Speak (by Laurie Halse Anderson)

Man, I just love this book! I would recomend it for ages 13 and over, but 12 year olds (depending on how mature they are) can read it too. It made me grind my teeth the way everyone bashed Melinda for crashing that party. For one, drinking parties- ugh, been to one (that was unintended) stupid, stupid, STUPID children. And Melinda was getting more depressed each day while holding in this awful secret that made her feel so much shame. I was on this book like politicians are on money, I couldn't put the thing down! Later on I heard that Andy Evans actually didn't get arrested! They let him go! Ahhg I was so angry!

I read this after my teacher recommended it to the class. I loved it. The novel is moving and touching, yet is very heart wrenching. The characters are relatable and the book is honest. The book isn't very graphic, as most of the book is about the girl learning to deal with the overwhelming emotions of being assaulted and raped. Maybe some parents don't like young girls reading these types of girls, but luckily my parents aren't so. I find the main character more a heroine than a victim. The subject is scary, but the message is clear- Overcoming, in powering and embracing your situation, feelings, and most of all, yourself.

This is a truly wonderful book lent to me bye an old friend of mine. Though dealing with a tough topic, the book centers around trying to overcome traumatic experiences. Melinda starts out with a negative view on her life and school but changes over the course of the year. Every emotion in the book is real and feels almost personal. The writing is witty and funny throughout the book, the narrator easy to relate to. It's a beautifully written book thats defiantly worth a read!

I loved Speak. It was a very good novel in general. I would not recommend that younger kids or even younger teen read this. While it is a good book about survival, it's just not good for younger kids or young teens. Kids will probably be scared when they read that Melinda had cut herself on the wrist with a paper cuter. The whole book steadily leads up the fact that she was raped in the woods at a house party. That fact alone will probably scare kids and young teens. Though the rape scene is not graphic, the implication of what happened, it will kids with some questions and maybe they'll be a little scared. In the end of the novel, Melinda finally learns to defend herself and speak out after she discovers her ex best friend is dating the rapist. Kids will also be probably be scared of the ending when the rapist confronts Melinda and attempts to hurt her again. Luckily the hockey team comes in and helps her. Over all, I loved the book myself, but it is most definitely not for young teens or young kids.

This book kinda went through one side of my brain and out of the other. I had to read it for english, and I as like okay, in english we ALWAYS have to read some kind of "meaning" book like the Scarlet Letter or Les miserables. I finished it, because it was good, but in my mind, did not convey a proper or strong message, and didnm't introduce any new concepts. The bottom line is, its a good book for entertainment and people who have way too much free time like I do. I dont see how this was different from any other teen novel (underaged drinking, cursing, and rape).

One of my very favorite authors. Speak is one of those books that's hard to forget. Very heart wrenching and deals with a very intense subject. I would recommend this book to everyone 13 and older who has every felt excluded been made fun of put down or someone who is or has been a bully and put others down. Once you start reading you wont want to stop I read this book in a day then immediately watched the movie. Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the most amazing young adult writers out there I have read all of her young adult books and have never been disappointed. Also I have my school librarian to thank for introducing me to her books!

Love it. I tell the parents and kids that it teaches a great life lesson :] Enjoy. -Kylie

This book is very moving and has a powerful message. This book is for more mature kids. The author doesn't go too much in depth about the rape. The only thing that you should look out for is one of the teachers is racist and gives out an anti-immigration speech.

great book!! let kids of all ages read. very appropriate!