Speak

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This book is a very touching story. It makes you feel for Malinda, she has no friends, and something is bothering her, but you have no idea what. My mom and I are reading the book at the same time, and neither of us could put it down untill we finished it.

Rating:
Summary: Silent no longer
Review: This book is definitely one of my favorites. It's so different from anything I have ever read, the style, the tone, and the way it was written. It was a compelling read from the beginning to the end.

The story is not written as your average outcast "popular people are stupid" cliche. It's an original. The tone is like Melinda is just relaying her thoughts and what she sees to the reader, rather than her feelings and rage and anger against the people that hurt her. Her character gets stronger as you read on, as she begins to stand up for herself.

I liked how the author didn't just tell you what had happened to Melinda in order for her to stay so silent - instead, bits of the incident unfolds as you read along.

I was caught up in Melinda's world, and even though I'm glad to say that I haven't been there and done that, it was easy to just recognize the pain, fear and confusion she went through just because the author doesn't say it right out.

Overall, an excellent read and I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to feel the triumph of "Speak".

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I read this book in a matter of hours because I couldn't put it down. I thought it was very original, a gem of a book. It was not what I expected it to be at all. It was better. I lent it to 3 of my friends to read and they all loved it. I recommend this book to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I read this book in a matter of hours because I couldn't put itdown. I thought it was very original, a gem of a book. It was not whatI expected it to be at all. It was better. I lent it to 3 of my friends to read and they all loved it. I recommend this book to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: It Has Been A while that a book has touched me so
Review: This was surprisingly uplifting when you consider the situation of the protagonist's life. Funny, unforgettable one liners galore in here. Even though it was a quick read, it caught me. Definately worth your money.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story!
Review: This is a wonderful book. Every young teenage girl should read this book. It will help them understand they are not alone

Rating:
Summary: Powerful!
Review: This book really struck a chord in me. I was also what would be termed an "outcast" in school although for vastly different reasons than Melinda. Some of the passages in this book, I felt like I could have written and were difficult to read. It's a startling reminder of how cruel kids can be to each other and a relief to know that there are people who care even when it seems no one does.

Rating:
Summary: Speak--Spoke to Me
Review: This book was amazingly well written. I received this book for Christmas('99) and finished it the next day. I didn't want to put it down. The characters are portrayed in a way that relate to teenagers like myself. The author confronts a fear most girls and women don't want to even think about, much less experience. The main chracter, Melinda, spoke in a way that makes the reader understand the pain and fear that took control of her, keeping her from saying what needed to be said. This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. It inspires one to face their fears and move on.

Rating:
Summary: Finding Voice
Review: I thought this book was completely wonderful. The writing is very sharp and very witty - it brought back all of the angst of being an outsider in a world that values conformity. Anderson adeptly captures the thoughts of a girl who is struggling to remain true to herself in an extremely hostile world.

As an adult, I couldn't put the book down. I would hesitate to recommend it to middle school kids, because the subject matter of rape might be too overwhelming. Actually I think it is appropriate for them, but some parents may disagree.

Overall _Speak_ is a powerful and moving book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Great book, great story! Melinda manages to be funny while in so much pain. It's so great when she finds the closet and so awful when "it" finds her in there. The art teacher is wonderful in a 'supporting' role.

I highly recommend this for anyone over the age of 10 (and that includes adults. In fact, it would be a good idea for parents to read it, just so they could remember what it felt like, way back then.)