RATING : 4.5 STARS
REVIEW :
Although, I’ve sat down to type out my review for Speak multiple times, words never came. It’s been over a month since I read the book, even now I’m staring at my laptop screen, my brain can’t string any words for review and I can see Speak rendered me an emotional wreck. Speak is an extremely heartfelt and emotional story. All I would say is, Anderson is a prolific writer I have ever came across in my entire life. Speak deals with quite heavy issue, but the way it was handled, flabbergasted me. Speak is being assigned in English classes for junior high or high school students. I haven’t had a chance to read it in any of my English classes. Anderson’s books are highly regarded and it took me so long to get my hands on her book.
Melinda Sordino, our protagonist once a happy teenager is now, an outcast at the start of her high school. The reason : She busted the end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Her once best friend, Rachel now becomes ex best friend Rachelle. The new girl, Heather is the only person that talks to Melinda. Does that count as a friend? Heather comes across as a good person, until she starts hanging out with the so-called-popular group. Nobody, in school bothered to ask Melinda what had happened at the party. It is evident to the readers, that Melinda is going through something rough. Does everyone know the real reason for Melinda’s transformation as taciturn? - It will, only when Melinda speaks up.
Although, Melinda was not interested in her academics, art class lures her. She finds serenity in art, and she tries to express her trapped feelings through it. Melinda soon becomes a favorite student of Mr.Freeman, the art teacher. The most endearing person in this novel is Mr.Freeman. He doesn’t push Melinda, albeit he figures out there is something going on with her. Will Melinda be able to open up to her art teacher?
Speak revolves around teenagers more specifically, Melinda’s issues and that being said, we get more insight of high school experiences. It is powerful novel that every individual must read, albeit not being the target audience. I don’t want to giveaway what issue Melinda faces, but I could most definitely tell you all it’s a tough thing. If you’ve read the book, you know what I’m talking about, if not it’s best to get into the story without knowing anything.
Anderson’s writing is raw and powerful that makes the readers empathize with Melinda. It’s the writer’s prerogative to embellish things, but Anderson delivers the story without any of those that will thaw any of the coldest hearts. If you’re someone contemplating picking this book up, there are no second thoughts, I would highly recommend it. One of the best books I have read this year.