Completely alone, nobody but you, surrounded by voices, hurt, fear. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a very touching novel that will surely keep you curious and reading. When Melinda picks up the phone at an older, out of control party, she doesn’t realize her life is about to change. Being a friendless freshman is just one of the many struggles Melinda faces in her first year at Merryweather High. As her life seems to get worse, and worse, Melinda becomes quieter, and quieter. So was it the phone call, or what happened to her before that, that has made her silent? And what really happened to her, forcing her to call the police? Only something horrible that has changed Melinda Sortino’s life forever.

This story was really well written and could have an effect on anyone. The way it was written, broken up into the four semesters, and then into important events, makes it more fun and easier to read. Speak gets started quickly and keeps it going throughout the novel. This book kept my attention the whole time. How Anderson writes, you will want to keep reading until the very end.

I enjoyed reading this book because it taught many lessons like, “stand up for yourself”, “don’t judge others”, or “it’s never too late to make a better ending”. Reading this I learned a lot about life and that things aren’t always as they seem. Speak is just a great story, and now one of my favorite novels.

I recommend Speak to anyone feeling hurt or alone, and needs something to connect with. If you like happy endings, you should also check it out. Look it up to read about this girl’s interesting life, and see what really happened at this party.