After a blurred trauma over the summer, Melinda enters high school a selective mute. Struggling with school, friends, and family, she tells the dark tale of her experiences, and why she has chosen not to speak.
During Banned Books week I had the opportunity to review the book SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson. The book was brought to my attention during the big hype about the recent controversy surrounding the book and its status as a banned and challenged book. I read the book and found it to be very well and tastefully done.
While doing a little research on the book I was surprised to discover it had also been a movie. Surprise #2 was that the lead role of Melinda was played by non other than Kristen Stewart (you may know her better as Bella in the Twilight movies). I was instantly fascinated with this early role for Kristen as well as the movie itself.
Thank goodness for the miracle that is Netflix. I was able to find the movie that was released in 2004.
I appreciated the movie as much as I appreciated the book. Again, I was brought to the brink as I relived the books harder parts through the screen. Kristen Stewart does well in this role being at first silent with fear and later, able to SPEAK of what has happened to her. I found this movie to a wonderful companion to the book and highly recommend this to those who have had the opportunity to read this heartfelt book of a young girl’s life after rape.
Book Journey 
I had no idea that this was ever a movie. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I’ll have to add it to my Netflix queue.
Its good Kathleen – glad I could bring it to your attention.
With all the recent controversy, I thought this was a brand-new book … not one that had already been turned into a movie.
Jenners that’s what I thought too but I foudn out the book was released in 2001.
Wow huh? 😀
I liked the movie a lot. Did you find what she was doing to her mouth at the beginning of the movie fascinating?
I did Laurel, it was so fitting to the book.
I’d completely forgotten that Kristen Stewart was the lead in that. I haven’t seen the movie since it first came out.
Amcatoir I hadn’t heard of the book or movie until everyone started talking abut it on the blogs and twitter….
I checked this out from the library recently, but didn’t get around to watching it. I do want to see it, though I need to get past my aversion to all things Twilight. 🙂
I think you will be ok… Kristen is not dopey Bella in this movie 😛
Great review:) I have heard about the book. Was told it was very good. Didn’t know why it is needed to be banned or challenged. But I didn’t know it was a movie. Will have to look for that. The book as been in my tbr for a while. Maybe I should move it up a little but on the list…?
Elisha – totally movie it up on your list. It was banned for being considered pornographic because of a rape scene. I actually read that part over the phone to a friend to get a second opinion, the author handled this so well, it was not graphic, or gory.
This is a surprise for me too… I never knew about this movie. I obviously have not read the book, but when I do I will get this movie as well.
Oh good! I think you will enjoy both very much. I am glad I bought the book as it is a keeper for my shelf. 😀
I actually really enjoyed this movie. I was surprised, because I saw it after I had seen Twilight and worried Kristen Stewart wouldn’t hold up Melinda’s character. No need to worry though, she did an excellent job! I’m so glad you enjoyed it as well! 🙂
I agree Danielle, Kristen held the part well and I was really impressed how well the movie followed the book.
ooh I didn’t know this had been made into a movie, especially with Kristen Stewart in it. I best read this book quick.
Yes Vivienne – read the book, it was so good. 🙂
I had no idea this was a movie! I need to read the book and watch it!
I am really glad I posted about the movie Jenny – a lot of people did not know about it. 🙂
Hm, maybe I’ll watch the movie first (as is my habit when I’m aware of the movie before I’ve read the book).
I hope you do Hannah, Netflix! 😀
Both the book and the movie are such good jump of points for meaningful discussion of the behaviors addressed in both. Rape is a violent crime, not a pornographic joyride.