Speak

Reader reviewed by sara

I didn't think this book would be that interesting when i first read about it.when i started reading it i couldn't put it down.i cried and i loved it.i highly recommened this book to everyone.

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 hhs

I recently read the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The book was good but wasn't very powerful. It could've been more exciting in most parts. The book was very predictable and could've used more thoughts throughout the book. I felt as if the book was very true when it comes to the life of a high school girl and most high school girls would connect. It deals with a very controversial topic. I think this book would've appealed to me more if not for the style the author wrote it in. I'd only recommend it for either High School or Middle School girls due to the main theme. 

Reader reviewed by artemis

This story gave me the creeps when I started reading it. Melinda is trapped in an inner world because no one will talk to her in the outside world. This is all because she busted a party and now people won't talk to her. But something bad happened to her. She decides to wait until the near end to tell the truth and her friends are just selfish and shallow. They don't even want to hear her side of the story--they jump to conclusions, thinking she busted up their good time. Get a life! It's just a party and they were too young to be there anyway. Get over it! The final confrontation between Mel and her attacker is just pointless. Why wait a whole year to tell somebody? It didn't make sense. It was just dull and depressing. I won't be reading this again. Borrow it from the library. It's too mature for kids. Teens only! It made be very angry that Mel would allow herself to be shunned liked this. Moral of the story: SPEAK UP (Melinda!) and don't let people ignore you without knowing the whole story.