Thursday 10 January 2013

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

SpeechlessSpeechless by Hannah Harrington

Add to: Goodreads
Source: Ontario Blogger Meet-Up
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 288 pages
Release Date: August 28, 2012

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.

 
Hannah Harrington breathes new life and urgency into this classic cautionary tale.

Chelsea Knot makes a mistake... one that changes her entire life. Although she doesn't start off as the most likeable character, I could never bring myself to hate Chelsea. There's this spark of innate goodness in her and watching it grow as the novel progressed was one of my favourite aspects of the book. Chelsea's not the most selfless person in the world but when it counts, she stands up for what she knows to be right and that was so refreshing to read.

The secondary characters -- Asha, Sam, Andy, Lou, Dex and Noah -- that Chelsea gets to know were so bright and colourful. Harrington strikes a perfect balance with letting them shine and allowing the main character room to grow on her own.

I've heard from other readers that this novel and Hannah Harrington's debut were emotionally-charged reads but I didn't really see it until I started reading myself. I cried, I laughed and I hugged the book to my chest upon completion -- I can give no higher compliment ;)

The issues in Speechless aren't presented subtly and the impact that they leave is a big one. I loved the portrayal of these sensitive and hugely important topics and would recommend it to anyone.

First Words: AHHHH I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!! *clings*

Cover Comments: I'm so so so fascinated by the choice to use a blank white cover! I would be so curious to see how that impacted sales. I saw it in the bookstore and it definitely does stand out. What do you think of the choice to keep it simple?

5 Golden Crowns!
First one of 2013! That sure didn't take long...

17 comments:

  1. EEEEEEEEEEEEE, Sonia! I am so so so happy you've finally had a taste of the pure genius that is Hannah Harrington! EXACTLY what you said about Chelsea, I didn't hate her, but we definitely werent't BFF's in the beginning. I love how Hannah's heroines grow into such amazing young women.

    I can't wait to see what you think of Saving June now, because of COURSE you're going to read it! Awesome review!!

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    1. OF COURSE! I can't wait, it was tough not to just reach straight for it after finishing Speechless... Thank you!

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  2. Great review! I really enjoyed the author's first book. Can't say I will read this book any time soon or if ever, but I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! Seems like a lot of people did judging by all of their high star reviews.

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    1. I keep hearing great things about Saving June... Hopefully I love it as much as this one! Thanks, Erin :)

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  3. SONIIAAAAAA! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed this. I haven't had the chance to read my ARC yet but I'm getting to it! I've heard amazing things about Harrington and I'm sure I'll love Speechless too :)

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    1. LISSSSAAAAAAAAA! YOU'RE BACK! <3 Aaah, I've missed you!!!

      I really hope you do! <3

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  4. Yesssss Sonia!! I loved this one so much. I agree totally about Chelsea and it was so good to see her grow and become a better person throughout the book. This one left me with this weird, introspective feeling that I kinda liked. I'm really glad you enjoyed it (and you definitely should read Saving June)

    Cait x

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    1. CAIT! Oooh, that's interesting... Must be a good sign if it could make you think, right? :D I WILL!

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  5. This looks super unique. I really want to read it, I'm glad you liked it!

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  6. usually, simple covers catch my eye the most! when too much is going on on the cover it sends a message of 'confusing' and not 'intriguing'. way too spark my curiosity though...now i really want to know what she said!!

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    1. HA, that was me for the entire time I was waiting to read the book :P I hope you get to know soon! And thanks for sharing your thoughts on the cover :) The only pattern I've found for my loved covers is 'sparkly' LOL.

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  7. Sonia, I rated this one 5 stars as well! The character progression was just so well done, and the secondary character were definitely all so lovable and colorful, I agree! Harrington knows how to create an emotion-filled read, for sure. I'm so glad you loved this one!

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    1. Wooo! Completely agree with all your points -- so glad you loved it too! :)

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  8. Ok, now (thanks to your glorious review) I am reading this book next!!! Can't wait!

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  9. Sonia.

    SONIA.
    HOW THE HELL DID I MISS YOUR REVIEW?
    GAH! Everything everything EVERYTHING YOU SAID! I mean... I disliked Chelsea and thought she was awful and I was reading along and realised, quite suddenly, I didn't. I LOVED THAT.

    As for the cover? I LOVE it. The Aussie one if obviously quite different, but I really do think it's gorgeous. I would be VERY curious about the impact on sales, also, and I LOVE the symbolism. SO clever ♥

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  10. Yes! I love reading 5 star reviews of this book - it is a fantastic story!

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