Speak: The Graphic Novel Hardcover – Illustrated, February 6, 2018

“When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time.”I first picked up a copy of Speak at the library some time in the very early 2000s, when I wish I’d been too young to know how the world worked, the ways in which it chewed children up and spat them back out. Sadly, I was one of many children who learned these things early, and Speak made me feel acknowledged. I remember thinking, for the first time, that someone understood me, and I will never, ever let go of the special place that feeling carved out in my heart for this famous little story. When I found out that one of my favorite graphic novel artists was taking it on for a new spin, I had to have it, and I literally sat down to devour it the moment I opened the package.“I wonder how long it would take for anyone to notice if I just stopped talking.”Unfortunately, Laurie Halse Anderson speaks from a place of understanding and experience on this topic, but it shines through in how authentic the events of Speak feel. The story not only discusses the ramifications of rape and how Melinda views her attacker now – especially in a scenario when a victim is forced to continue interacting with their abuser – but it also touches on the depression that can come along with the event, and the ways those feelings manifest themselves for many victims: isolation, silence, anger, self-harm, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and apathy for anything in life that isn’t crucial to survival.“I have never heard a more eloquent silence.”While the story itself is as wonderful and haunting as it always has been, Emily Carroll’s artwork genuinely takes things to a new level. She manages to depict small things that don’t come across as so important in the text – like Melinda’s nervous tics, or the way she views herself as an endangered rabbit when the vicious wolf (her attacker) is near. When it comes to the heaviest and darkest scenes, Emily manages to convey the hurt and fear without going overboard on graphic depictions. There is one panel, in fact, that is so subtle, but left me breathless because it so perfectly portrays the helpless claustrophobia that comes with facing one’s attacker.“It happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding.”I could tell you, for those of you who haven’t experienced Speak before, that there’s a silver lining, or a lightly humorous subplot to cut through the grime, or a perfectly happy ending, but none of that would be true. Laurie Halse Anderson is too authentic for that. This isn’t a story about a girl who happens to have been raped; this is a book about rape, and the tragic things it can do to a survivor’s psyche. I recommend the utmost caution when proceeding with this story, in its original format or this new graphic novel style, but I also have to say that I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

The heartbreaking pain of the MC speaks for everyone who has experienced sexual assault . A brilliant and even necessary book, Ms Anderson takes the reader inside the head and heart of the victim who is too scared and ashamed to speak up about her rape. Fortunately, she becomes stronger and refuses to remain silent and is able to move forward with her life. And we rejoice in her victory, especially when she understands that she’s a strong young woman and a survivor.Unfortunately, there are thousands who do not get to this point. Most survivors of sexual assault remain silent but their lives are forever changed. If you or someone you know has been a victim, the book lists places to get help. The MC was failed by her school, her teachers, her parents, and so-called friends because no one took the time to find out why her behavior changed. The warning signs were there and were ignored but it didn’t have to be like this — if only one person would have cared enough to ask her why her life was falling apart, she would have talked sooner. She was crying for help and kindness if only someone would have listened

I bought this book for my daughter because she told me it's her favorite book, and wanted me to read it. She had a copy from the library, so perfect Christmas gift.I read this book within a few hours. It's a great story for anyone who has ever been sexually assaulted. It's also a great story about dealing with pain through artwork. And I love that the last two pages are filled with resources for women and girls who have been sexually assaulted.My daughter hasn't been sexually assaulted, but I was as a child, and she loves expressing herself through art, so I can see why she loves it, and why she wanted me to read it.They also made a movie from this book, which I also ordered, and am really looking forward to watching it with her.

This book is well enjoyed by my daughter. She first got a copy at school and loved it so much she requested for me to buy it. This is a rare request so I did. Love that Amazon had it at a good price and we received it in 2 days. My daughter has already read it an additional 2 times.The things my daughter says she likes is that it is a graphic novel so there are pictures in it which make reading the book easier and more interesting. She also said that this book isnt good for little kids because some of the language used in it is more for teens. This book has also inspired her to think about writing her own graphic novels and she has already began creating her characters.

A much needed book for the times. Melinda's struggle to speak about the abuse she's suffered is an accurate and powerful depiction of the emotions connected to being raped. The author shows just how much one horrifying experience can damage a life and soul. The title is also a play on words and a subtle but clever statement describing the book. Not only is the book written as a graphic novel but it is also a graphic story in a violent sense. Definitely meant for older teens and adults but a powerful message for us all. There is hope after abuse. There is recovery.

A wonderful, beautiful adaptation of a great YA novel that had a powerful and timely message. This was a great option for my reluctant and/or struggling readers during a choice unit with 9th graders. The artwork is well done, and much of the language is verbatim from the book, allowing kids to access the figurative language I was hoping for. I will definitely use this novel in the future and encouraged my school library to order a set as well.

As a survivor myself I felt this story to my core. Heartfelt, amazingly depicted in graphic novel form and art that either soothes you or makes you ache for the main character. Book came in perfect condition.

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a little damaged but no other complaints

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ncredibly powerful and moving. This really shows the impact graphic novels can have, particularly with hard-hitting and sensitive topics such as this.We meet Melinda at the start of high school where she has been shunned by pretty much everyone after she called the cops on a party in August. No one knows the real reason she called; she was raped. Melinda is unable to tell anyone the pain she is going through or about the incident and so slowly sinks into herself, starts to truant and fails in almost all subjects. No one bothers to find out why.The imagery in this book is fantastic and the black and white images really ties in with the emotional state of Melinda. I have not read the original novel, but I am sure this is a really good adaptation.My only gripe is that sometimes the images were so dark that it was difficult to read the text and I had to squint or shine a torch to see what it said!

Livre neuf reçu abimé et humide (tout gondolé). Aucun soin, c'est lamentable !!!