Speak

Reader reviewed by Megan

The book "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, was one in which I have no words for. It was a brilliantly thought out book in many ways. This book was very different from all the books I've ever read, because the heart of the story really got out at the end. The entire first half of the book is just describing this girl's lame life. You wouldn't be able to give a decent summary about it unless you read it cover to cover. Although I found the first half a bit boring, I think that's what the author wanted. She wanted to really prove how boring Melinda Sordino's life really was. You couldn't find one bit of appeal or interest in this girl's life until you find out her secret, which is when you really never want to put the book down. I think it was a great book only if you took it from different views like the author's.

Reader reviewed by Tia

During and end of the summer party, two things happen to Melinda Sordino-she gets drunks and raped by a senior. I like this book not only because it talked about speaking up when something has happened to you, but the importance of speaking up entirely. Melinda has sarcastic wit and honesty that towards the end you miss her and glad she's okay. The names she gives her teachers are funny and I especially liked her art teacher Mr. Freeman- I guess you could say he is the main person that helps her find her voice and at the end of the book she shares what she's been through "Let me tell you about it." Mrs. Anderson did an excellent job on this book and I am excited to hear that the movie version will be released soon.

Reader reviewed by Ellie, 15

This book really makes you feel. It's about an American girl who no-one will talk to because of something she did. She's very lonely, all her old friends hate her. As the book progresses, she begins to feel slightly better, and you find out what she did to make everyone hate her.
I really think every teenager should read this book, it will make you think twice about people.

Reader reviewed by Kristen

The author captures the reality of true high school drama through the main character, Melinda. When she called the cops on a party last summer, her friends didn't think twice about ditching her before she could even explain what happened. As she goes through the school year, she keeps thinking about that night and how to get her friends back. This isn't your average "My boyfriend dumped me and my friends hate me" book. It goes a lot deeper than that! But you'll have to read it to see how.

Reader reviewed by Ams

The book Speak is a book about a young girl named Melinda who has been deserted by all of her so called "friends" because she called the police about a party that had gotten out of hand over the summer. Melinda is never given the chance by her friends to say who, or what, made her make that call that night over the summer.

Reader reviewed by xbitemynailsx

This is a GREAT book. Especially for teens. It is about a girl who is at a party and gets raped. She becomes a big misfit because she calls the police and tells the truth. It is definately a realistic book. I loved it and would recommend it.

Reader reviewed by Amanda

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the best book i have ever read. It is about a ninth grade who had just went to hight school. During the summer something had happened to her when she was at a party. When she had gone to ninth grade she had o friends beacuse they were mad ay her cause she had called the cops at the party. during the school year she had to keep what happened to her to herself.

At the end she tells her old best freind what had happened to her.

Reader reviewed by Alexa

Have you ever felt lonely, without a friend in the world? Well, this feeling penetrates Melinda Sordino's life in the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. In this touching story of a teenage outcast, Melinda has a secret which nobody else must ever find out. However, readers are able to get Melinda's perspective on the situation through diary entries, hence allowing them to discover her secret and see how it affects her in the long run. This secret thus adds mystery to the plot, enhancing the stories moving message. Speak is a great book for girls 12 and older. Its moral is one that will be helpful to know throughout life. The outcast's opinion is seldom heard, yet Mrs. Anderson captures this distinct outlook on life. So, if you want to observe life through the eyes of someone else while experiencing the heart-wrenching reality of assumption, back-stabbing, and desertion, read Speak.

Reader reviewed by eesha

Speak is a wonderful book packed with suspense. Foreshadowing is the best technique used in this story of a girl. Melinda, the main character, is plagued by a horrible secret. She fights pain and horror to admit the truth to everyone. Once she tells someone she realizes the only person she should have told all along is herself.

Reader reviewed by Diana

Speak is a really intense look into High School, cliques, popularity, and everything else that comes with it.
Melinda, an incoming freshman, goes with her best friend to a wild party at a farm. She gets a little to drunk and some stuff happens. She ends up calling the cops and getting everyone busted. From then on everyone at school hates her, she is completly lost and depressed. Speaks shows your the journey she takes to find herself, fix her mistakes, and heal. Its an awsome, great book and I recomened it to anyone!