Saturday, September 29, 2012

Speechless by Hannah Harrington Book Review

 


 
My review
 
 
3 1/2 stars

Chelsea Knot is a social gossipmonger – spreading rumors, and gossip like a hurricane. Until one night someone’s life is put in danger because of it. Chelsea now realizes that her mingling and big mouth has done something very bad and in return does the only thing she knows she should. She should make it somewhat right.

She brings justice to the person affected. She rats outs the bad guys and in turn looses all her popularity status, and earns a black mark against her name. SHE IS NOW AN OUTCAST among her peers.

Her best friend and all the IN group at school have ditched her, cause havoc and belittle her for telling the truth. Chelsea realizes that because of her meddling someone’s life could have been taken. And in turn takes a vow of silence – hoping that if she doesn’t speak she can’t won’t get anyone else hurt.

In turn, Life has taken a turn for the worst for Chelsea, she now has no friends, is no longer amongst the High Rollers at school - and decides after reading an article on monks , that will become mute and deal with the consequences of her actions.

The repercussion of rumors, high school bullying and racism against gay relationships is a message conveyed within this story. I found both compelling for anyone at any age. Speechless relates to a lot of social issues, that I’m sure as an adult and a teen you can relate to on almost any level. It’s mild in the way in which it is put forth, but certainly puts forth a subject that is very real and most definitely happens.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this read. I read it in one sitting, and must say I was very impressed with the way in which Hannah conveyed so much in this book. The writing was well written, all emotions well put forth. The romance was very subtle, but cute. And the realization that being popular can have its disadvantages. You are not the person you thought you were.

All the chararacters were well fleshed out. Each and everyone having their own personalities, and some having none what so ever, this was well put forth in this story. The unpopular ones had more depth and definition to themselves then the shallow popular status quo that so many of the kids wanted.

Chelsea realizes after this stint, and her vow of silence that she was really not whom she wanted to be. The pink outfits, the gossiping and the bitchiness was just to keep within the group, but after meeting some new friends her life certainly changed for the better.
The meaning behind the story knows the difference between right or wrong. Be who you are – and just be yourself. Be the only person you know how to be and that would be YOU.

Chelsea formed great meaningful friendships within the story, and realizes what life, love and status quo really meant. Just being herself amongst real friends, made Chelsea more than the shell of a person she was before.

I really enjoyed this line.



Noah, hate is easy, but love takes courage.


Thank you to Harlequin Australia for providing me with an arc of Speechless for review for my honest opinion.

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