Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Speechless by Hannah Harrington ~ Review

Add to Goodreads
Source:  Received eBook copy form publisher in exchanged for a fair and honest review.

From Goodreads:

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

My Thoughts:

4 stars - A great read for any audience but especially teens

This is a thinking book.  It makes you think about things.  Having made a mistake that almost gets someone killed, Chelsea decides that her talking is the problem.  So she stops.  Talking that is.  Lack of talking causes her to think, a lot.  She thinks about the life she lost and how to get it back but later if she wants it back.  She thinks about how her former best friend treats people or how she used to treat people.  She thinks about the rippling effects of choices.  She thinks about why her body reacts to certain..boys.  She thinks about how those reactions change over time.  She thinks about why some people give her a chance while others can't leave the past alone.  She thinks... a lot.

While she's thinking and not talking, she meets Sam.  I love Sam.  He's got reason to hate Chelsea but he sees some good in her, enough to give her a chance.  I love that about him.  He's not interested in more hate but starts with working together, becoming friends and then maybe a  little more.  There's this whole group of supporting characters that work through this process, some faster than others, with Chelsea.  I was so happy to see it.  Chelsea's mistake was not the big one.  She so didn't deserve the misery she received.  I loved that there were people willing to support her.

The best at supporting her was Asha.  Love that name.  She was the best.  I wish we had maybe learned more about her.  She had some things going on that we never really got to be involved with but she was such a good friend.  I really enjoyed her.

The pace of this book was perfect.  I read it in a day, a few hours really.  Had to stay up late because I couldn't put it down.  I was surprised a few times, which I like.  I did figure out a few things, which I also like.

There is some lessons in this one.  I love the focus on treating everyone fairly and losing the hate.  I think that's such an important topic for teens.  This book deals with hate crimes but there are lots of ways that teens persecute each other for a variety of reasons and it's just not okay.  I really hate that the teachers didn't seem to notice what was going on.  As a teacher, I hope I never seem so blind. 

This one has been on my list for a while and I'm so glad I made the time for it.  It's a great read that anyone would enjoy.

Amazon | B&N  | TBD




7 comments:

  1. I have had this one for a while and really need to read it. It sounds like a book I would love. I just need to make time for it. Awesome review hon!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've just finished reading this and I loved it. Great review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really am looking forward to reading this one. Especially now that I've seen your review. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad you were able to read and enjoy this one, Valerie! I loved Saving June, so I was equally excited for this. Two great books in a row has definitely put Hannah Harrington on my auto-buy list! I loved all the growth Chelsea showed, and like you, I totally adored Sam! Great review, girl.

    Molli | Once Upon a Prologue

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been meaning to read this one for a while now. I've heard nothing but good things about Hannah Harrington's books. Thanks for sharing, Val!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've had this sitting on my Kindle for a while and your review makes me want to pick it up immediately. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I actually had this book in my hands today, but sadly, couldn't get it, already had three books... and kind of having to slow down on the book buying :/ but since you enjoyed it, I have a feeling I'm going to go back and get it!! Lovely review!!!!

    Magen Corrie

    ReplyDelete