Speak

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Summary: Speak
Review: Speak is one of the best books I have ever read. Nothing compares to it. Melinda has so much to say but is too afraid too say it, but with one word she has her life back again. I was surprised when I read it because the author could compare such a dark reality with an everyday event like a party. Everyone thinks this can't happen but, it does. Melinda at first thinks that IT is her fault but it's not. She knows that IT happened and she can't change it but she doesn't have to suffer anymore.

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Summary: Great Book
Review: My english teacher read this book to us everyday, and I never wanted him to stop. It was a great book and always made you wonder what really happened to Melinda. I don't really enjoy reading or being read to, but this book made me want to read it and that doesn't really happen to often. So go out and buy the book, it's great to see how high school students really feel about high school.

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Anderson's unique style and structure makes this book a great read. I have used this book to encourage my students to read, and they love it. One girl I tutor told me she loved this book--her favorite. She said that the book is very realistic. She likes Melinda--the protagonist. Anderson weaves this tale of a depressed ninth grader and really captures the way teenagers think. She is right on when it comes to friendships, the school itself, teachers, grades, the lunchroom, gym class, extracurricula activities, etc. The novel itself is divided into marking periods! Totally clever. I love the groups: the jocks, the country clubbers, Idiot Servants, Cheerleaders, Human Waste, Eurotrash, the Marthas, Big Hair Chix, etc. Applause for this wonderful writer who has given younger readers something to motivate them to read more. I just ordered her new book "Fever 1793."

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Summary: The title is the lesson
Review: This novel is a very important novel for young people to read. As a school librarian I think this book was excellent. The story was engrossing, and the lesson unequaled in the many books I've read this year. It should be a must read for middle and high schoolers!

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Summary: WoW
Review: Im not sure if my last review of this book went through, so im writing another. this book knocked me off my feet. My englsih teacher mentioned it to us when we were talking about the book She Said Yes, and a few of the people in the class went out and got it and started reading it. I am the first one finished, and i loved it. The two other girls are partway through and are also astounded. Melinda's voice, or rather, the lack of an outer one, but her inner monologue, is so real. Her emotions are so understandable, and Anderson's portrayal of high school life as an outcast is written so well. This book was amazing. If you are a teen, I suggest you read this. My guess is that you'll like it.

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Summary: Finally some genuine teen angst
Review: Teenage outsiders unite, we have finally found our voice in the form of Laurie Halse Anderson. Unlike a lot of other so-called realistic teens, Melinda has bad skin and embarassing clothes and she couldn't care less about Dawson's Creek. Her journey through 9th grade seems to be at first like any other but little by little the book reveals a more painful and tragic story behind Melinda's silence. I suggest you discover it for yourself instead of reading the reviews because it is more meaningful to read it for yourself.

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Summary: This book spoke the truth!!
Review: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, is an excellent book. I found this book at my friends party and I thought the summary was great. I'm mostly a book worm, and as I was reading it, I could not put the book down at all! Melinda's freshman year in highschool was really tough. I liked how the book was Melinda's diary and how Melinda expressed her feelings and emotions with everything that had happened in it. Even though Melinda didn't try hard to improve her awful grades or not trying to socialize with anyone or even make friends, I can't blame her. It was sad how she had to keep that secret of being raped by Andy Evans, and how she had to go through in highschool. But in the end, she finally spoke out the truth. I recommend this book to ages 13 and above!!!

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Summary: Her Voice Broke The Piercing Silence
Review: Melinda was thirteen years old when IT hurt her. IT ruined her life, and forced her to silence. At a Senior party Melinda is hurt by IT, she gets so scared and since she is drunk she calls 911. The cops arrive and arrest a few kids. Now everyone hates her for ruining the party. All her friends desert her, she is stuck as a mute out cast. She has no friends. Finally she stands up to IT, her voice is finally heard. Her silent cries for help were found, and she became a stronger person inside. Her voice broke the barrier between her and lonliness and hurt. This was an amazing book that I couldn't put down! Usually it takes me awhile to finish books, but this one took me 2 days! I almost cried when Melinda confessed what happened at the party. It was exciting yet very sad when IT would come near her and hurt her. I am 12 years old and this book is my favorite book of all times!

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Summary: Surviving from Muteness
Review: Andy Evans, a man with a twisted mind but, why is he the one who is accepted socially? Melinda,has been a victim of HIM, when she had gone to the party, she had gotten drunk, he took advantage of her state of mind,she had called the cops becuase she scared and frightened, not to break up the party. Andy Evans had hurt her and taken something precious, her pride, happiness,voice, and innocence. She has been stamped,marked,and painted as a outcast...all for the wrong reasons.

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Summary: If You Think That School is Horrible for You...
Review: ...then you need to read this book. When I feel left out or like life is "crappy", I always think of this book and read it if I can. It will surely make you appreciate your friends and the fact that things might not be so bad as you thought. Also, it has a really serious point to it. If you've ever been raped or sexually assualted in any way and you are scared to speak up, please read this.