#26 of 52 – 52 Books in 52 Weeks
This post is spoiler-free.
I loved everything about this book.
Melinda is a teenage outcast, someone simultaneously harassed and shunned by her fellow high schoolers. As far as they know, she ratted them out to the police at a summer party (complete with underage drinking and other shenanigans). Only Melinda knows the truth, the whole story of what happened that night. Not even her parents know. Melinda, for the majority of the story, is alone. As the story progresses, Melinda begins to discover who she is–and who she definitely is not. It is through this process of discovery that she arrives at a place in her life where she can finally speak her truth.
I loved reading the story from Melinda’s perspective. Her voice is very sarcastic and witty, and thus her observations on high school life are at times hilarious, but poignant. Originally, I became interested in this book because of the TV movie adaptation with Kristen Stewart (yes, that Kristen Stewart) as Melinda. I found that the movie stays very close to the plot of the book, for the most part.
I can see myself re-reading Speak in the future, so this is going on my bookshelf permanently. I definitely recommend it.
I never even connected that movie to this book! I remember the book from my old bookstore, and I know I’ve seen my sister watching the movie… huh. glad to hear the book is so good
Yep, they’re one and the same!
Speak is one of my favorite books and I thought the tv movie adaptation was good. Actually, Laurie Halse Anderson is a really great writer in general. I enjoyed Catalyst & have Wintergirls on my shelf to read soon, if you need/want any other LHA recommendations.
Awesome, I will add those to my list! Thanks!
I have a copy of this at home. I need to pick it up soon!
Not related to your post, but I couldn’t find a more appropriate place to post this.
I was searching around looking for old online friends and I managed to find you. I hope you remember me from way back in the day (2000-2002ish). Great to see that you’re still around. Looking back, I really miss those days. :3 Hope everything is going well for you!
Bobbi! Yes, I remember you! I’ll email you to catch up