Melinda Sordino has a shameful secret that has changed her life. In one stroke, she lost her friends, her interests, and her sense of security. Going back to school after the fateful party when she called the cops is difficult. Melinda hardly speaks to anyone, not even her parents, and everyone in school judges her except a new girl that Melinda doesn’t even like all that much. Telling the truth about that night takes courage, and for that Melinda knows she will eventually have to speak.
This book was so affecting. It’s fairly easy to figure out what happened to Melinda, but that doesn’t make its impact any less heartbreaking. I’m only six years removed from high school and this book brought back just how painfully mean teenagers are to one another. Melinda’s friends disdain her simply because it isn’t cool to be seen with her anymore, not offering even the smallest kindnesses to her as a fellow human being. And her encounters with one person in particular made me very scared for her. Through it all, though, she retains a sardonic humor which made me hope that she would be okay, and see why people were her friends in the first place. I genuinely liked her, so when people reject her over and over I really hurt for her.
Something else I really liked about this YA novel was that Melinda’s parents were present. I didn’t know why they didn’t ask more often about why she didn’t speak to them, but they did at least notice her and had their place in her life. I feel like a lot of YA titles simply skip over parents and it was nice that Melinda’s actually existed.
I also enjoyed Anderson’s writing; I hadn’t read any books by her, but this one has persuaded me that I should get to more of them. The narrative covers an entire school year and since it’s just 200 pages, some time is skipped, but I never felt like I was missing anything. It all flowed naturally. The writing was occasionally choppy but fit well since we were in Melinda’s head.
I thought Speak was a great read. It brings to mind the difficulty many teens – and even older women – have when they are targeted like this. My heart broke for Melinda and I suspect yours will too.
I am an Amazon Associate. I purchased this book.
I loved Wintergirls and have always meant to read more of Anderson’s books. She is a powerful writer and seems to tackle difficult subjects.
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I read this one a few months ago and, like you said, it’s very affecting. It’s impossible not to feel sorrow for what Melinda went through.
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I read SPEAK a few weeks ago and thought it was excellent. Great review!
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My heart definitely did break too. Looking back now, the extent of teenage cruelty really surprises and appals me. I’m so glad that phase of my life is over!
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Yeah, being a teenager really sucked. That’s why I never want to teach high school.
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I thought this was a great book too! I loved that Melinda found her inner strength and became a survivor instead of a victim.
Speak was one of my favorite books as a teenager, so I’m glad you liked it! I think the only other book I’ve read by her was Fever 1793, which wasn’t as good.
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I was going to try to read one of Anderson’s books because they are so popular, but when I looked at the descriptions, every one sounded very depressing! …which is not to say that they aren’t good or that they aren’t authentic evocations of that time of one’s life, but I think I’d rather not be reminded! :–)
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Anderson’s books really get me in ways I can’t explain. Like you said, they touch on things that teens need to discuss or at least consider. I actually haven’t read this one yet, but have it at home. I’ll have to move it up on my list!
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