Young Writers Society

Melinda Sordino enters high school with no friends, many enemies, and 'the beast' who stares at her with a threatening grin. No one knows what really happened the night at the party, only that Melinda 'wussed out' and called the cops. No one knows, because Melinda won't speak. She faces fear and rejection. Even her best friend, Rachel refuses to talk to her along with the other half of the school who hates her guts. That party changed her.

Alone and lost, Melinda will decide what 'clique' she wants to fit into, discover a hidden talent for art, struggle with grades, and all the while avoiding 'the beast' and the other angry eyes that leer down at her. Through her art she will learn something about life and through her difficulties she will learn about herself. Slowly gaining new allies, when 'the beast' decides to prey on her best friend, Melinda knows she is the only one who can help Rachel avoid the same struggle she went through herself. With determination, Melinda will brave the hardships of high school and will finally Speak.

Speak by Laurie Anderson is a book that I picked up and couldn't put down until I was finished. This definatly makes it onto the "Favorite Book List". Opinions, Reviews?

I'm sorry if there is already a thread for this. Please delete if there is.

OMG, Speak was one of the only books that I picked up in the bookstore and my mom literally had to rip it away from me, lol. It was totally awesome. I bought it a couple of months ago... cool stuff.

I bought it from a libary stock clearance because it was cheap, and I'm so glad I did.

It's good. It's very good. I really like it, and I don't read many school-set books, but this one I really liked. I want a closet like Melinda's!

It was an excellent book. I really enjoyed it. Laurie Halse Anderson also wrote another book that I really liked. "Fever 1793." This one was also excellent. I'm sure she's written others, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet

Lil Dono wrote:No one knows what really happened the night at the party.

Well I knew. I knew from the beginning. I was waiting for some twist "OMG! Of COURSE that didn't happen!"

But the moment wasn't that. It was more, yeah, and?

Everyone has been telling me to read this book, but I never got round to it.

Well, now I'm adding it to my summer reading list and I'll comment on it once I've read it.

Alainna
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I remember this book, I think I read it last year. I didn't think it was gonna be that good, but I glad I was wrong. After I read this book I really liked it. I guess I would definately recommend this book.

*Foreseer*

I suppose I shall have to add it to my reading list. Hmmm. That makes 78 authors and 143 books that I should read during my life. Lol. Don't ask. I thought it would be an idea to keep a record of books that are supposed to be life changing and then I sort of expanded and made it my reading list. Except some books have jumped the queue of late and instead of reading the Bronte sisters' collection, I'm on crossroads of twilight and the four assigned by my English teacher. Will definitely get round to reading this one though, it sounds interesting.

I've been trying to find a copy of this. I read Catalyst and really enjoyed it.

One of my mates loaned me her copy of this book... and I'm really reluctant to give it back.

I love the style in which it's written. Very blunt and honest. And since I read it as a freshman in high school myself, I could totally relate to the main character. Especially all the "lies they tell you in high school." Too true!

Excellent book. It's up there on my favourites list.

I didn't like Catalyst quite as much, but Speak was both angst-filled and good. Odd, for me to like it? ...yes.

It's just so honest in a way that most YA books aren't; most of them attempt to cover the 'real world' things up. Someone said "blunt"? I totally agree- but in a good way.

I love Catalyst. I love Speak. I've read both multiple times.

I'm pretty much up for anything Laurie Halse Anderson.

It is certainly good. I read it as a requirement for my freshman year. I loved it!
[spoiler] I understand how she feels though it would be a tough spot to be in for something like that. I'm glad she came out and stand up for herself. [/spoiler]

Loved it, even if it was kind of predictable, like Pushca said. I love Melinda's sarcastic humor.