Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

450 reviews

micasreads's review against another edition

5.0

 

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson 

Started: September 22. 2024 

Finished: September 22, 2024 

Format: Print 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

 

Melinda starts high school as an outcast because she called the police to a party - but no one bothered to ask why. As the unwanted at school and too afraid to tell her parents the truth, Melinda only speaks when necessary. When she finally comes to accept that she was raped, she finds her voice. 

 

I started this book with the sole purpose of reading a banned book, but what I found was a story many women, including myself, can relate to. Melinda's fear of naming her rapist, her IT, is very real and very common. Facing the fact that you have been raped is dealing with the fear, the shame, and the loss of control over the sadness and the anger. My heart raced for the last quarter of the book and I was so proud of Melinda when she finally told her truth and even more proud, when facing her rapist again, she spoke loud and clear - she made her anger known and took back control from her IT. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny

Moderate: Rape

letters_from_gabriella's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Bullying, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal death and Alcohol

sugar_b0nes's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape

Moderate: Toxic friendship

mj_86's review against another edition

dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Rape, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Toxic friendship and Alcohol

Minor: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts

jaithur's review against another edition

dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

payaut's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault

Minor: Vomit

_serena_'s review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

This story is heartbreaking, yet so impactful as Melinda finally defends herself and speaks up for herself. I cannot imagine the pain and loneliness she felt. I can however relate to hurting and no one noticing - parents brushing you off as acting out. 
Unfortunately, I think this story will be timeless. Written in 1999 and it's still just as impactful and powerful in 2024. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment

liad24's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Medical content, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

lolelolelolotte's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Self harm

Minor: Rape, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts

turdflinger's review against another edition

5.0

Don't know why this book took me so long to finish. The writing flows so well the story climax is sobering. I clapped my hands for Melinda was rooting for her.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape