The Bottom Line: I recommend this to anyone who likes to know they aren't alone when facing problems, or that is interested in a tough but tender easy read.
ihelppeople's Full Review: Laurie Halse Anderson - Speak
Written by Laurie Halse Anderson, SPEAK has been honored with/as:
1. 2000 Printz Honor Book
2. 1999 National Book Award Finalist
3. An Edgar Allan Poe Book Award Finalist
4. Winner of the Golden Kite Award
5. ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
6. ALA Quick Pick
7. Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
8. Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 1999
9. BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
10.SLJ Best Book of the Year
11.Horn Book Fanfare Title
Written through the eyes of a struggling ninth grader, Melinda Sordino has no friends and no where to turn. Of course, Anderson wants to keep the reader intrigued and doesn't say why this poor girl has no friends until you feel her pain.
Everyone in the school thinks she is disgusting. Everyone except one new girl who doesn't know any better: Melinda is a freak, an outcast, not worth your time. Melinda keeps an open mind and sometimes finds her way out of humiliation. The Merryweather High outcast called the cops at a party the summer before, but no one knew exactly why. The longer she keeps it a secret, the more people despise her, and her new friend eventually deserts Melinda to join a weird clique known as The Marthas.
After almost a year of feeling alone and misunderstood, the truth is finally let out, just not the ideal way. What happened to Melinda at the party happens once again to her, but this time, it occurs in the place she feels most comfortable.
Laurie Halse Anderson did a brilliant job creating Melinda Sordino. This chilling and humorous story had me hooked.
(If you read my last opinion on this book, you probably thought it was boring. I'm sorry I got a little emotional, but I hope this was better.) Thanks to a helpful comment, I only wish that someone will enjoy the quality time you can find reading this with someone as I did. But, as before, I recommend that the reader know who they are and not be easily effected by things they read. This is a great, easy read filled with tears and a little laughter. So, enjoy!
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