Speak (Platinum Edition)
by Laurie Halse Anderson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Laurie Halse AndersonBrand: Speak
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Deckle Edge
Published: 2006-04-20
ISBN: 0142407321
Number of pages: 197
Publisher: Speak
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780142407325
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Speak (Platinum Edition)
Book Review: Speak
Summary: 5 Stars
Melinda is Outcast. Ever since she called the cops at an end-of-summer party, everyone avoids her. She lost all of her friends and now has to start her first year of high school entirely alone. But there was a reason she called the cops that night, a reason that she's been trying to block from her mind. She can't gain the courage to open her mouth and speak out, so instead she retreats to where it's safe - herself.
This was the first free verse novel and book by Laurie Halse Anderson that I've ever read. Saying that I'm impressed would be an understatement. This author's writing is so deep, emotional, pure, and raw that I'm surprised she even made up this story. Melinda's character felt so real to me; and being inside of her head throughout the entire novel was an entirely new ride for me. She had so much depth, and I could relate to her so well. I'm not much of a talker and people ask me all the time why I'm so quiet - I usually reply with, "Because I have nothing to say." I came across a line in this book that said the exact same thing! Melinda was so misunderstood by every single person she came in contact with. Just because she rarely talked, they assumed she was rebelling, weird, freaky, anything they wanted to imagine. It took me awhile to get used to the style of writing. There were many incomplete sentences, phrases, and repeated words. However I'm so glad that it was set up this way. It gave an entirely new perspective to the writing and into Melinda's head. Anderson's descriptive writing was so captivating and interesting; even when Melinda was doing normal every day routines, the author was able to make it sound so fascinating.
I loved watching the weak and silent Melinda develop into a strong person. During the last few 'chapters', every tiny way that she started to stand up for herself made me want to do a little victory dance. How she was able to put up with all the rude, uncaring people around her, I do not know. I probably would have snapped. But Melinda remained silent - only screaming when she was alone in her bedroom closet. The reader is able to figure out what happened on the night of the party very early on; however, Melinda doesn't actually play it out in her mind until halfway into the book. I like when authors give a little air of mystery to a book and don't cram all the explaining in the beginning. There is no sugarcoating in this novel, and even though Melinda never realizes it, she is depressed. Extremely. So sure, it was dark at times, but there were also funny parts. 'Gasp! You laughed while reading a sad book?!' Yes. The way Melinda used nicknames for her teachers was humorous. If you don't believe me, read the book.
This was a super powerful, enjoyable, memorable, and inspiring book. Melinda had a story to share, and it was one that I'm so glad I finally spent the time to read. I know this book has been used in many English classes, and I would beg to be able to read something this fantastic at school! Next on the list: watch the movie.
Summary of Speak (Platinum Edition)
Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute...
Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel is a stunning and sympathetic tribute to the teenage outcast. The triumphant ending, in which Melinda finds her voice, is cause for cheering (while many readers might also shed a tear or two). After reading Speak, it will be hard for any teen to look at the class scapegoat again without a measure of compassion and understanding for that person--who may be screaming beneath the silence. (Ages 13 and older) --Jennifer Hubert
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