draws you into the book.
This is an excellent book for teenagers because it totally relates to things that go on in high school and shows you a different view of what happens when people are treated wrong.   

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

I had to read this book for school, and I usually don't like books that I am forced to read but this book was the exception. I loved this book I found myself not wanting to put it down. It grabs your attention and makes you feel like you have to know what is going to happen next. This book was so true, and reminds you so much of a high school today. It was so well written that you could feel the characters emotions as if you were there with them. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. After reading it i also recommend the movie but read the book first because the movie isn't as good and will ruin it. I give this book two thumbs up.

Reader reviewed by Lisa

I LOVED this book. The book was written in a very interesting way which I think kids would really respond to because of the short sections. Also the humor Melinda has would be interesting young adults also. The topic of rape can be a touchy subject but this story makes it so believable and even if a young adult wasnt raped I can see them connecting with Melinda. A lot of kids are quiet and this book can relate to kids on so many different levels. I would recommend this book to any one of any age (probably 6th grade and up). I was also fortunate enough to see the movie and it was just as good as the book, with a few cuts of course which any ready would be annoyed about.

Reader reviewed by teena

i read this book in my freshman yr of high school and i loved it. a lot of other kids were bored with it and didn't like it. i felt it was a great book with even greater characters. her friends don't like her anymore. books like speak show what real high school is about, not all that good stuff you see on tv. i think everyone should go out and get their copy today.