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charms1976's review against another edition
3.0
Can we talk about this cover first to get it out of the way? I find it hard to believe that the cover department couldn't come up with something other than the boring cover of white that we got. If I were to see this on a bookshelf at a store, I would pass it over without thinking twice. Thank goodness I read the summary of this book beforehand and decided to give it a chance. Truly a good example of not judging a book by its cover.
Moving on from the cover fiasco. I was actually surprised by this read. I thought this was going to be a plot that would be juvenile and not my cup of tea. What we get though is something so good and the writing that actually kept me interested and curious to know more. The author does a wonderful job at scene set up. While I admit that the first part of this book was slow and something I had to force myself to get through, by the middle of the book it started to take off. I ended up enjoying the characters and the plot of the book. Yes there is some angst. Yes there is a boy involved. Yes there is teen drama and gossip. The end result though was self discovery, consequences to actions, and characters that fit the story.
I really ended up enjoying this book and I can say that it was much better than expected. Would I read the story again in the future? Maybe. It won't be one I will be dying to reread again anytime soon, but it is one I would recommend to read a first time.
Moving on from the cover fiasco. I was actually surprised by this read. I thought this was going to be a plot that would be juvenile and not my cup of tea. What we get though is something so good and the writing that actually kept me interested and curious to know more. The author does a wonderful job at scene set up. While I admit that the first part of this book was slow and something I had to force myself to get through, by the middle of the book it started to take off. I ended up enjoying the characters and the plot of the book. Yes there is some angst. Yes there is a boy involved. Yes there is teen drama and gossip. The end result though was self discovery, consequences to actions, and characters that fit the story.
I really ended up enjoying this book and I can say that it was much better than expected. Would I read the story again in the future? Maybe. It won't be one I will be dying to reread again anytime soon, but it is one I would recommend to read a first time.
sdb27's review against another edition
5.0
Speechless by Hannah Harrington is an emotionally powerful book that dissects the dangerous world of teenage gossip and its consequences. By book’s end, you’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve found yourself turning your gaze inward as you question the power of words, and their ability to tear an entire world apart.
Chelsea Knot is a mean girl. She’s sidekick to the most popular girl in school, and with great power comes great responsibility—and Chelsea seems to think that it’s her responsibility to the people to let them know anything that she’s found out, regardless of whom that information will hurt. It’s only until after Chelsea accidentally sees something at a high school keg party she shouldn’t see—and then blabs this to the entire high school—that she truly begins to see how the ripples of her actions can have consequences that hurt a lot more than someone’s feelings. Changed, Chelsea decides to take a vow of silence.
The transformation that Chelsea goes through this book is remarkable. Though initially I had trouble warming up to her due to her shallow, mean girl personality, the fact that she decides to come clean and tries to change herself is very admirable. It takes a very certain kind of strength to go against the life you’ve known and the people you are friends with in order to do the right thing. Most adults are too cowardly to do that, let alone a teenage girl. I also really liked Chelsea’s idea to take a vow of silence. I can’t imagine not speaking for a day, let alone months. Even without the situation in this book, it would be a fascinating social experiment to undertake.
Ms. Harrington handles high-school bullying, which is such a prevalent problem, with tact, and an insightfulness that really drives the subject matter home. Chelsea’s voice comes through in every line of narration, really breathing life into the pages and making her seem three-dimensional. It’s like she’s right in front of you, telling her story to you as a friend.
While the ending felt entirely too rushed and neatly wrapped up to be realistic, for me, it wasn’t so much the destination as the journey. I really enjoyed the evolution and redemption of the main character, as well as how the topic of bullying was explored. Ms. Harrington is quite a skilled and evocative writer and I hope to read some of her other works in the future.
An advance review copy was provided to me by Netgalley for the purposes of review.
____
For more book reviews, visit my blog The Bookshelf!
Chelsea Knot is a mean girl. She’s sidekick to the most popular girl in school, and with great power comes great responsibility—and Chelsea seems to think that it’s her responsibility to the people to let them know anything that she’s found out, regardless of whom that information will hurt. It’s only until after Chelsea accidentally sees something at a high school keg party she shouldn’t see—and then blabs this to the entire high school—that she truly begins to see how the ripples of her actions can have consequences that hurt a lot more than someone’s feelings. Changed, Chelsea decides to take a vow of silence.
The transformation that Chelsea goes through this book is remarkable. Though initially I had trouble warming up to her due to her shallow, mean girl personality, the fact that she decides to come clean and tries to change herself is very admirable. It takes a very certain kind of strength to go against the life you’ve known and the people you are friends with in order to do the right thing. Most adults are too cowardly to do that, let alone a teenage girl. I also really liked Chelsea’s idea to take a vow of silence. I can’t imagine not speaking for a day, let alone months. Even without the situation in this book, it would be a fascinating social experiment to undertake.
Ms. Harrington handles high-school bullying, which is such a prevalent problem, with tact, and an insightfulness that really drives the subject matter home. Chelsea’s voice comes through in every line of narration, really breathing life into the pages and making her seem three-dimensional. It’s like she’s right in front of you, telling her story to you as a friend.
While the ending felt entirely too rushed and neatly wrapped up to be realistic, for me, it wasn’t so much the destination as the journey. I really enjoyed the evolution and redemption of the main character, as well as how the topic of bullying was explored. Ms. Harrington is quite a skilled and evocative writer and I hope to read some of her other works in the future.
An advance review copy was provided to me by Netgalley for the purposes of review.
____
For more book reviews, visit my blog The Bookshelf!
missbookiverse's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Entweder habe ich Hannah Harringtons Debüt Saving June in total verschleierter Erinnerung oder ihr Zweitling kann wirklich nicht mit ihrem Erstgeborenen mithalten. Speechless hat mich zwar an keiner Stelle genervt oder in Rage gebracht (bis auf die Homophobie halt), aber es bietet absolut nichts Neues. Die mean girls sind flach, intrigant und eben einfach scheiße, weil sie scheiße sind. Die Nerds sind das genaue Gegenteil, dabei ziemlich niedlich (vor allem Asha und Sam), aber irgendwie auch zu nett. Ich finde es ein wenig rosarot, dass sie Chelsea so problemlos bei sich aufnehmen und dann diese ganzen kitschigen Erkenntnisse im letzten Teil, bwüäh, das war mir echt zu viel, fehlt nur noch das Streicherorchester. Das Buch liest sich flott weg und ist unterhaltsam mit ernsten Themen, aber von Hannah Harrington hatte ich viel mehr erwartet.
Entweder habe ich Hannah Harringtons Debüt Saving June in total verschleierter Erinnerung oder ihr Zweitling kann wirklich nicht mit ihrem Erstgeborenen mithalten. Speechless hat mich zwar an keiner Stelle genervt oder in Rage gebracht (bis auf die Homophobie halt), aber es bietet absolut nichts Neues. Die mean girls sind flach, intrigant und eben einfach scheiße, weil sie scheiße sind. Die Nerds sind das genaue Gegenteil, dabei ziemlich niedlich (vor allem Asha und Sam), aber irgendwie auch zu nett. Ich finde es ein wenig rosarot, dass sie Chelsea so problemlos bei sich aufnehmen und dann diese ganzen kitschigen Erkenntnisse im letzten Teil, bwüäh, das war mir echt zu viel, fehlt nur noch das Streicherorchester. Das Buch liest sich flott weg und ist unterhaltsam mit ernsten Themen, aber von Hannah Harrington hatte ich viel mehr erwartet.
michalice's review against another edition
4.0
Chelsea is a gossip and her friend Kirsten enjoys listening to the gossip. Both girls end up drunk at a party and Chelsea sees something that she immediately has to tell Kirsten. Alcohol, parties and gossip don't mix, and instead of just telling Kirsten, Chelsea ends up telling the whole party. What started out as gossip results in a boy being beaten up and put into hospital. Feeling responsible for the attack Chelsea tells all to her parents, ends up being labelled a RAT in school, loses her friendship with Kirsten, becomes a social pariah and ends up taking a vow of silence.
I already love Hannah's work so when I found out that Speechless was on netgalley I knew I had to read it and I am so glad it didn't disappoint. When we are first introduced to Chelsea and Kirsten I didn't like the way they gossiped about anything and everything. As a general rule I avoid gossip as it can lead to all sorts or rumours, lies and things getting twisted and turned so much the end result is nothing like the starting point. However I did feel sorry for how Chelsea was treated, part of me didn't like how she spread gossip but the other part knows she didn't deserve to be treated the way she did.
Working at Rosie's is great for Chelsea, getting to be around a great group of colleagues and friends is the break she needs from the hassle at school. They accept her for what she was and what she is and don't push her on anything.
As Speechless progresses Chelsea begins to make amends for her actions, and as she slowly let's in her new friends she begins to realise that her friendship with Kirsten wasn't really a true friendship. I love how accepting Asha, Sam, and the rest of the gang are, even knowing Chelsea's history they let her into their lives. Some of them need to be convinced but even they soon like her.
I really enjoyed Speechless, it was a read that I demolished quickly and I am looking forward to reading more of Hannah's work
I already love Hannah's work so when I found out that Speechless was on netgalley I knew I had to read it and I am so glad it didn't disappoint. When we are first introduced to Chelsea and Kirsten I didn't like the way they gossiped about anything and everything. As a general rule I avoid gossip as it can lead to all sorts or rumours, lies and things getting twisted and turned so much the end result is nothing like the starting point. However I did feel sorry for how Chelsea was treated, part of me didn't like how she spread gossip but the other part knows she didn't deserve to be treated the way she did.
Working at Rosie's is great for Chelsea, getting to be around a great group of colleagues and friends is the break she needs from the hassle at school. They accept her for what she was and what she is and don't push her on anything.
As Speechless progresses Chelsea begins to make amends for her actions, and as she slowly let's in her new friends she begins to realise that her friendship with Kirsten wasn't really a true friendship. I love how accepting Asha, Sam, and the rest of the gang are, even knowing Chelsea's history they let her into their lives. Some of them need to be convinced but even they soon like her.
I really enjoyed Speechless, it was a read that I demolished quickly and I am looking forward to reading more of Hannah's work
janina_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Three and a half stars.
I very much felt like the odd one out after not enjoying Hannah Harrington's debut, Saving June, and wasn't even inclined the give the author a second try. Still, this book sounded too interesting to pass - and I am glad I gave it a chance. If anything, Speechless is insanely readable, the pages flying by in what feels like minutes instead of hours. I really enjoyed the reading experience, and would definitely encourage others to pick this book up, but still, there were some things that I felt were missing.
Actually, I had not expected to like Chelsea after reading a less favourable early review of this book. Talking without thinking and then regretting it afterwards - but mostly only because she herself had to suffer her inconsiderate actions? Hmm. Now, after finishing the book, I definitely have to say that despite her weaknesses, I enjoyed reading from Chelsea's point of view and did not resent her for her actions - although I probably should have. She is not the multi-facetted character like for example Sam from Before I Fall or Regina from Some Girls Are, but her situation is somewhat similar to theirs. Wanting to please her popular, mean girl best friend Kristen, Chelsea has carelessly destroyed numerous reputations and relationships by spreading rumours and gossip - unconcerned and uncaring about what that meant for the people in question. Now, after owning up to her actions for the very first time, admitting what she did was wrong and taking responsibility, she learns what it means to be on the receiving end of rumours, people whispering behind your back, even being attacked and harrassed by people you believed to be your friends. Chelsea defininitely takes an unusual road in terms of dealing with this, but that is what made me want to read this book in the first place, so I certainly won't complain. What I do like to point out, though, is that I felt that Chelsea's transformation from mean girl to, well, not-mean girl, happened too fast and without the reader really taking part in it. We never really experience Chelsea's former self first-hand, mostly only in form of flashbacks.And when her old friends start to shun her at school - even threathen her, insult her - she very quickly decides that her old self was just born out of the want to please people not really worth it, and that she actually never really felt at home with their group. It is easy for her to move on to new friends, who strangely see the good in her despite her past and actually go to greath lenghts to make her part of their own circle of friends. For me, that was just not realistic. There was just such a gap between the "bad people" hating Chelsea for what she did and making her life hell - really, are people still that backward, hateful and stuck up in small town USA? - and the "good people" trying to help her.
Still, I couldn't help but love the guys who took Chelsea in and helped her through the hard times she was getting at school. I have a thing for their kind of friendships - always there for one another, but still teasing each other at every chance they get. The diner they all worked at was a great setting for that, I definitely would have liked to work there as well. What irked me a bit in that area, though, were Chelsea's parents - after what her daughter went through they were so concerned about her decision to take a vow of silence, would they really not care when she stayed out late every night without telling them where she was? I get that they had a rough time and problems themselves, but I really can't imagine them not wanting to know where their sixteen year-old daughter spent her evenings. I am not saying she shouldn't be allowed to spend time at the diner, I just feel like it should have been of interest to her parents, who came across as very sensible and caring in other aspects of this story.
What I loved, though, was Sam, and I thought that his relationship with Chelsea was really cute, even if it lacked that certain spark I had wished for. Asha was an intersting character as well, and I would have loved to learn a bit more about her background. All in all, the cast of suporting characters definitely had potential, but sometimes, they remained a little too far in the background for my tastes. I know this was Chelsea's story, but I would have loved to read more about Noah's and Andy's relationship - so Hannah Harrington, if you ever decide to write this story from their point of view, I'll definitely buy that book!
All in all, this is a book I did find some faults with, but they didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the story. This book explores the repercussions of high school rumours and the problem of bullying, but it still manages to do so in a lighter tone than other novels in the genre I have read. I would not say that it diminishes the effects bullying has, but generally offers a more positive outlook on things.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and Harlequin for the review copy.
I very much felt like the odd one out after not enjoying Hannah Harrington's debut, Saving June, and wasn't even inclined the give the author a second try. Still, this book sounded too interesting to pass - and I am glad I gave it a chance. If anything, Speechless is insanely readable, the pages flying by in what feels like minutes instead of hours. I really enjoyed the reading experience, and would definitely encourage others to pick this book up, but still, there were some things that I felt were missing.
Actually, I had not expected to like Chelsea after reading a less favourable early review of this book. Talking without thinking and then regretting it afterwards - but mostly only because she herself had to suffer her inconsiderate actions? Hmm. Now, after finishing the book, I definitely have to say that despite her weaknesses, I enjoyed reading from Chelsea's point of view and did not resent her for her actions - although I probably should have. She is not the multi-facetted character like for example Sam from Before I Fall or Regina from Some Girls Are, but her situation is somewhat similar to theirs. Wanting to please her popular, mean girl best friend Kristen, Chelsea has carelessly destroyed numerous reputations and relationships by spreading rumours and gossip - unconcerned and uncaring about what that meant for the people in question. Now, after owning up to her actions for the very first time, admitting what she did was wrong and taking responsibility, she learns what it means to be on the receiving end of rumours, people whispering behind your back, even being attacked and harrassed by people you believed to be your friends. Chelsea defininitely takes an unusual road in terms of dealing with this, but that is what made me want to read this book in the first place, so I certainly won't complain. What I do like to point out, though, is that I felt that Chelsea's transformation from mean girl to, well, not-mean girl, happened too fast and without the reader really taking part in it. We never really experience Chelsea's former self first-hand, mostly only in form of flashbacks.And when her old friends start to shun her at school - even threathen her, insult her - she very quickly decides that her old self was just born out of the want to please people not really worth it, and that she actually never really felt at home with their group. It is easy for her to move on to new friends, who strangely see the good in her despite her past and actually go to greath lenghts to make her part of their own circle of friends. For me, that was just not realistic. There was just such a gap between the "bad people" hating Chelsea for what she did and making her life hell - really, are people still that backward, hateful and stuck up in small town USA? - and the "good people" trying to help her.
Still, I couldn't help but love the guys who took Chelsea in and helped her through the hard times she was getting at school. I have a thing for their kind of friendships - always there for one another, but still teasing each other at every chance they get. The diner they all worked at was a great setting for that, I definitely would have liked to work there as well. What irked me a bit in that area, though, were Chelsea's parents - after what her daughter went through they were so concerned about her decision to take a vow of silence, would they really not care when she stayed out late every night without telling them where she was? I get that they had a rough time and problems themselves, but I really can't imagine them not wanting to know where their sixteen year-old daughter spent her evenings. I am not saying she shouldn't be allowed to spend time at the diner, I just feel like it should have been of interest to her parents, who came across as very sensible and caring in other aspects of this story.
What I loved, though, was Sam, and I thought that his relationship with Chelsea was really cute, even if it lacked that certain spark I had wished for. Asha was an intersting character as well, and I would have loved to learn a bit more about her background. All in all, the cast of suporting characters definitely had potential, but sometimes, they remained a little too far in the background for my tastes. I know this was Chelsea's story, but I would have loved to read more about Noah's and Andy's relationship - so Hannah Harrington, if you ever decide to write this story from their point of view, I'll definitely buy that book!
All in all, this is a book I did find some faults with, but they didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the story. This book explores the repercussions of high school rumours and the problem of bullying, but it still manages to do so in a lighter tone than other novels in the genre I have read. I would not say that it diminishes the effects bullying has, but generally offers a more positive outlook on things.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and Harlequin for the review copy.
melg14's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I knew what to expect from the synopsis. It pains me to read a story where it's the protagonist against the whole school or town. I can't stand the bullying. But every time the story turns out good despite all the crap that happens.
Wha I loved most was that the story didn't drag on like similar story lines. This went straight to the point and highlighted the problems and the solutions.
The romance was satisfying. It progressed excellently. Overall good read
I knew what to expect from the synopsis. It pains me to read a story where it's the protagonist against the whole school or town. I can't stand the bullying. But every time the story turns out good despite all the crap that happens.
Wha I loved most was that the story didn't drag on like similar story lines. This went straight to the point and highlighted the problems and the solutions.
The romance was satisfying. It progressed excellently. Overall good read
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Is a young adult book about Chelsea Knot and how she lies to her parents and goes with her best friend Kristen for the New Year Eve party where there is alcohol and guys.
She has a bit too many and on her way to the guest bathroom she comes across a scene that she takes back downstairs and blabbers to others who inform her they will take care of the people, and they leave the house.
She wakes up the next morning to find out what happened when she passed out and she tells her parents what happened.
In school she now has to live with herself and others as they shun her so she takes a vow of silence even at school. One teacher daily gives her a detention slip while other teachers help her to still communicate without her voice.
What inspired her was a National Geographic story about a monk. Some of her older friends really beat up on her car, locker, etc, it's like she's being bullied.
As things get worse for her with the kids at school it also gets good for her because of a new friend that takes her to a diner. That friendship leads to many things for the family in time.
Glad to see the ending and how the one she hurt the most with her lie had the right answers for her.
Is a young adult book about Chelsea Knot and how she lies to her parents and goes with her best friend Kristen for the New Year Eve party where there is alcohol and guys.
She has a bit too many and on her way to the guest bathroom she comes across a scene that she takes back downstairs and blabbers to others who inform her they will take care of the people, and they leave the house.
She wakes up the next morning to find out what happened when she passed out and she tells her parents what happened.
In school she now has to live with herself and others as they shun her so she takes a vow of silence even at school. One teacher daily gives her a detention slip while other teachers help her to still communicate without her voice.
What inspired her was a National Geographic story about a monk. Some of her older friends really beat up on her car, locker, etc, it's like she's being bullied.
As things get worse for her with the kids at school it also gets good for her because of a new friend that takes her to a diner. That friendship leads to many things for the family in time.
Glad to see the ending and how the one she hurt the most with her lie had the right answers for her.
heyjudy's review against another edition
4.0
~4/5
[Also available on my blog (with quotes!).]
I was really looking forward to this book. I read Harrington’s first book not too long ago, and did not like it as much as I would have liked to (although I know some people were really moved by it), but this one seemed more my style. And it was.
Chelsea, the main character in Speechless, has a hard time keeping secrets to herself. In fact, she loves spreading gossip. But then she tells something that she shouldn’t have and almost gets someone killed. She feels terrible and isn’t sure what to do. She knows who did it, but knows that her friends will hate her if she tells. But she does tell. And then decides to take a vow of silence.
I liked Chelsea. She’s definitely not perfect, but she does quite a bit of much-needed growing up in this book, and I did rather like her.
The part that I really looking forward to in this book was the vow of silence. I am generally a very quiet person, I don’t like talking, and I’ve always wondered about taking a vow of silence, but have never done it (although I’m thinking about doing this one in April, even if I’m going to be home all day). This part of the book was done really well, too. I liked how she got the idea, too, how she was inspired by an article and didn't just think it up out of nowhere. I also liked the mention that she couldn’t even sing aloud to the music on her iPod or radio, which is something that I love doing but have never thought of in regards to a vow of silence.
I just really liked that part of this book. Although it bothered me how everyone, all her teachers and her parents, kept trying to get her to talk, and saying that it was unreasonable or unhealthy; that really annoyed me, probably because I didn't agree with them. Also, I liked how she broke her vow of silence. That part was very nice, and very satisfying.
Next is the love interest. I liked him. A lot. He’s not at the top of my list (because that’s Cricket, and he may very well be up there for always), but he’s up there. He’s really sweet and nice, even if he’s unsure of her at first. He's definitely one of the good guy love interests, and I don't think there are enough of those out there in books. I just really liked him.
There are also several other characters that Chelsea meets, people who are friends with the love interest and the person who almost gets killed, and I liked all of them, really. They were all really different and fun and great.
Now, the crime part. I was not expecting the secret that Chelsea reveals to be what it was, and I was really happy about that. And I don’t want to spoil it, but that part of the book was done very well. I agreed very much with Chelsea’s decision later in the book, I really liked her thoughts on the subject, and I just really liked how the subject was discussed. It took some growing up for the characters, and it was needed. Also, I don’t think the topic was talked/thought about in a preachy way, but I can see how someone else would think so.
Also, Chelsea’s old friends. I didn’t really like any of them. Kristen especially. I did feel like there might have been more of a story for Kristen, though, and maybe what’s going to happen with the people who Chelsea turned in. We didn’t get a lot of closure with that, and while I am happy with how the book ended, more would have been nice.
I pretty much just really liked this book. It was really good, and I do plan on reading Harrington's next book.
[Also available on my blog (with quotes!).]
I was really looking forward to this book. I read Harrington’s first book not too long ago, and did not like it as much as I would have liked to (although I know some people were really moved by it), but this one seemed more my style. And it was.
Chelsea, the main character in Speechless, has a hard time keeping secrets to herself. In fact, she loves spreading gossip. But then she tells something that she shouldn’t have and almost gets someone killed. She feels terrible and isn’t sure what to do. She knows who did it, but knows that her friends will hate her if she tells. But she does tell. And then decides to take a vow of silence.
I liked Chelsea. She’s definitely not perfect, but she does quite a bit of much-needed growing up in this book, and I did rather like her.
The part that I really looking forward to in this book was the vow of silence. I am generally a very quiet person, I don’t like talking, and I’ve always wondered about taking a vow of silence, but have never done it (although I’m thinking about doing this one in April, even if I’m going to be home all day). This part of the book was done really well, too. I liked how she got the idea, too, how she was inspired by an article and didn't just think it up out of nowhere. I also liked the mention that she couldn’t even sing aloud to the music on her iPod or radio, which is something that I love doing but have never thought of in regards to a vow of silence.
I just really liked that part of this book. Although it bothered me how everyone, all her teachers and her parents, kept trying to get her to talk, and saying that it was unreasonable or unhealthy; that really annoyed me, probably because I didn't agree with them. Also, I liked how she broke her vow of silence. That part was very nice, and very satisfying.
Next is the love interest. I liked him. A lot. He’s not at the top of my list (because that’s Cricket, and he may very well be up there for always), but he’s up there. He’s really sweet and nice, even if he’s unsure of her at first. He's definitely one of the good guy love interests, and I don't think there are enough of those out there in books. I just really liked him.
There are also several other characters that Chelsea meets, people who are friends with the love interest and the person who almost gets killed, and I liked all of them, really. They were all really different and fun and great.
Now, the crime part. I was not expecting the secret that Chelsea reveals to be what it was, and I was really happy about that. And I don’t want to spoil it, but that part of the book was done very well. I agreed very much with Chelsea’s decision later in the book, I really liked her thoughts on the subject, and I just really liked how the subject was discussed. It took some growing up for the characters, and it was needed. Also, I don’t think the topic was talked/thought about in a preachy way, but I can see how someone else would think so.
Also, Chelsea’s old friends. I didn’t really like any of them. Kristen especially. I did feel like there might have been more of a story for Kristen, though, and maybe what’s going to happen with the people who Chelsea turned in. We didn’t get a lot of closure with that, and while I am happy with how the book ended, more would have been nice.
I pretty much just really liked this book. It was really good, and I do plan on reading Harrington's next book.
bmg20's review against another edition
3.0
Speechless was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin.
'I can't change what I've done and what I haven't done, but I can change what I do now. I can actually do something. Stand for something.'
After Chelsea stumbles upon something at a high school party and unintentionally tells the entire party what transpired she's horrified at what she ended up causing. She realizes that her gossiping mouth has done more harm than she could have ever thought possible and in turn decides to take a vow of silence.
Chelsea Knot is not an immediately likeable character so don't expect to right off the bat. It takes time and development and maturity on her part. She was incredibly realistic nonetheless; I think we all went to high school with a 'Chelsea', I know I did. I was having vivid recollections especially when she said lines like:
'He won't even look at me! And, not to brag, but I am something to look at, dammit. I'm not gorgeous like Kristen, but I've been known to turn a head or two in my time.'
Oh yeah. I might have gone to school with a few Chelsea-types.
Despite being the one who did the right thing by telling the police what really happened, even though that resulted in the ruin of her social standing (which involved a few friends being thrown in jail) she still worries day in and day out whether she made the right choice, still doubts that she's really a good person and didn't just have a lapse in judgment. After making friends with an unpopular girl named Asha who manages to see Chelsea for the good person she is, even though Chelsea herself doubts that she's really that good.
This story was not flawless. There were times where I really enjoyed it and others when I felt like tossing it. I think that largely had to do with the fact I felt it was for a less mature crowd despite the serious message intended. I typically write my reviews immediately after finishing books but had a hard time turning my thoughts into words with this one. After taking so much time for it to run through my brain I ended up actually reducing my rating from 4 to 3 stars. I loved the message and I loved seeing the popular girl transformed; however, I had a hard time relating to Chelsea and often felt her actions weren’t entirely authentic. Maybe because I’ve never been the popular girl and could never relate… maybe because of the fact that she decided to take her ‘vow of silence’ after glancing at a magazine article. Either way, this was enjoyable but unfortunately not completely my cup of tea.
'I can't change what I've done and what I haven't done, but I can change what I do now. I can actually do something. Stand for something.'
After Chelsea stumbles upon something at a high school party and unintentionally tells the entire party what transpired she's horrified at what she ended up causing. She realizes that her gossiping mouth has done more harm than she could have ever thought possible and in turn decides to take a vow of silence.
Chelsea Knot is not an immediately likeable character so don't expect to right off the bat. It takes time and development and maturity on her part. She was incredibly realistic nonetheless; I think we all went to high school with a 'Chelsea', I know I did. I was having vivid recollections especially when she said lines like:
'He won't even look at me! And, not to brag, but I am something to look at, dammit. I'm not gorgeous like Kristen, but I've been known to turn a head or two in my time.'
Oh yeah. I might have gone to school with a few Chelsea-types.
Despite being the one who did the right thing by telling the police what really happened, even though that resulted in the ruin of her social standing (which involved a few friends being thrown in jail) she still worries day in and day out whether she made the right choice, still doubts that she's really a good person and didn't just have a lapse in judgment. After making friends with an unpopular girl named Asha who manages to see Chelsea for the good person she is, even though Chelsea herself doubts that she's really that good.
This story was not flawless. There were times where I really enjoyed it and others when I felt like tossing it. I think that largely had to do with the fact I felt it was for a less mature crowd despite the serious message intended. I typically write my reviews immediately after finishing books but had a hard time turning my thoughts into words with this one. After taking so much time for it to run through my brain I ended up actually reducing my rating from 4 to 3 stars. I loved the message and I loved seeing the popular girl transformed; however, I had a hard time relating to Chelsea and often felt her actions weren’t entirely authentic. Maybe because I’ve never been the popular girl and could never relate… maybe because of the fact that she decided to take her ‘vow of silence’ after glancing at a magazine article. Either way, this was enjoyable but unfortunately not completely my cup of tea.
nagam's review against another edition
5.0
[Review originally published on Rather Be Reading!]
Have you ever told a secret you had no right passing along?
Chelsea is in the business of telling everyone’s secrets. She’s kind of known for it. She sits at the top of the popularity totem pole with her BFF Kristen until she disastrously tells someone’s secret. The person ends up in the hospital, almost dead, and Chelsea is forced to speak up and tell everything she knew that led to the attack. Finally feeling the weight of her gossiping ways, she decides to take a vow of silence so she won’t be able to hurt anyone again. She doesn’t realize how quiet her life will become until she faces the attacks and bullying Kristen and her old crowd are now focusing on her.
I was absolutely blown away by Harrington’s writing in Saving June last year. When I saw Speechless at ALA I was beside myself excited to get to read more of her work. I noted the vow of silence and thought, “Hmm. Definitely haven’t read anything like this before!” This did bring up a few particular concerns, though. For a girl who likes to read dialogue and not chunks of unbroken description, would Harrington’s no-speaking thing intrigue or bore me? And also — what would this resolve?
Never fear, friends. My worries were absolutely unnecessary. Harrington manages to speak volumes without necessitating normal dialogue. Chelsea’s inner dialogue is full of emotion — confusion, anger, hurt, hope. Though she chooses not to speak aloud, she has to find a way to communicate, especially with her teachers at school. Thanks to a dry erase board she’s able to minimally say what she needs to. She learns how to communicate with more than just her words — she lets her emotions show via facial expressions and also drops the act of being just like her ex-BFF Kristen by dressing like she wants to.
As for resolution and what Chelsea would learn through this — let’s just say she had a long way to go for redemption. She was not high on my list of favorite characters in the beginning because she seemed shallow, self-absorbed, above status quo, unfazed by her actions, and ridiculously naive. Her silence was necessary; it provided time for her to reflect on her actions. Chelsea needed to grovel and unfortunately, she learned much from the backlash she received from the popular crowd. Silence teaches Chelsea to experience life differently than she ever has — she’s faced with a new set of acquaintances (some of which despise her because they were best friends with the person who was hurt), occupying her time with school instead of parties and shopping as she used to, and getting a job because she’s got nothing else.
What I love most about Harrington’s writing is her refusal to keep things simple; she took away the speaking ability of her character, but also put her through hell. Chelsea was being bullied and there was a very strong message about hate crimes that stayed at the forefront of my mind the entire time I read Speechless. Harrington spotlights how powerful (or hurtful) the spoken word can be and how easily we take it for granted to gain popularity, how we should be more thoughtful and considerate – weighing our words much more carefully than we do.
In my notes I wrote, “Harrington battles it out for the meanest bullies with Courtney Summers’ Some Girls Are.” If you’re a Courtney Summer’s fan, please allow me to introduce you to Hannah Harrington.
Speechless is an incredibly powerful book and I’m even going to go so far as to say that I enjoyed it even more than Saving June. Harrington’s writing just keeps getting better and better.
Have you ever told a secret you had no right passing along?
Chelsea is in the business of telling everyone’s secrets. She’s kind of known for it. She sits at the top of the popularity totem pole with her BFF Kristen until she disastrously tells someone’s secret. The person ends up in the hospital, almost dead, and Chelsea is forced to speak up and tell everything she knew that led to the attack. Finally feeling the weight of her gossiping ways, she decides to take a vow of silence so she won’t be able to hurt anyone again. She doesn’t realize how quiet her life will become until she faces the attacks and bullying Kristen and her old crowd are now focusing on her.
I was absolutely blown away by Harrington’s writing in Saving June last year. When I saw Speechless at ALA I was beside myself excited to get to read more of her work. I noted the vow of silence and thought, “Hmm. Definitely haven’t read anything like this before!” This did bring up a few particular concerns, though. For a girl who likes to read dialogue and not chunks of unbroken description, would Harrington’s no-speaking thing intrigue or bore me? And also — what would this resolve?
Never fear, friends. My worries were absolutely unnecessary. Harrington manages to speak volumes without necessitating normal dialogue. Chelsea’s inner dialogue is full of emotion — confusion, anger, hurt, hope. Though she chooses not to speak aloud, she has to find a way to communicate, especially with her teachers at school. Thanks to a dry erase board she’s able to minimally say what she needs to. She learns how to communicate with more than just her words — she lets her emotions show via facial expressions and also drops the act of being just like her ex-BFF Kristen by dressing like she wants to.
As for resolution and what Chelsea would learn through this — let’s just say she had a long way to go for redemption. She was not high on my list of favorite characters in the beginning because she seemed shallow, self-absorbed, above status quo, unfazed by her actions, and ridiculously naive. Her silence was necessary; it provided time for her to reflect on her actions. Chelsea needed to grovel and unfortunately, she learned much from the backlash she received from the popular crowd. Silence teaches Chelsea to experience life differently than she ever has — she’s faced with a new set of acquaintances (some of which despise her because they were best friends with the person who was hurt), occupying her time with school instead of parties and shopping as she used to, and getting a job because she’s got nothing else.
What I love most about Harrington’s writing is her refusal to keep things simple; she took away the speaking ability of her character, but also put her through hell. Chelsea was being bullied and there was a very strong message about hate crimes that stayed at the forefront of my mind the entire time I read Speechless. Harrington spotlights how powerful (or hurtful) the spoken word can be and how easily we take it for granted to gain popularity, how we should be more thoughtful and considerate – weighing our words much more carefully than we do.
In my notes I wrote, “Harrington battles it out for the meanest bullies with Courtney Summers’ Some Girls Are.” If you’re a Courtney Summer’s fan, please allow me to introduce you to Hannah Harrington.
Speechless is an incredibly powerful book and I’m even going to go so far as to say that I enjoyed it even more than Saving June. Harrington’s writing just keeps getting better and better.