Speak

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good
Review: Well...I dind't think this one was GREAT, but I did enjoy it.I still am bothered by the way Melinda refused to talk throughout mostfo the story. Also, she talked about her friends rejecting her...maybe if she had TRIED to talk to them, none of this would've happened. Thats what I kept thinking throughout most of the story. JUST TALK TO YOUR (former) FRIENDS!

I found this to be quite annoying. All in all, it was an interesting book...but a few things just weren't explained well.

Rating:
Summary: A depressing book
Review: This book had an adult topic and was written in a unusual way which takes getting used to. A realistic veiw of a depressed high school student trying to cope with a rape. The writer really involves the reader and opens your eyes to real life situations.

Rating:
Summary: Page Burner
Review: I loved this book. I knew nothing about it when I picked it up, but I found it both humorous and touching. I enjoyed it so much that I felt it necessary to read an excerpt to some of my junior high students. They enjoyed it too.

Rating:
Summary: Should have won the National Book Award.
Review: Zachary Beaver was good, but this one has stayed with me longer. I bought this for my 14-year old daughter, who loved it, so I tried it, and was blown away. Ms. Anderson sent me back 30 years and put me right back in high school. I felt so much for the main character and her struggle as an outcast. The author masterfully lets the story unfold slowly, drawing you in. My daughter agrees it was a very accurate depiction of high school life, and we've had some good discussions about the book. I'd recommend this to parents who have girls in high school, to refresh your memory of what it was like, and to give you a window on their world... This is a powerful novel that actually says something, and it deserves a wide readership. Pick it up and follow the main character through her freshman year- I guarantee you'll be moved no matter what age you are.

Rating:
Summary: Speak - for Ninth to Eleventh Graders
Review: This was a book I couldn't put down once I started. It's easy to get into and holds your interest until the very last page. Excellent reading but you don't have to treat the subject of teenage rape too heavily to relate to this story. My only disappointment was the fact that 'Melinda' could not confide in either one of her parents, Mom especially. I'm still trying to find good reading that will let teens know that sometimes the answer is very close to home.

Rating:
Summary: Anderson shows you what reality REALLY is!
Review: In Laurie Halse Anderson's realistic novel, Speak, I was taken into the mysterious world of ninth grader Melinda Sordino. The terrifying reality of Melinda's life is overwhelming!

Anderson shows you what it feels like to be an outcast in your first year of highschool. What pulls you into the book is the fact that something terrible has happened to Melinda, and the author doesn't reveal the incident until the end. As a result of the trauma Melinda rarely talks. I caught myself screaming to Melinda, "Why won't you talk! "

When reading the book you'll wonder, why is Melinda calling a boy who attends her highschool IT? And why is she so afraid of him? You realize Melinda is going through a tough time of depression. All YOU (the audience) know is that she called the cops at a party last summer, but WHY? Now her friends won't talk to her because she broke up a fun party without an explanation. She won't tell anyone about "the secret" she is hiding, and what really happened at the party. The author does this to keep you on the edge of your seat, and believe me, that's what will happen!

You know she needs to tell someone what she is keeping inside. But then, things turn even worse. She is now cutting class, hanging out at the mall during school hours, and getting D's and F's(every once and awhile the author shares Melinda's grade card in the book)

I recommend this book to teens who enjoy suspense. This book moved, shocked, and amazed me. I guarantee, the conclusion of this story will leave your eyes popped out. So, take this journey with Melinda through her first year of highschool, and find out why it's so important for her to speak.

Rating:
Summary: Speak - I think all young girls should read this book
Review: I am the father of a young woman who recommended this book to me. I don't usually read books aimed at teenage girls, but after reading "Speak", I am recommending it to to my friends who are parents of young girls entering high school.

There are two things every parent fears - their children being rejected and physical abuse.

The author really puts you in the young girl's place. You really understand the pain she is going through. By the end of the book, I realized I couldn't put it down. I wanted to see justice done - and I did. The end was very satisfying.

Any young girl who reads this will realize why they should stay away from wild parties and drinking. This book doesn't preach.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Such a wonderful book and a very quick read. THe main character, Melinda, is easy to relate to. I would HIGHLY recommend this book

Rating:
Summary: Kathy speaks about Speak!
Review: As soon as I recieved this book from my English teacher I could not put it down. This book is a great choice if you want to read about important topcs like rape, and adolescents. This book is one of my favorites and I have recommended it to all of my friends. I hope everyone reads and enjoys Speak. It is a great book that a person any age can enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Speak
Review: The book Speak is about a girl who is a loner in high school. She was terribly hurt over the summer at a party, so she called the cops, ending the party.No one knew why she did this, but they all hated her for it. When the summer was over and school started up she realized that she was unwelcome there. She had no friends and no one in her family to count on or talk to. This story talks about the struggles and hardships for a young freshman who has been made the school outcast. I thought that this was a really good book. I think it opens your mind and shows you how harsh and lonely life can be for high schoolers.