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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.
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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.
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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.)
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Summary: An amazingly touching book for both young and old adults
Review: Laurie Halse Anderson has created a character, Melinda Sordino, who shall live in my heart for a very long time. Melinda's smart and funny, disturbing and yet an absolute delight. It's a book not only for young adults but for anyone who's ever been to high school and felt like a neverwas, neveris and never will be. The reader will most assuredly care deeply about this plucky young girl. Melinda Sordino can sit at my table anytime.
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Summary: 1999 National Book Award Finalist
Review: October 13, 1999 - SPEAK is cited as a National Book Award Finalist for Young Adult Literature
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Summary: Great author of children's books too!
Review: I have met Laurie and she puts a lot of feeling and compassion into her books. I can't wait to read this and will buy it for my daughter, a high school freshman! Her previous children's books have been worth reading also!
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Summary: Engrossing look at high school and at the aftermath of rape
Review: WOW. I loved this book. Melinda, a high school freshman, was raped by a popular jock at a party and called the police - but her friends (and the rest of the school) think it was just to bust up the party. Melinda spends the school year lost in a daze - she can't tell anyone, the only person in school who likes her is the new girl, her parents are never there and don't seem to like her or each other very much, and her teachers think she just has a bad attitude. Her only solace is art class, which becomes the catalyst for her telling the truth. I found myself mesmerized at the end of the book (dramatic scene involving Melinda and the rapist) and really found myself caring about this girl. Can't wait to see if Ms. Anderson writes more young adut novels.
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Summary: A Great Book! A Must Read!
Review: This book is way to good to pass up! I have read 10 + times, and every time I see something new, different, that I hadn't seen before. Laurie Anderson's best woork yet! Speak is not just about how much one event can change your life - It also speaks about the character of people in high schools these days. The cruelty, gossip, and hate that can spread so easily. The first time I read it, I read it in one night! That's how much I loved it! You feel a bit of pity of Melinda, but by the end Melinda is like a friend of yours, and your cheering her on in the end! I recommend this book greatly! Happy reading!
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Summary: Whatever you say can and will be used against you
Review: Speak is an amazing read for anyone. While it is targeted towards Young Adults, I think it would be a good book for parents to read as well. Perhaps parents could read more YA books and it might actually give them a better understanding of their own teenagers. This gives the reader a good insight into the theory that there are two sides to every story. Not only does the unspoken character have to deal with the horrid aftermath of rape pulling at her emotional soul, but she can't talk about it to anyone. Fear of rejection, peer pressure, and teen angst play a major part in this powerful coming-of-age story
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Summary: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Review: I really liked this book. I just finished it a few weeks ago, because in English we had to do literature circles and this was the book three other people and I read. I thought that the book was really good and so did two of the other people in my group they rated it 8 out of ten and 10/10 and I rated 9/10 but the other person in the group gave it 1/10. He said that all Melinda did in the book was whine about things but I don't think that's true.
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