Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Speak

Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

32 reviews

classicpseudonym's review

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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danileah07's review

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dark informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

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riozul's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

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

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rileepickle's review

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dark emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love this book! I think it touches on really important subjects (SA, rape, under-age alcohol use, friend dynamics, high school politics, etc.) in ways that is easy for high schoolers to understand without being overbearing or boring.

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jinx_mars's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

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hannahhicken's review

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emotional inspiring tense medium-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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kodi_rae's review

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

My first time rereading this since the first time when I was probably around Melinda’s (the protagonist) age. I remember really liking it then and it’s even more devastating now with time and experience. The claustrophobia of the mind and your own silence.

While I’d like to think society has grown a bit since Speak was first published, I’m glad it still exists and can maybe provide validation and healing to those who need it. Does anyone else remember the movie with a young Kristen Stewart? Maybe I’ll pay that a visit too.

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