Speak

by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Young Adult (YA)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10009
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781444954173
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-08-22
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Speak is a modern classic that has resonated with readers for its raw and authentic portrayal of a teenager's struggle to speak out about a harrowing experience. The novel follows Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police to break up a summer party. As she navigates the challenges of high school, Melinda grapples with the trauma of her past and the isolation she feels. The story is told through Melinda's eyes, offering a deeply personal and introspective look at her journey towards healing and self-expression. /n/n Speak is not just a story about finding one's voice; it's a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of speaking out against injustice. The novel has been praised for its powerful narrative and its relevance in today's society, where issues of sexual assault and speaking out are at the forefront of public discourse. With its compelling characters and timely themes, Speak is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that is both moving and thought-provoking.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2023-01-01
poignant 4.00

The book is well-written and poignant, evoking strong emotions. It is a powerful story that resonates deeply with readers.

This novel is a deeply moving and well-crafted piece of literature. The author's ability to convey emotion through precise word choice makes it a standout. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, touching on themes that are both timely and universal. The emotional depth and the way the narrative unfolds make it a compelling read for anyone, especially those who appreciate stories that tackle serious issues with sensitivity and skill.

Quick quotes

    Speak is well-written, poignant, and evokes emotion.

    This is a book I am reading with my fifteen-year-old and will be discussing.

    It is a powerful story that resonates deeply with readers.

Solano Library · Sachi · 2022-10-04
well-written 4.50

The novel is incredibly well-written, conveying emotion perfectly through precise word choice. It's a story that resonates with its audience.

This review highlights the novel's exceptional writing and emotional depth. The reviewer, Sachi, praises the author's ability to convey complex emotions through precise language, making the story both relatable and impactful. The themes explored in the book are timely and relevant, making it a must-read for those interested in stories that delve into the human experience with sensitivity and insight. Sachi's perspective as a teen reviewer adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the review.

Quick quotes

    Anderson's novel is incredibly well-written, conveying emotion perfectly through precise word choice.

    Despite being written by an author in her forties, the novel perfectly captures the voice of a teenage girl.

    It's a story that resonates with its audience.

Frappe and Fiction · 2020-07-13
engaging 4.50

The book tackles serious topics with a mix of dark and sarcastically funny delivery. It's a powerful read that balances heavy themes with engaging storytelling.

This reviewer found the book to be a remarkable blend of serious themes and a unique narrative voice. The dark and sarcastic humor adds a layer of complexity, making the heavy topics more accessible. The writing style is engaging, and the story's emotional depth resonates long after the last page. It's a book that manages to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This book somehow managed to cover serious topics while maintaining an eloquent mix of realistic, dark, and sarcastically funny delivery.

    The writing style is engaging, and the story's emotional depth resonates long after the last page.

    It's a book that manages to be both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Psi Still Reads You · 2018-04-16
mixed 3.00

The book delivers an inspiring message about using your voice, but the journey to get there can be a chore. The characters are drab and unlikable, making the read less enjoyable.

While the reviewer appreciated the book's central message about finding your voice, they found the execution to be lacking. The characters were described as drab and unlikable, which made the reading experience somewhat tedious. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledged the book's important themes and the eventual payoff of the protagonist's journey. It's a book that has its moments, but the path to those moments is not always smooth.

Quick quotes

    Speak presents an inspiring message about using your voice.

    However, a majority of the book is a chore to read, considering its drab, unlikable characters.

    The characters were described as drab and unlikable, which made the reading experience somewhat tedious.

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