Melinda Sordino starts her freshman year in high school as an outcast. She was just like any other kid in eighth grade, she was popular and had many friends, but there was a problem over the summer. While attending a party with some friends, Melinda ended up having to call the police. Now her friends won’t talk to her and most of the kids in her school know she’s the one who made the call so they shun her as well. The story takes place throughout Melinda’s school year as we see how her silence deteriorates her and eventually comes out at the end with redemption and the courage to speak the truth.I thought it was neat how truly immersed in Melinda's mind you are but at the same time you still are not able to see the whole story at once. This is a powerful novel, and readers can enjoy both Melinda's wry humor and her heart-wrenching pain. The metaphors and symbolism add to the richness, but the primary attraction is Melinda herself - you become one with her and I found that I cared deeply for her and ached for her sadness. Although most girls will not be able to relate to Melinda directly, her tale is one that needs to be told. She is a survivor and a heroine and a voice that every young girl should learn from.
This was a very unique coming-of-age story but, more importantly, the author addresses issues that are difficult to discuss (I won’t go further into these issues as I don’t want to give any of the story away). If you enjoy books with a strong message, creative writing, and an intriguing plot than Speak will be the book for you.
11 comments:
I am TOTALLY going to buy this book and read it. We just discussed it in my book club and I just have to get this book!
Sheri
I was totally taken with Wintergirls, and this sounds equally as good. Thanks for the reveiw.
Nice review. This is another one I've heard is really good and that I want to read.
I read Speak earlier this year, and I loved it. Great review!
Awesome! SOunds really good! Hope to get it :)
This is in my TBR pile -- thanks for the review.
Hi my friend!
Im tagging you for "Whats on your desk wednesday" by Alternative Read. It's super easy and fun!
Here's the link:
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2009/06/sassy-blog-meme-whats-on-your-desk.html
and here's my post if you want to check it out!
http://booksoulmates.blogspot.com/2009/06/whats-on-your-desk-wednesday-61709.html
Have fun!
♥Vane
Great book- this was one of my favorite reads this year. I disagree with you on one point you made; that most girls will not be able to relate to Melinda. I think you'd be amazed at the statistics on the number of girls who've been through something similar, and the high rates of teenage depression... really high! I thought Melinda was very real and believable and relatable.
I have Twisted and Wintergirls to read and this one sounds like it would be another emotional but good read. Nice review
I loved this book so much it was hard to express my feelings for it. Great review.
This book is great to read with your child. Good for a mature 7th grader, but for the most part I would say 8th grade is the perfect age. There are so many small teachable moments in this book along with many great discussion starters. It is so valuable to be able to ask a teen "what should her parents have done?" or "What did she need from her friends?"
This book tackles a really tough subject. Rather than having a "talk" with my child, reading a fictional novel is the easiest way I have found to open up productive discussions with my daughter. This book is the perfect vehicle for that. Along with the main subject, Speak provides a great lesson on teen alcohol use. All you have to say is "this is why I worry so much about you and your friends experimenting with alcohol" the book does the rest.
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