Reviews with content warning for Toxic friendship - Speak

I read this when I was a kid, and as an attempt to somehow reach that part of me that I genuinely don't remember, I have decided to pick up some books I read as a kid.

This book is dark. I don't think I realized how dark it was when I first read it. But the way the trauma manifested in Melinda was palpable and I ached for her and her pain. And I really enjoyed the art therapy process throughout the year.

The ending felt a bit rushed. She was miserable, and then all of the sudden, she was recovering with no catalyst. I don't want to say that trauma can only be overcome with help and therapy or whatever, and maybe all she needed was to admit to herself that it happened and that she was a victim? Or with the oncoming warm weather she no longer had seasonal depression? But still, it felt like the author was running out time (since the book took place over the school year) and decided, yeah, it's time she get over it.

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_saphyr_'s review

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dark emotional 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? Yes

3.5

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dory21's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

Everything on this book is perfect but.. what about David?.. And
Laurie's style of writing reminds me of Jandy Nelson, who's style is as playful as Laurie's..
Kind of nice book, but I would be happier if it has more pages or continuation..

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classicpseudonym's review

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challenging inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

it's been a couple of days since i finished speak and i'm still thinking about how influential it must've been when it was published at the turn of the century (and still is!)!!!

the themes of this book and the narrative it portrays of a young survivor of sexual assault are so incredibly important for readers of all ages to see reflected in literature. that being said, i felt like this book lacked a certain level of depth that i appreciate within the plot and characters in novels. this didn't detract from melinda's narrative or the overall significance of this book - it may actually be better that the target audience for this book is younger so that younger readers can begin to understand the reality and effects of sexual assault on those who have experienced it. however, the book - at times - just didn't make me want to keep reading like other ya novels have.

but overall, this novel is very well done!! i love how melinda's character vocalizes her thoughts throughout the text, but always in her head instead of out loud - an effective way to portray the lives of those whose voices have been silenced. in addition, melinda's thoughts felt very real/raw, and many readers (myself included) may be able to relate to her feelings.

anyway, give this book a read if you get the chance! :))

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