Release Date: August 28, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9780373210527
Blurb: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.
Speechless by Hannah Harrington hit a little close to home for me. I had a hard time in high school. I had a really close nit group of friends going in but our friendship just seemed to fall apart that first year. Then things just got ugly. I’m sure today it would be referred to as bullying now, but at that time and in a super small school bullying wasn’t something you heard about often. Like Chelsea, I definitely wasn’t innocent. I did my fair share of name calling, but others just crossed a invisible line into being hateful and hurtful. So, that’s my long winded way of saying that Speechless was very real to me and I loved every page.
What’s so great about Speechless is that it’s about some serious topics, but there’s also some undertones that make the story sweet. I loved watching Chelsea make new friends and really come into her own with them. Man, I remember what it was like to pretend to love things just to fit in with your ‘friends’. I also remember how amazing it was when I realized I didn’t have to do that. Being a teenager was the worst, wasn’t it? It was pretty amazing seeing Chelsea make these realizations and really start to be herself. Plus, there’s a pretty adorable and swooney romance.
Chelsea was a very, very well done character. She was so strong. She definitely made mistakes, but she learned from them and came out a better person because of them. She’s the kind of character that teenagers should be reading about. You would be hard pressed to not see a little bit of yourself in her. Her growth throughout the story was extraordinary. She was very admirable and just a pleasure to spend 260 pages with.
Hannah Harrington has solidified her place in the YA contemporary genre with Speechless. It’s a beautiful story with an important message. I can’t recommend it enough.
I loved this book too (one of my fave reads for September). I’m so glad to see another great book from Harrington and can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
Bookworm1858 recently posted..From What I Remember
She has been added to my must buy and must read asap list of authors, so I can’t wait as well.
Lori recently posted..Fun Stuff For Your Blog!
This is one I wasn’t sure about it – I thought it sounded good, but I was afraid it would turn into an “issues” book, which I don’t like. So I’m glad you liked it! I still think that’s a terrible cover, though, not gonna lie. lol
KM recently posted..Review: The Assassin’s Curse, by Cassandra Rose Clarke *Five Star Rating*
It deals a lot with bullying, but I wouldn’t say it’s a issues book. More of a coming of age.
Glad you enjoyed Speechless. I thought it was fantastic as well. Chelsea’s new group of friends is so great and I liked seeing her growth throughout the book. Awesome review!
Lucy @ The Reading Date recently posted..Bloggiesta Weekend: Best Laid Plans
Her growth was amazing! I loved it.
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this, I knew you would, Lori! I think almost everyone could relate to an aspect of this and I’m sure plenty of us were feeling a bit guilty about past behaviour as well. I really loved Chelsea by the end.
VeganYANerds recently posted..The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Glad you enjoyed it I did too. I found it thought-provoking in non-preachy, very real way. Loved the use of humour too, in the midst of such serious issues. Great themes – gossiping, bullying, revenge, forgiveness all the things that are always relevant.
K R Weinert recently posted..Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
I absolutely agree. It was an incredible book.
This sounds so good. I really do need to get it. Maybe the next time I go to B&N and pick it up, I won’t put it back on the shelf.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Cover Reveal: Jenny Plague-Bringer by J.L. Bryan + Giveaway
Yes! Get it!!
Incredible! I like to read about strong characters. Can’t wait to read it!
Michelle Chew recently posted..Book Haul #20 & Weekly Updates
I hope you love it!
I have this on my schedule soon! Can’t wait.
Autumn @TheAutumnReview recently posted..Going Under by Georgia Cates Excerpt & Giveaway
I can’t wait to hear what you think.
This was really such a strong book! What I loved most is how Chelsey changed and how I didn’t like her in the beginning but then slowly begun to understand her…
DannyBookworm recently posted..Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde – New Adult Monday
Yes, her growth was amazing!
I seriously need to read this! I think it’s something most of us will be able to connect with.
Smash Attack recently posted..Book Blogger Confessions: Blogger Envy
You seriously do!
It’s such a great book.
The cover really doesn’t thrill me but I’m intrigued by the story.
Fictitious Musings recently posted..House at the End of the Street by Lily Blake
You should definitely give it a chance! It’s so great.
I definitely agree! I loved the lighter tones too. And yes, every tern should read it!
candace recently posted..Review: Swell by Julie Rieman Duck
I was just thinking about this book today! I really need to finish it, everyone says the best things about it and it seems to tackle the issue of bullying very well. Great review!
elena recently posted..(don’t let the bed bugs bite) review: the cavendish home for boys and girls by claire legrand