Review Detail

3.0 3

Say the Word

Young Adult Fiction 463

Nice Effort

August 20, 2009 (Updated: June 30, 2026)

Overall rating

2.0

Plot

2.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Reader reviewed by Yan

Say the Word is a conflicting book for me. For one thing I cannot seem to make up my mind on the grading. Shawna portrayed various personalities which she describes as Evil Shawna, Perfect Shawna, and Pathetic Shawna. The Perfect one annoyed me, the Evil one I adored, and the Pathetic one I can relate to. So what happens when the main character can be separated into 3 beings? You tell me as I have no clue.

Say the Word is a whirlwind of important topics from modern todaydomestic abuse, homosexuality, and the fear of different. Garsee covers all the topics in a way that binds them together. The plot forces the reader to go along Shawnas life while she tries to figure out why her mother left her behind.

What I love was the way Garsee crafted the tale of Shawnas mother and her partner. The way they connected in the past and possible links to their relationship. It was not really out of nowhere as the beginning had led on. I actually got a sense of deep between the two especially when her mother dies. You can definitely feel the anguish behind the tears and frustration.

I would have love to seen was more development between Arye and Shawna. Can I just say that a simple rump between the grass (yes, grass) does not cover the whole love relationship aspect. The ending as well was too&disappointing. After the struggle to achieve a sense of unity and clarity were back to the basic! Shawna still following Dads dream and becoming a doctor rather than following her passionart.

Overall: Nice effort

Guest

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