Monday, August 13, 2012

ARC Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington


Title: Speechless 

Author: Hannah Harrington 

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I dove into Speechless. I picked it up for one reason and one reason alone – Hannah Harrington had written it. I knew, from the moment I requested it, that I would love it, but I never expected just how much. Harrington has a habit of surpassing even my wildest expectations – she did it with Saving June and she constantly does it again, every time I re-read her debut novel. Thus, while I was expecting nothing short of brilliant when I began this story, I was still awed, shocked, and, yes, speechless as I read the remarkable and richly woven new tale that she had created.

Speechless is one of those few novels that needs no introduction, no synopsis, and no plot summary to come before it. It is a story that demands to be delved into blind-folded and will be all the more appreciated for that, hence the reason I refuse to rob you all of the opportunity to read and love this story in all its raw beauty. In fact, all I can tell you about the plot of this story is that it revolves around Chelsea Knot. Chelsea is a girl we all know – she’s that girl in high school who knew all the latest gossip and didn’t hesitate to spread it around. Yet, when one tiny rumor has deadly repercussions, Chelsea decides that it would be far more prudent of her to be silent than blab her big mouth, so she takes a vow of silence.

While Speechless is, in many ways, Chelsea’s journey of silence, it is never portrayed thus. Admit it – when you think of a vow of silence, you think of monks in Tibet remaining silent to become closer to God or to gain higher spiritual truths, don’t you? Yet, Harrington never portrays Chelsea in this light and maintains that she is simply a teenage girl trying to find her way in the labyrinth of life. Chelsea isn’t perfect for taking a vow of silence – if anything, her faults are constantly thrown in her face, her failures never leave her, and she is never able to forget about the guilt she carries; but all these qualities only make Chelsea all the more real and tangible to the reader. Yes, Chelsea is a dangerously flawed and unlikable character, but that is exactly why I love Harrington so much – she has a talent of taking seemingly terrible people and showing us their more vulnerable, better, and kinder side. Each and every one of her characters contains an immense amount of depth and I loved reading Chelsea’s narration of this tale – it is brutally honest, raw, and truly eye-opening.

I have to admit that Saving June still remains to be my favorite Harrington novel, but Speechless is an impeccable sophomore novel regardless. It is one that explores the complex hierarchy of high school, that analyzes human nature, and that reveals some of the most basic truths behind happiness. Prior to the scandalous event that forced Chelsea to take her vow of silence, she used to be one of the most popular students in school but just as quickly, she fell faar down the ladder. Nevertheless, while Speechless seems like your usual run-of-the-mill high school tale, except with a slight twist, it goes much deeper than that and explores themes such as popularity, superficiality, and what it means to be yourself and find a niche that accepts you for you. It is an integral message that deserves to be heard and Harrington conveys it in a very subtle and beautifully written manner.

Speechless also contains one of my favorite cast of characters ever. Asha, the petite Indian girl who befriends the now silent Chelsea, is exactly the type of best friend you want for yourself. Plus, she’s Indian! I feel as if authors always think diversity means Japanese, Chinese, European, or African-American characters, but it’s so rare to see other races also portrayed and I was thrilled by Asha’s appearance. In addition to Asha though, Chelsea winds up becoming very close friends with Sam who is a total sweetheart. I usually have a problem with guys who are too-good-to-be-true, but Sam has his flaws as well, even if they are harder to see. Furthermore, his romance with Chelsea developed wonderfully, starting out as a strong friendship, and I loved the fact that it never detracted from the overall story in the least. Chelsea also carries on extremely complex friendships with all the members of Rosie’s Diner, the restaurant where she eventually finds a job, and with her parents too. I was glad to see them appear and make such a marked impact on Chelsea’s life which was a nice change from the usual Missing Parent Syndrome.

Ultimately though, Speechless shines, not because of its rich characters or subtly woven messages, it shines because of what it enables the reader to take away from it. More than anything, this is a story of forgiveness – of forgiving yourself, of accepting your mistakes and moving on from them, and of realizing that everything happens in life for a reason. Speechless is more than just a novel about a girl who chose to be quiet; it’s a novel about accepting your sexuality, being brave, facing your fears, and becoming a better person. It’s about not conforming with society and in many ways, it reminded me of a teenage Scarlet Letter or silent version of “Easy A” but so much better than what you could imagine those books to be like. While I did dislike the rather stereotypical portrayal of Kristen, Chelsea’s ex-best friend who shuns her, it is a small qualm to have in a novel this wonderfully written. Hannah Harrington was already one of my favorite authors, but with Speechless, she dared to explore something entirely new and take her trademark genre to new levels, which has consequently earned her my respect. I am waiting, with bated breath really, to see what she comes up with next and am utterly confident that it will be just as spellbinding and speechless-inducing as her previous works. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

22 comments:

  1. Gosh, Keertana! Your review is absolutely enchanting! <3 Just what I need to read before starting this book. x) You make this book sounds very good! And I heard good things about the casts too, especially the best friend, Asha! She seems like such a sweet, wonderful character I'm going to love! <3

    Beautiful review, Keertana! I can't wait to meet Chelsea! :)

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    1. Thanks Hilda!(: I can't wait to see what you think of this novel - I think you'll really enjoy it! It's absolutely wonderful and I hope you get to read it soon! :D

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  2. Your reviews never fail to impress, Keertana. I think this one may just be my favourite yet! The way you described Chelsea is reminding me of the reasons why I loved Saving June so much. Harrington never hesitates to create realistic characters, even if that makes them difficult to like at first. I love that about her writing and can't wait to start Speechless soon. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :)

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    1. Aww, thank you Sam! :) I can't wait to hear your final thoughts on this one - I have a feeling you'll really enjoy it! I truly love Harrington's writing so I'm very excited to see what she comes up with next! :D

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  3. Wow, this is an magnificent review! I read maybe 20% of this book but put it down because I don't really enjoy issue books. However, your review is making me want to pick it back up again. I really love the way you described Speechlesss & hooray for POC characters.

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    1. Thanks Elena!(: I realllyyy hope you decide to pick this book up again! I think the beginning is a little hard to like because Chelsea is such an unlikable character when we first meet her, but this novel truly becomes something remarkable as it continues, so I can't wait to see what your final verdict on it is! :D

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  4. I'm usually not a huge reader of contemporary YA (though that is changing day by day), but I don't think I can afford to miss this one! It sounds infinitely complex and fascinating and super character-driven which is something I need when reading, so I'm definitely going to be picking this one up. Absolutely stunning review Keertana!

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    1. Thanks Jenny! Yes, this is definitely one you simply can't miss! I loved it and it is one of the most contemplative and thought-provoking novels of the year! I can't wait to see what you think of it!(:

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  5. A tremendous review! I still haven't had a chance to read Saving June. I know I am missing out on a talented author. I would love to see how this all plays out. I can't imagine it would be easy for a teenage girl to take a vow of silence! Also like you, I am excited to see an Indian character.

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    1. Thanks Heidi!(: You really must read Saving June - it's one of my favorites and I liked it even more than I enjoyed this one! I hope you get a chance to read this soon though since it's an amazing sophomore novel and I'll be excited to see what you think of it! :D

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  6. I am SO glad you loved this one! I totally agree about the characterization for the ex-best friend - she was the weak link in an otherwise stellar cast. Though I do wish Lou/Dex had had more screentime because they were so disarming, odd, and awesome.

    I loved this more than SJ, but we can definitely agree that this is a promising author! I can't wait to see what she does next.

    Wonderful, wonderful review.

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    1. Thanks Jessie!(: Now that you mention it, I wish Lou and Dex had more screen time too! I really loved their relationship and I wish we could have seen more of it, but I was quite happy with the glimpses we did get of it. It was definitely one of the more well-developed adult relationships I've seen in a long time. I can't wait to read what Harrington writes next either! She simply has so much talent!(:

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  7. Oh, man, this review totally took my breathe away. I say drop this blog and come blog with me. :D Or come live with me, I'll totally adopt you. Oh, nevermind my rambling.
    It is so clear how strongly you felt this book. It's one of the most amazing things, when a book isn't just a book, but an experience as well. You took something from this, and I hope I will too. I was a bit worried when Lisa, my bestie, didn't like it, but hey, even besties disagree. :)
    Amazing review!

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    1. Aww, that's so sweet of you, Maja! If I hadn't started this blog I would have totally come and co-blogged with you! Perhaps we can still wind up doing some joint posts together though!(: I wouldn't mind living with you either, you just have to ask! ;) You'd definitely be a wonderful older sister to have around!<33

      I read Lisa's review on GoodReads and I have to agree that Speechless definitely isn't as good as Saving June and it features a younger audience, which might throw people off. Yet, it completely captivated me and I loved how subtly and beautifully interwoven all the themes and messages were, so I'd highly recommend this one! I hope you get a chance to read it soon, Maja! :D

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  8. I also loved these characters so hard. I loved it and devoured it... such a neat premise.

    Thanks for review,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one too, Brandi! Yes, the characters really made this novel stand out for me and I really loved it! I can't wait to see what Harrington writes next!(:

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  9. Wow, I adore your review, Keertana! Not that I expected any different. ;) I think we come to an impasse when comparing this to Saving June, though. Indeed I liked the latter, but Speechless affected me on a much more personal level, and I connected with it more. I can't wait to see what more Hannah Harrington has in store, can you? :)

    P.S. I loved Sam <3 <3

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    1. Thanks Leanne!(: I can understand how Speechless might have affected you on a more personal level - it's definitely much easier to connect with than Saving June was, but I somehow appreciated the depth and grief of that novel just a tad bit more. Still, I'm so excited that you're a Hannah Harrington fan now and I'm so curious to see what she writes next! :D

      P.S. - I loved Sam too! I mean, how could you not? Not only does he draw, paint, and skateboard, but he cooks! *swoons* ;)

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  10. Wonderful review, hun! I just read this and I really loved it, at first I thought I wouldn't but it really grew on me, I think I might even love it more than Saving June!

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    1. Thanks Mandee!(: I'm so glad you enjoyed this one and I can't wait for your review! I totally understand how you would have liked this more than Saving June - it's far more relatable - but I think I enjoyed the depth of Saving June just a little bit more. Still, I loved this one regardless! ;)

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  11. Oh, Keertana, your review is just... perfect. So eloquent, erudite and... I'm truly in awe. WONDERFUL. I'm seriously Speechless myself, and I'm so please you loved it so much :)

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    1. Thanks Sarah!(: I loved your review of speechless as well and it means so much to me to have you appreciate my review too! Thanks a million! :D

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