Well, that was fun!

Any more comments? What did you think?

I’ll try to answer the questions that cropped up in your comments a little later today. Overall I’m relieved that so many readers/viewers were willing to give the film a chance and not have to be a word-by-word retelling of the book.

Last night was the fourth time I’d seen the whole thing. The first time was with a roomful of librarians in Colorado. I couldn’t stop crying at the end. I still cry in the scene when she shows Mr. Freeman her closet. That’s my favorite part. You want to know what made me goofy excited last night? Seeing it listed in the cable guide. I thought “Wow, it is really real!” Dumb, I know, but amusing.

I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?

Thanks to all of you for supporting SPEAK and my other books. I consider myself blessed beyond reason. Now I will eat breakfast and get back to work to the next one!!!

166 Replies to “Well, that was fun!”

  1. I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?

    I’m pretty pissed, because the TiVo stopped just before the PSA! Gah!

    I thought, overall, it was really good! One thing I would’ve liked was the lawsuit Dave made against Neck. I can’t think of any questions right now, but I’ll probably post later.

    My comments:
    1) Hairwoman – perfect. I really thought of her to look like that. Heh.
    2) More later. Heh.

  2. I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?

    I’m pretty pissed, because the TiVo stopped just before the PSA! Gah!

    I thought, overall, it was really good! One thing I would’ve liked was the lawsuit Dave made against Neck. I can’t think of any questions right now, but I’ll probably post later.

    My comments:
    1) Hairwoman – perfect. I really thought of her to look like that. Heh.
    2) More later. Heh.

  3. I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?

    I’m pretty pissed, because the TiVo stopped just before the PSA! Gah!

    I thought, overall, it was really good! One thing I would’ve liked was the lawsuit Dave made against Neck. I can’t think of any questions right now, but I’ll probably post later.

    My comments:
    1) Hairwoman – perfect. I really thought of her to look like that. Heh.
    2) More later. Heh.

  4. The movie was amazing. There were some things that I wished would have been in the movie. Like Melinda getting put in MISS. Also in the movie her mother seemed a lot more nicer than she did in the book.

    Kristen did an amazing job as Melinda. She should get an award or something for her performance.

    “I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?”

    If you go to the Showtime website and go to the Speak page there are 3 clips. One of them is the Public Service Announcement.

    Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

  5. The movie was amazing. There were some things that I wished would have been in the movie. Like Melinda getting put in MISS. Also in the movie her mother seemed a lot more nicer than she did in the book.

    Kristen did an amazing job as Melinda. She should get an award or something for her performance.

    “I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?”

    If you go to the Showtime website and go to the Speak page there are 3 clips. One of them is the Public Service Announcement.

    Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

  6. The movie was amazing. There were some things that I wished would have been in the movie. Like Melinda getting put in MISS. Also in the movie her mother seemed a lot more nicer than she did in the book.

    Kristen did an amazing job as Melinda. She should get an award or something for her performance.

    “I hope you caught the Public Service Announcement at the end. Does anyone know how I can get a copy and post it on my website?”

    If you go to the Showtime website and go to the Speak page there are 3 clips. One of them is the Public Service Announcement.

    Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

  7. I think we’re the same person.

    I also freaked out when I saw it in the cable guide. And I still get emotional when he goes to the closet.

    We’re cleaning up all the popcorn scattered around the TV later today.

  8. I think we’re the same person.

    I also freaked out when I saw it in the cable guide. And I still get emotional when he goes to the closet.

    We’re cleaning up all the popcorn scattered around the TV later today.

  9. I think we’re the same person.

    I also freaked out when I saw it in the cable guide. And I still get emotional when he goes to the closet.

    We’re cleaning up all the popcorn scattered around the TV later today.

  10. Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

    Yeah, I was wondering this, too. Were the commercials an issue or something?

  11. Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

    Yeah, I was wondering this, too. Were the commercials an issue or something?

  12. Just wondering, on Lifetime did they cut some parts of the movie out or did they show the entire movie? If so what parts were cut out?

    Yeah, I was wondering this, too. Were the commercials an issue or something?

  13. I was worried, but no – as far as I could tell, Lifetime didn’t cut anything. It took 2 hours to show on Lifetime and an hour and a half on Showtime (no commercials).

  14. I was worried, but no – as far as I could tell, Lifetime didn’t cut anything. It took 2 hours to show on Lifetime and an hour and a half on Showtime (no commercials).

  15. I was worried, but no – as far as I could tell, Lifetime didn’t cut anything. It took 2 hours to show on Lifetime and an hour and a half on Showtime (no commercials).

  16. I watched it with my mom and my next door neighbor. We all really liked it! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, since Lifetime has a pretty strong track record for producing melodramatic made-for-TV-movies, but SPEAK was excellent! All of the acting was strong, but the girl who played Melinda was fantastic. Even though she didn’t look like I’d imagined Melinda, she had the character down perfectly. I also loved Hairwoman, what can I say.

    The changes between the book and the movie weren’t critical, and didn’t take away from an otherwise faithful adaptation. Even if the individual lines weren’t the same, the tone was just right, and that’s the most important and most often forgotten part of transforming a book into a movie. Send your director some chocolate, she did a great job!

    In conclusion, CONGRATS!

    Annie

  17. I watched it with my mom and my next door neighbor. We all really liked it! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, since Lifetime has a pretty strong track record for producing melodramatic made-for-TV-movies, but SPEAK was excellent! All of the acting was strong, but the girl who played Melinda was fantastic. Even though she didn’t look like I’d imagined Melinda, she had the character down perfectly. I also loved Hairwoman, what can I say.

    The changes between the book and the movie weren’t critical, and didn’t take away from an otherwise faithful adaptation. Even if the individual lines weren’t the same, the tone was just right, and that’s the most important and most often forgotten part of transforming a book into a movie. Send your director some chocolate, she did a great job!

    In conclusion, CONGRATS!

    Annie

  18. I watched it with my mom and my next door neighbor. We all really liked it! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, since Lifetime has a pretty strong track record for producing melodramatic made-for-TV-movies, but SPEAK was excellent! All of the acting was strong, but the girl who played Melinda was fantastic. Even though she didn’t look like I’d imagined Melinda, she had the character down perfectly. I also loved Hairwoman, what can I say.

    The changes between the book and the movie weren’t critical, and didn’t take away from an otherwise faithful adaptation. Even if the individual lines weren’t the same, the tone was just right, and that’s the most important and most often forgotten part of transforming a book into a movie. Send your director some chocolate, she did a great job!

    In conclusion, CONGRATS!

    Annie

  19. I missed the first fifteen minutes. ! Shock ! My parents didn’t get me home in time, as usual. Other than that little detail, it was supurb.

    I spent the first half hour trying to figure out where I knew Mr. Freeman from. I was like “God, I know I’ve seen him before…” Then it hit me: Riding in Cars With Boys and Saving Silverman, both great movies. Aha! Mystery solved, without the aid of Scooby Snacks, I might add.

    I spent the rest of the movie hoping that when I arrive at my first day of high school tomorrow, I will be greeted by my very own personal David Petrakis. *love* He’s like, my geek super hottie, and has been since I first read the book two years ago. =)

    And I cried like a fool when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. I shivered and cringed when IT attacked her. I cheered for her when she told her mom.

    All in all, a wonderful movie. I’ll definitely buy it if it’s out on DVD anytime soon. =)

    Thanks for the book, Laurie!

  20. I missed the first fifteen minutes. ! Shock ! My parents didn’t get me home in time, as usual. Other than that little detail, it was supurb.

    I spent the first half hour trying to figure out where I knew Mr. Freeman from. I was like “God, I know I’ve seen him before…” Then it hit me: Riding in Cars With Boys and Saving Silverman, both great movies. Aha! Mystery solved, without the aid of Scooby Snacks, I might add.

    I spent the rest of the movie hoping that when I arrive at my first day of high school tomorrow, I will be greeted by my very own personal David Petrakis. *love* He’s like, my geek super hottie, and has been since I first read the book two years ago. =)

    And I cried like a fool when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. I shivered and cringed when IT attacked her. I cheered for her when she told her mom.

    All in all, a wonderful movie. I’ll definitely buy it if it’s out on DVD anytime soon. =)

    Thanks for the book, Laurie!

  21. I missed the first fifteen minutes. ! Shock ! My parents didn’t get me home in time, as usual. Other than that little detail, it was supurb.

    I spent the first half hour trying to figure out where I knew Mr. Freeman from. I was like “God, I know I’ve seen him before…” Then it hit me: Riding in Cars With Boys and Saving Silverman, both great movies. Aha! Mystery solved, without the aid of Scooby Snacks, I might add.

    I spent the rest of the movie hoping that when I arrive at my first day of high school tomorrow, I will be greeted by my very own personal David Petrakis. *love* He’s like, my geek super hottie, and has been since I first read the book two years ago. =)

    And I cried like a fool when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. I shivered and cringed when IT attacked her. I cheered for her when she told her mom.

    All in all, a wonderful movie. I’ll definitely buy it if it’s out on DVD anytime soon. =)

    Thanks for the book, Laurie!

  22. I think it was a good movie, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t spent several days recently poring over every word in Speak for my graduate-school thesis. I understand that film is a different medium and they couldn’t use every word, still…it felt like some of the big things in the book were just bits in the movie, so the full idea wasn’t expressed, which made me wonder if they should have left some of that out altogether and focused more intently on fewer parts of the book.

    My biggest complaint is that they didn’t use enough interior monologue, so Melinda’s wonderful sense of humor—which is such a strength of the book—seemed absent. For example, when Melinda’s Mom refers to “Mr. Neck,” I got the impression (because the mom is so humorless) that that was his real name. But in the book it’s the funny name Melinda gave him. (Although they did get Hairwoman in there…) I just didn’t think the movie was funny enough. I know that’s weird to say, but humor is such an amazing compliment to horror, and the book got the mix just right.

    Oh! Another (possibly) strange-sounding criticism: The film made the rapist way too nice! He’s much more arrogant in the book, and I liked that.

    The actress who played Melinda was wonderful! But, I have to say, her lips were not bitten and bloody enough. They did that one close up on her lips and made a comment about her needing Chap Stick, but, generally, I think that wonderful metaphor was lost in the filming.

    Steve Zahn…I’m a huge fan of his, and was surprised to see him in the movie. I know lots of people liked him, but I just didn’t see Mr. Freeman that way. I think he did a good job, and it’s not his fault that I kept thinking, “That’s Steve Zahn.” Although, I do agree with others that he did an especially fine job in the closet scene. His almost-teary eyes were amazing. I thought Elizabeth Perkins was great, and, for whatever reason, was able to forget that she was Elizabeth Perkins.

    I thought Mr. Neck did a wonderful job. Loved David. Wasn’t keen on Hairwoman and didn’t understand what caused her sudden transformation. (Can someone help me with that?) I thought Rachel and Nicole were good, would have liked to have seen more of Ivy, especially the bathroom writing his name on the wall scene. That was so crucial to understanding what this guy was like. I don’t think it should have been cut.

    I thought the rape scenes and the flashbacks were well done. The lunch lady rocked!

    I love movies, and I love books. I can’t imagine how cool it must be to see “based on the novel by…” on the screen! I’ve also never written a screenplay. I sure wouldn’t want the job of adapting Speak for film.

    I know this “review” sounds mostly critical, which is strange, because my overall feeling was that it was a great movie…especially if you haven’t read the book! (ha) I’m excited that this will bring the story to many more people who perhaps haven’t read the book. I’m in awe of Kristin’s acting. She really was a great Melinda, just perfect. (And I can’t stop thinking how she looks like you, Laurie. You could be related!)

    Congrats on seeing your book come alive in this new way.

  23. I think it was a good movie, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t spent several days recently poring over every word in Speak for my graduate-school thesis. I understand that film is a different medium and they couldn’t use every word, still…it felt like some of the big things in the book were just bits in the movie, so the full idea wasn’t expressed, which made me wonder if they should have left some of that out altogether and focused more intently on fewer parts of the book.

    My biggest complaint is that they didn’t use enough interior monologue, so Melinda’s wonderful sense of humor—which is such a strength of the book—seemed absent. For example, when Melinda’s Mom refers to “Mr. Neck,” I got the impression (because the mom is so humorless) that that was his real name. But in the book it’s the funny name Melinda gave him. (Although they did get Hairwoman in there…) I just didn’t think the movie was funny enough. I know that’s weird to say, but humor is such an amazing compliment to horror, and the book got the mix just right.

    Oh! Another (possibly) strange-sounding criticism: The film made the rapist way too nice! He’s much more arrogant in the book, and I liked that.

    The actress who played Melinda was wonderful! But, I have to say, her lips were not bitten and bloody enough. They did that one close up on her lips and made a comment about her needing Chap Stick, but, generally, I think that wonderful metaphor was lost in the filming.

    Steve Zahn…I’m a huge fan of his, and was surprised to see him in the movie. I know lots of people liked him, but I just didn’t see Mr. Freeman that way. I think he did a good job, and it’s not his fault that I kept thinking, “That’s Steve Zahn.” Although, I do agree with others that he did an especially fine job in the closet scene. His almost-teary eyes were amazing. I thought Elizabeth Perkins was great, and, for whatever reason, was able to forget that she was Elizabeth Perkins.

    I thought Mr. Neck did a wonderful job. Loved David. Wasn’t keen on Hairwoman and didn’t understand what caused her sudden transformation. (Can someone help me with that?) I thought Rachel and Nicole were good, would have liked to have seen more of Ivy, especially the bathroom writing his name on the wall scene. That was so crucial to understanding what this guy was like. I don’t think it should have been cut.

    I thought the rape scenes and the flashbacks were well done. The lunch lady rocked!

    I love movies, and I love books. I can’t imagine how cool it must be to see “based on the novel by…” on the screen! I’ve also never written a screenplay. I sure wouldn’t want the job of adapting Speak for film.

    I know this “review” sounds mostly critical, which is strange, because my overall feeling was that it was a great movie…especially if you haven’t read the book! (ha) I’m excited that this will bring the story to many more people who perhaps haven’t read the book. I’m in awe of Kristin’s acting. She really was a great Melinda, just perfect. (And I can’t stop thinking how she looks like you, Laurie. You could be related!)

    Congrats on seeing your book come alive in this new way.

  24. I think it was a good movie, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t spent several days recently poring over every word in Speak for my graduate-school thesis. I understand that film is a different medium and they couldn’t use every word, still…it felt like some of the big things in the book were just bits in the movie, so the full idea wasn’t expressed, which made me wonder if they should have left some of that out altogether and focused more intently on fewer parts of the book.

    My biggest complaint is that they didn’t use enough interior monologue, so Melinda’s wonderful sense of humor—which is such a strength of the book—seemed absent. For example, when Melinda’s Mom refers to “Mr. Neck,” I got the impression (because the mom is so humorless) that that was his real name. But in the book it’s the funny name Melinda gave him. (Although they did get Hairwoman in there…) I just didn’t think the movie was funny enough. I know that’s weird to say, but humor is such an amazing compliment to horror, and the book got the mix just right.

    Oh! Another (possibly) strange-sounding criticism: The film made the rapist way too nice! He’s much more arrogant in the book, and I liked that.

    The actress who played Melinda was wonderful! But, I have to say, her lips were not bitten and bloody enough. They did that one close up on her lips and made a comment about her needing Chap Stick, but, generally, I think that wonderful metaphor was lost in the filming.

    Steve Zahn…I’m a huge fan of his, and was surprised to see him in the movie. I know lots of people liked him, but I just didn’t see Mr. Freeman that way. I think he did a good job, and it’s not his fault that I kept thinking, “That’s Steve Zahn.” Although, I do agree with others that he did an especially fine job in the closet scene. His almost-teary eyes were amazing. I thought Elizabeth Perkins was great, and, for whatever reason, was able to forget that she was Elizabeth Perkins.

    I thought Mr. Neck did a wonderful job. Loved David. Wasn’t keen on Hairwoman and didn’t understand what caused her sudden transformation. (Can someone help me with that?) I thought Rachel and Nicole were good, would have liked to have seen more of Ivy, especially the bathroom writing his name on the wall scene. That was so crucial to understanding what this guy was like. I don’t think it should have been cut.

    I thought the rape scenes and the flashbacks were well done. The lunch lady rocked!

    I love movies, and I love books. I can’t imagine how cool it must be to see “based on the novel by…” on the screen! I’ve also never written a screenplay. I sure wouldn’t want the job of adapting Speak for film.

    I know this “review” sounds mostly critical, which is strange, because my overall feeling was that it was a great movie…especially if you haven’t read the book! (ha) I’m excited that this will bring the story to many more people who perhaps haven’t read the book. I’m in awe of Kristin’s acting. She really was a great Melinda, just perfect. (And I can’t stop thinking how she looks like you, Laurie. You could be related!)

    Congrats on seeing your book come alive in this new way.

  25. I LOVED the movie, and I was worried that I wouldn’t because I love SPEAK so much at first, but I realized that if you were there when they made it, and the screenwriters loved SPEAK as much as me (and they seemed to), it would be a great movie. I even told all my friends to watch it. I loved the actor who played Mr. Freeman, he was pitch perfect even though in my head Freeman was older and more Jerry Garcia-ish. As I watched the art scenes, I just kept thinking, this is an example of what a high school teacher should be like. I thought the voiceover style was perfect because it matched the book really well. The only scene I really wanted to see that got left out was when Ivy has the markers in her hair and they make a rainbow on Melinda’s shirt, I love that part in the book. Oh, and David Petrakis’ full legal battle with Mr. Neck, who was indeed a scary man in the movie!

  26. I LOVED the movie, and I was worried that I wouldn’t because I love SPEAK so much at first, but I realized that if you were there when they made it, and the screenwriters loved SPEAK as much as me (and they seemed to), it would be a great movie. I even told all my friends to watch it. I loved the actor who played Mr. Freeman, he was pitch perfect even though in my head Freeman was older and more Jerry Garcia-ish. As I watched the art scenes, I just kept thinking, this is an example of what a high school teacher should be like. I thought the voiceover style was perfect because it matched the book really well. The only scene I really wanted to see that got left out was when Ivy has the markers in her hair and they make a rainbow on Melinda’s shirt, I love that part in the book. Oh, and David Petrakis’ full legal battle with Mr. Neck, who was indeed a scary man in the movie!

  27. I LOVED the movie, and I was worried that I wouldn’t because I love SPEAK so much at first, but I realized that if you were there when they made it, and the screenwriters loved SPEAK as much as me (and they seemed to), it would be a great movie. I even told all my friends to watch it. I loved the actor who played Mr. Freeman, he was pitch perfect even though in my head Freeman was older and more Jerry Garcia-ish. As I watched the art scenes, I just kept thinking, this is an example of what a high school teacher should be like. I thought the voiceover style was perfect because it matched the book really well. The only scene I really wanted to see that got left out was when Ivy has the markers in her hair and they make a rainbow on Melinda’s shirt, I love that part in the book. Oh, and David Petrakis’ full legal battle with Mr. Neck, who was indeed a scary man in the movie!

  28. me, chelle, and a new friend matt all watched it together, and ate popcorn cookies a brownies, and it was awesome. matt had never read the book but loved it and now wants to read it. my comments – i got really upset when things would happen to melinda and she didnt say anything, i mean really upset, so i guess thats a good thing, right? means the acting was awesome. the actors and actresses i believe all portrayed their characters extremely well, exactly what i thought they would have been like.

    so over-all i enjoyed it much!

  29. me, chelle, and a new friend matt all watched it together, and ate popcorn cookies a brownies, and it was awesome. matt had never read the book but loved it and now wants to read it. my comments – i got really upset when things would happen to melinda and she didnt say anything, i mean really upset, so i guess thats a good thing, right? means the acting was awesome. the actors and actresses i believe all portrayed their characters extremely well, exactly what i thought they would have been like.

    so over-all i enjoyed it much!

  30. me, chelle, and a new friend matt all watched it together, and ate popcorn cookies a brownies, and it was awesome. matt had never read the book but loved it and now wants to read it. my comments – i got really upset when things would happen to melinda and she didnt say anything, i mean really upset, so i guess thats a good thing, right? means the acting was awesome. the actors and actresses i believe all portrayed their characters extremely well, exactly what i thought they would have been like.

    so over-all i enjoyed it much!

  31. Speak

    Last evening my daughter and I watched the film and loved it -she had just read the book and was able to tell me all about the book and/or what was different. My daughter is eleven and I thought this was a great way to spend some “bonding” time – thank you!
    Krista from Moravian

  32. Speak

    Last evening my daughter and I watched the film and loved it -she had just read the book and was able to tell me all about the book and/or what was different. My daughter is eleven and I thought this was a great way to spend some “bonding” time – thank you!
    Krista from Moravian

  33. Speak

    Last evening my daughter and I watched the film and loved it -she had just read the book and was able to tell me all about the book and/or what was different. My daughter is eleven and I thought this was a great way to spend some “bonding” time – thank you!
    Krista from Moravian

  34. HOLY CRAP!!!

    The movie was *sniffles**wipes tear* beautiful!Melinda looked how i imagined EXCACTLY!!I was excited and i taped the whole thing, even the thing at the end about the sexual assult hotline or whatever it was.The rape scene was scary but hey,Im 12.Ive got alot to fear.Im so happy! And I think its realy wierd that my friend lent me the book only 3 days before the movie.But the movie people took out one of my favorite parts!The scene where she writes on the bathroom wall!I LOVE THAT PART!!!But my favorite part in the movie is when Mr.Freeman says “Yeah well, your not suppose to eat in here(the art room)but hey, Im a rebel” It made me GIGGLE! well, im outta here. Hope evryone liked the movie as much as meeee!
    FROM: Beatle Lover!

  35. HOLY CRAP!!!

    The movie was *sniffles**wipes tear* beautiful!Melinda looked how i imagined EXCACTLY!!I was excited and i taped the whole thing, even the thing at the end about the sexual assult hotline or whatever it was.The rape scene was scary but hey,Im 12.Ive got alot to fear.Im so happy! And I think its realy wierd that my friend lent me the book only 3 days before the movie.But the movie people took out one of my favorite parts!The scene where she writes on the bathroom wall!I LOVE THAT PART!!!But my favorite part in the movie is when Mr.Freeman says “Yeah well, your not suppose to eat in here(the art room)but hey, Im a rebel” It made me GIGGLE! well, im outta here. Hope evryone liked the movie as much as meeee!
    FROM: Beatle Lover!

  36. HOLY CRAP!!!

    The movie was *sniffles**wipes tear* beautiful!Melinda looked how i imagined EXCACTLY!!I was excited and i taped the whole thing, even the thing at the end about the sexual assult hotline or whatever it was.The rape scene was scary but hey,Im 12.Ive got alot to fear.Im so happy! And I think its realy wierd that my friend lent me the book only 3 days before the movie.But the movie people took out one of my favorite parts!The scene where she writes on the bathroom wall!I LOVE THAT PART!!!But my favorite part in the movie is when Mr.Freeman says “Yeah well, your not suppose to eat in here(the art room)but hey, Im a rebel” It made me GIGGLE! well, im outta here. Hope evryone liked the movie as much as meeee!
    FROM: Beatle Lover!

  37. First of all, I have to say that I enjoyed this movie very much.

    Of course, I knew that I wasn’t supposed to let the 7 or so times I’ve read speak interfere with my watching of the movie, but it did. Negatives: One of my favorite lines from the book is about how the school must’ve gotten a good deal on notebooks. Yes, I know, trivial, but I just missed it. Another part, is where David stands up in class, and leaves the classroom. I wished he could’ve stayed just for two more seconds to look at the flag, and to hear Melinda’s thoughts on this eloquent silence. I thought that the character of Nicole seemed a little old. Let’s see, that Mr. Neck’s name was actually Mr. Neck. And most importantly, that Andy didn’t assault Melinda under a tree, but in the car. I always thought the importance of drawing the tree was because of that night, because of being under the tree, and how it was to ‘become the tree.’

    I have many more positives though. There were the little things, like how ‘symbolism’ wouldn’t fit on the board in Hairwoman’s class. How Mr. Neck and Andy were showing their human side. (Andy in the art classroom before Rachel shows up, Mr. Neck as Melinda walks away from the attack in the closet). Michael playing David was perfection. Heather was exactly how I pictured her. The flashback sequences were very well done, especially as Melinda searches for the phone. The relationship between Melinda and her Mom with the red sweater, I can relate to that so much. But, most of all, Kristen Stewart .. was, for lack of a better word, amazing. I liked hearing her thoughts, my friend says there wasn’t much emotion when she was narrating, but I thought it was perfect for her. Melinda is depressed, but always ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. And that’s why I love her so much. I liked Melinda’s speech to Heather when she’s asking for decorating help, how strong her voice was.

    I think I’m done here, I hope all of the above made sense. And I can’t wait for the 27th, I’m thinking early birthday gift ;D

  38. First of all, I have to say that I enjoyed this movie very much.

    Of course, I knew that I wasn’t supposed to let the 7 or so times I’ve read speak interfere with my watching of the movie, but it did. Negatives: One of my favorite lines from the book is about how the school must’ve gotten a good deal on notebooks. Yes, I know, trivial, but I just missed it. Another part, is where David stands up in class, and leaves the classroom. I wished he could’ve stayed just for two more seconds to look at the flag, and to hear Melinda’s thoughts on this eloquent silence. I thought that the character of Nicole seemed a little old. Let’s see, that Mr. Neck’s name was actually Mr. Neck. And most importantly, that Andy didn’t assault Melinda under a tree, but in the car. I always thought the importance of drawing the tree was because of that night, because of being under the tree, and how it was to ‘become the tree.’

    I have many more positives though. There were the little things, like how ‘symbolism’ wouldn’t fit on the board in Hairwoman’s class. How Mr. Neck and Andy were showing their human side. (Andy in the art classroom before Rachel shows up, Mr. Neck as Melinda walks away from the attack in the closet). Michael playing David was perfection. Heather was exactly how I pictured her. The flashback sequences were very well done, especially as Melinda searches for the phone. The relationship between Melinda and her Mom with the red sweater, I can relate to that so much. But, most of all, Kristen Stewart .. was, for lack of a better word, amazing. I liked hearing her thoughts, my friend says there wasn’t much emotion when she was narrating, but I thought it was perfect for her. Melinda is depressed, but always ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. And that’s why I love her so much. I liked Melinda’s speech to Heather when she’s asking for decorating help, how strong her voice was.

    I think I’m done here, I hope all of the above made sense. And I can’t wait for the 27th, I’m thinking early birthday gift ;D

  39. First of all, I have to say that I enjoyed this movie very much.

    Of course, I knew that I wasn’t supposed to let the 7 or so times I’ve read speak interfere with my watching of the movie, but it did. Negatives: One of my favorite lines from the book is about how the school must’ve gotten a good deal on notebooks. Yes, I know, trivial, but I just missed it. Another part, is where David stands up in class, and leaves the classroom. I wished he could’ve stayed just for two more seconds to look at the flag, and to hear Melinda’s thoughts on this eloquent silence. I thought that the character of Nicole seemed a little old. Let’s see, that Mr. Neck’s name was actually Mr. Neck. And most importantly, that Andy didn’t assault Melinda under a tree, but in the car. I always thought the importance of drawing the tree was because of that night, because of being under the tree, and how it was to ‘become the tree.’

    I have many more positives though. There were the little things, like how ‘symbolism’ wouldn’t fit on the board in Hairwoman’s class. How Mr. Neck and Andy were showing their human side. (Andy in the art classroom before Rachel shows up, Mr. Neck as Melinda walks away from the attack in the closet). Michael playing David was perfection. Heather was exactly how I pictured her. The flashback sequences were very well done, especially as Melinda searches for the phone. The relationship between Melinda and her Mom with the red sweater, I can relate to that so much. But, most of all, Kristen Stewart .. was, for lack of a better word, amazing. I liked hearing her thoughts, my friend says there wasn’t much emotion when she was narrating, but I thought it was perfect for her. Melinda is depressed, but always ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. And that’s why I love her so much. I liked Melinda’s speech to Heather when she’s asking for decorating help, how strong her voice was.

    I think I’m done here, I hope all of the above made sense. And I can’t wait for the 27th, I’m thinking early birthday gift ;D

  40. Fabulous!

    Laurie,

    I LOVED it! And I looked hard to see you in that quick half-a-second!

    The part where she shows him all the art in the closet – ahhhh! So good. I wonder where they got all that art work? Did one person do it? Multiple people?

    I would feel very proud if I were you. I think everyone involved did an amazing job, and that public service announcement at the end was great.

    Congrats, and I hope the movie helps sell a lot more books!

    Lisa Schroeder

  41. Fabulous!

    Laurie,

    I LOVED it! And I looked hard to see you in that quick half-a-second!

    The part where she shows him all the art in the closet – ahhhh! So good. I wonder where they got all that art work? Did one person do it? Multiple people?

    I would feel very proud if I were you. I think everyone involved did an amazing job, and that public service announcement at the end was great.

    Congrats, and I hope the movie helps sell a lot more books!

    Lisa Schroeder

  42. Fabulous!

    Laurie,

    I LOVED it! And I looked hard to see you in that quick half-a-second!

    The part where she shows him all the art in the closet – ahhhh! So good. I wonder where they got all that art work? Did one person do it? Multiple people?

    I would feel very proud if I were you. I think everyone involved did an amazing job, and that public service announcement at the end was great.

    Congrats, and I hope the movie helps sell a lot more books!

    Lisa Schroeder

  43. I thought the movie was great; my younger sister read the book after I raved about it, and together we watched the movie. The strongest part was Melinda showing the closet to Mr. Freeman…amazing, that guy did great acting right there. I also thought it was great to see Melinda being young and enjoying her kiss with IT, that was very real. She was having fun, and then he, and the situation, turned scary, and I feel that is incredibly realistic. It was great to see in imgaes what I had imagined when I read the book.
    Congratulations!!!

    CSU student

  44. I thought the movie was great; my younger sister read the book after I raved about it, and together we watched the movie. The strongest part was Melinda showing the closet to Mr. Freeman…amazing, that guy did great acting right there. I also thought it was great to see Melinda being young and enjoying her kiss with IT, that was very real. She was having fun, and then he, and the situation, turned scary, and I feel that is incredibly realistic. It was great to see in imgaes what I had imagined when I read the book.
    Congratulations!!!

    CSU student

  45. I thought the movie was great; my younger sister read the book after I raved about it, and together we watched the movie. The strongest part was Melinda showing the closet to Mr. Freeman…amazing, that guy did great acting right there. I also thought it was great to see Melinda being young and enjoying her kiss with IT, that was very real. She was having fun, and then he, and the situation, turned scary, and I feel that is incredibly realistic. It was great to see in imgaes what I had imagined when I read the book.
    Congratulations!!!

    CSU student

  46. SPEAK

    Hey, it’s Sadie. One of the girls you had lunch with at Snyder MS in Bensalem? But that’s not the point…

    I loved the movie. I watched the whole thing, and…it was amazing. I think the actress portraying Melinda did a brilliant job. She was actually prettier than I pictured Melinda being in my head for some reason, but it worked well. It was really pretty true to the book, and I like that the scenes from the night of the party were spread throughout the film. Overall I think it was a huge success, and I will be doing my best to get hold of a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

    Oh, and I saw you =D

    Much love, Sadie.

  47. SPEAK

    Hey, it’s Sadie. One of the girls you had lunch with at Snyder MS in Bensalem? But that’s not the point…

    I loved the movie. I watched the whole thing, and…it was amazing. I think the actress portraying Melinda did a brilliant job. She was actually prettier than I pictured Melinda being in my head for some reason, but it worked well. It was really pretty true to the book, and I like that the scenes from the night of the party were spread throughout the film. Overall I think it was a huge success, and I will be doing my best to get hold of a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

    Oh, and I saw you =D

    Much love, Sadie.

  48. SPEAK

    Hey, it’s Sadie. One of the girls you had lunch with at Snyder MS in Bensalem? But that’s not the point…

    I loved the movie. I watched the whole thing, and…it was amazing. I think the actress portraying Melinda did a brilliant job. She was actually prettier than I pictured Melinda being in my head for some reason, but it worked well. It was really pretty true to the book, and I like that the scenes from the night of the party were spread throughout the film. Overall I think it was a huge success, and I will be doing my best to get hold of a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

    Oh, and I saw you =D

    Much love, Sadie.

  49. I missed the markers in Ivy’s hair…and it would’ve been funnier if they actually did the horny hornets cheer…more of the Marthas would’ve been cool.

    I like how the voiceover of Melinda has her saying lines form the book, and Mr. Freemans intro speech was perfect…woohoo!

    What special features, if any, can we expect on the dvd?

  50. I missed the markers in Ivy’s hair…and it would’ve been funnier if they actually did the horny hornets cheer…more of the Marthas would’ve been cool.

    I like how the voiceover of Melinda has her saying lines form the book, and Mr. Freemans intro speech was perfect…woohoo!

    What special features, if any, can we expect on the dvd?

  51. I missed the markers in Ivy’s hair…and it would’ve been funnier if they actually did the horny hornets cheer…more of the Marthas would’ve been cool.

    I like how the voiceover of Melinda has her saying lines form the book, and Mr. Freemans intro speech was perfect…woohoo!

    What special features, if any, can we expect on the dvd?

  52. The movie was incredible. I really didn’t expect to like it because I loved the book so much, but it completely blew me away. Even though it was reallly different, I think it really captured the spirit behind the book. Amazing.

  53. The movie was incredible. I really didn’t expect to like it because I loved the book so much, but it completely blew me away. Even though it was reallly different, I think it really captured the spirit behind the book. Amazing.

  54. The movie was incredible. I really didn’t expect to like it because I loved the book so much, but it completely blew me away. Even though it was reallly different, I think it really captured the spirit behind the book. Amazing.

  55. speak:-)!!!!!!

    ok. i just have to say this: I LOVED THE MOVIE:-)! and i’m planning to watch it again after i leave this and get a shower:-)! (and a little sidenote…i think that the talented lunchlady who puts mashed potatoes on the plate deserves an oscar:-)! anyone else agree?!) what was it like seeing your book made into a movie on the silver screen? i was so excited for you and still am:-)! i played all the games you suggested. i think i drove my mom crazy LOL. and i clapped and cheered SOOO loud when i saw your name in the credits (“based upon the novel by laurie halse anderson”)! and i ate some of your suggested food. i ate chee-tos and ho-hos. i even threw a cheeto at IT;-). mr. neck creeped me out too. he’s really nice in person, right? i loved mr. freeman. believe it or not, one of my study hall monitors is named mr. freeman and he actually resembles the mr. freeman in the movie just a bit. well i better go. shower and speak:-)! did you tape it? did you play the games too? what did you eat off of your menu? -ash 🙂

  56. speak:-)!!!!!!

    ok. i just have to say this: I LOVED THE MOVIE:-)! and i’m planning to watch it again after i leave this and get a shower:-)! (and a little sidenote…i think that the talented lunchlady who puts mashed potatoes on the plate deserves an oscar:-)! anyone else agree?!) what was it like seeing your book made into a movie on the silver screen? i was so excited for you and still am:-)! i played all the games you suggested. i think i drove my mom crazy LOL. and i clapped and cheered SOOO loud when i saw your name in the credits (“based upon the novel by laurie halse anderson”)! and i ate some of your suggested food. i ate chee-tos and ho-hos. i even threw a cheeto at IT;-). mr. neck creeped me out too. he’s really nice in person, right? i loved mr. freeman. believe it or not, one of my study hall monitors is named mr. freeman and he actually resembles the mr. freeman in the movie just a bit. well i better go. shower and speak:-)! did you tape it? did you play the games too? what did you eat off of your menu? -ash 🙂

  57. speak:-)!!!!!!

    ok. i just have to say this: I LOVED THE MOVIE:-)! and i’m planning to watch it again after i leave this and get a shower:-)! (and a little sidenote…i think that the talented lunchlady who puts mashed potatoes on the plate deserves an oscar:-)! anyone else agree?!) what was it like seeing your book made into a movie on the silver screen? i was so excited for you and still am:-)! i played all the games you suggested. i think i drove my mom crazy LOL. and i clapped and cheered SOOO loud when i saw your name in the credits (“based upon the novel by laurie halse anderson”)! and i ate some of your suggested food. i ate chee-tos and ho-hos. i even threw a cheeto at IT;-). mr. neck creeped me out too. he’s really nice in person, right? i loved mr. freeman. believe it or not, one of my study hall monitors is named mr. freeman and he actually resembles the mr. freeman in the movie just a bit. well i better go. shower and speak:-)! did you tape it? did you play the games too? what did you eat off of your menu? -ash 🙂

  58. speak

    LOVED THE MOVIE I absolutely loved the movie and I too think the lunch lady rocked the entire movie. My son ended up watching the show with the rest of us girls and he was really interested. I thought that the movie adaptation was one of the best ones that I have seen in awhile. Yeah the bathroom scene would have been good but it was still the book you wrote and not some made over hollywood copy.

    I loved hair woman and her english class. The funny thing is the actress looks exactly like one of my professors and I laughed myself to tears over the resemblence.

    I too thought the closet scene was the most dramatic of the show and I cried because I knew what was coming up.

    Now on to the girls that watched with me, they loved it and they called before hand saying how excited they were. Thanks for the book and all of the memories I now have associated with the book.

  59. speak

    LOVED THE MOVIE I absolutely loved the movie and I too think the lunch lady rocked the entire movie. My son ended up watching the show with the rest of us girls and he was really interested. I thought that the movie adaptation was one of the best ones that I have seen in awhile. Yeah the bathroom scene would have been good but it was still the book you wrote and not some made over hollywood copy.

    I loved hair woman and her english class. The funny thing is the actress looks exactly like one of my professors and I laughed myself to tears over the resemblence.

    I too thought the closet scene was the most dramatic of the show and I cried because I knew what was coming up.

    Now on to the girls that watched with me, they loved it and they called before hand saying how excited they were. Thanks for the book and all of the memories I now have associated with the book.

  60. speak

    LOVED THE MOVIE I absolutely loved the movie and I too think the lunch lady rocked the entire movie. My son ended up watching the show with the rest of us girls and he was really interested. I thought that the movie adaptation was one of the best ones that I have seen in awhile. Yeah the bathroom scene would have been good but it was still the book you wrote and not some made over hollywood copy.

    I loved hair woman and her english class. The funny thing is the actress looks exactly like one of my professors and I laughed myself to tears over the resemblence.

    I too thought the closet scene was the most dramatic of the show and I cried because I knew what was coming up.

    Now on to the girls that watched with me, they loved it and they called before hand saying how excited they were. Thanks for the book and all of the memories I now have associated with the book.

  61. wow what a great movie

    Hey! I am Jen and I live in Syracuse. I watched the movie Speak last night. Now I am sorry I have never gotten a chance to read the book, just one of those books I have wanted to read for a while but never had the chance. I read Catalyst and loved it. So anyway the movie was AMAZING, I know when I read the book things will be different but the movie was touching. I bawled my eyes out not in a chick flick way like I ususally do I cried so hard I think because rape was given a face. I have read anf learned about how many women are raped in the US but now for me rape has a face and now I feel as if I can understand just a small piece of it. I also cried when Melinda brought her teacher in the closet but the tears just would not stop when she was fighting her attacker, I think it was because it wasn’t just a phsycial battle that battle took every part of what Melinda had and I wanted her to beat him so bad it brought me to cry like I never have cried duirng a movie before. Thank you for writing such a powerful story which trust me I plan on reading very soon. Sorry yeah lots of my random thoughts but I just wanted to thank you so much.

  62. wow what a great movie

    Hey! I am Jen and I live in Syracuse. I watched the movie Speak last night. Now I am sorry I have never gotten a chance to read the book, just one of those books I have wanted to read for a while but never had the chance. I read Catalyst and loved it. So anyway the movie was AMAZING, I know when I read the book things will be different but the movie was touching. I bawled my eyes out not in a chick flick way like I ususally do I cried so hard I think because rape was given a face. I have read anf learned about how many women are raped in the US but now for me rape has a face and now I feel as if I can understand just a small piece of it. I also cried when Melinda brought her teacher in the closet but the tears just would not stop when she was fighting her attacker, I think it was because it wasn’t just a phsycial battle that battle took every part of what Melinda had and I wanted her to beat him so bad it brought me to cry like I never have cried duirng a movie before. Thank you for writing such a powerful story which trust me I plan on reading very soon. Sorry yeah lots of my random thoughts but I just wanted to thank you so much.

  63. wow what a great movie

    Hey! I am Jen and I live in Syracuse. I watched the movie Speak last night. Now I am sorry I have never gotten a chance to read the book, just one of those books I have wanted to read for a while but never had the chance. I read Catalyst and loved it. So anyway the movie was AMAZING, I know when I read the book things will be different but the movie was touching. I bawled my eyes out not in a chick flick way like I ususally do I cried so hard I think because rape was given a face. I have read anf learned about how many women are raped in the US but now for me rape has a face and now I feel as if I can understand just a small piece of it. I also cried when Melinda brought her teacher in the closet but the tears just would not stop when she was fighting her attacker, I think it was because it wasn’t just a phsycial battle that battle took every part of what Melinda had and I wanted her to beat him so bad it brought me to cry like I never have cried duirng a movie before. Thank you for writing such a powerful story which trust me I plan on reading very soon. Sorry yeah lots of my random thoughts but I just wanted to thank you so much.

  64. I was an extra in the movie and loved spotting myself. However, there were a couple scenes I watched them tape that were really good and I would have loved to have seen. The movie was very well done though. Maybe the DVD will have a director’s cut??

  65. I was an extra in the movie and loved spotting myself. However, there were a couple scenes I watched them tape that were really good and I would have loved to have seen. The movie was very well done though. Maybe the DVD will have a director’s cut??

  66. I was an extra in the movie and loved spotting myself. However, there were a couple scenes I watched them tape that were really good and I would have loved to have seen. The movie was very well done though. Maybe the DVD will have a director’s cut??

  67. la la la!

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    I just watched it. I was kind of expecting it to be kind of… like the average Lifetime movie. Our TV guide gave it 2 stars, which is usually average. But I completely think that rating is unfair. I’m usually very critical of movies in general, and esp of movies based on books I like. But I really loved this movie and it’s so worth purchasing on DVD.

    I thought Kristen did a wonderful job- she’s such a good actress, and I loved Steve Zahn, but then I always like him in movies. The actors were all really good (including you scooping those potatoes).

    Some parts were obviously different, but even though the humor of Melinda’s thoughts couldn’t be there most of the time, I thought there was a lot of humor in the movie on it’s own. Okay, I know I shouldn’t have been laughing at the first classroom scene w/Mr. Neck, but I was in hysterics, mostly because what he was talking about was so ridiculous- and he really was scary (I wasn’t laughing later when he told Melinda to open her mouth and such, obviously). He did so great! And during every scene with David I laughed (the apple part esp). I must laugh too much.

    One of the few things I was disappointed about was- IT. He didn’t seem very… scary/creepy/jerky/etcetcetc… until maybe more towards the end. But I cursed at him out loud whenever he came onto the screen anyways.

    Anyway, overall, I think it was a very good movie with such a beautiful message and ending! la la la

  68. la la la!

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    I just watched it. I was kind of expecting it to be kind of… like the average Lifetime movie. Our TV guide gave it 2 stars, which is usually average. But I completely think that rating is unfair. I’m usually very critical of movies in general, and esp of movies based on books I like. But I really loved this movie and it’s so worth purchasing on DVD.

    I thought Kristen did a wonderful job- she’s such a good actress, and I loved Steve Zahn, but then I always like him in movies. The actors were all really good (including you scooping those potatoes).

    Some parts were obviously different, but even though the humor of Melinda’s thoughts couldn’t be there most of the time, I thought there was a lot of humor in the movie on it’s own. Okay, I know I shouldn’t have been laughing at the first classroom scene w/Mr. Neck, but I was in hysterics, mostly because what he was talking about was so ridiculous- and he really was scary (I wasn’t laughing later when he told Melinda to open her mouth and such, obviously). He did so great! And during every scene with David I laughed (the apple part esp). I must laugh too much.

    One of the few things I was disappointed about was- IT. He didn’t seem very… scary/creepy/jerky/etcetcetc… until maybe more towards the end. But I cursed at him out loud whenever he came onto the screen anyways.

    Anyway, overall, I think it was a very good movie with such a beautiful message and ending! la la la

  69. la la la!

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    I just watched it. I was kind of expecting it to be kind of… like the average Lifetime movie. Our TV guide gave it 2 stars, which is usually average. But I completely think that rating is unfair. I’m usually very critical of movies in general, and esp of movies based on books I like. But I really loved this movie and it’s so worth purchasing on DVD.

    I thought Kristen did a wonderful job- she’s such a good actress, and I loved Steve Zahn, but then I always like him in movies. The actors were all really good (including you scooping those potatoes).

    Some parts were obviously different, but even though the humor of Melinda’s thoughts couldn’t be there most of the time, I thought there was a lot of humor in the movie on it’s own. Okay, I know I shouldn’t have been laughing at the first classroom scene w/Mr. Neck, but I was in hysterics, mostly because what he was talking about was so ridiculous- and he really was scary (I wasn’t laughing later when he told Melinda to open her mouth and such, obviously). He did so great! And during every scene with David I laughed (the apple part esp). I must laugh too much.

    One of the few things I was disappointed about was- IT. He didn’t seem very… scary/creepy/jerky/etcetcetc… until maybe more towards the end. But I cursed at him out loud whenever he came onto the screen anyways.

    Anyway, overall, I think it was a very good movie with such a beautiful message and ending! la la la

  70. I think the mother called him Mr. Neck and then corrected herself with “Mr. Nack”. It was kind of weird. At first I was wondering why she was calling him that.

  71. I think the mother called him Mr. Neck and then corrected herself with “Mr. Nack”. It was kind of weird. At first I was wondering why she was calling him that.

  72. I think the mother called him Mr. Neck and then corrected herself with “Mr. Nack”. It was kind of weird. At first I was wondering why she was calling him that.

  73. I can’t believe I missed it, but I was spending time with my fiancee before he left for 3 weeks… however, next time its on, I’m sooo watching b/c I loved the book!

  74. I can’t believe I missed it, but I was spending time with my fiancee before he left for 3 weeks… however, next time its on, I’m sooo watching b/c I loved the book!

  75. I can’t believe I missed it, but I was spending time with my fiancee before he left for 3 weeks… however, next time its on, I’m sooo watching b/c I loved the book!

  76. I got real teary when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. Like tears streaming down face-ish. I actually looked for it in the Cable Guide, and I thought, “THAT’S SO COOL” when I saw it.

    I thought it was an amazing movie. I can’t believe it only got 2 stars. I liked that even though it wasn’t word for word, but it still conveyed the same story and the same message. I just kind of wanted her to tell Mr. Freeman her story first, instead of her mom, as she does in the book. He seemed like more of the parental figure to me. Other than that, I loved the movie.

    And I bought the book today. =D The first time I read it, I borrowed it from a friend; After I watched that movie, I wanted a copy of my own. <3

    PS: I think I did catch you as the lunch lady…I think. You are truly a great actress. =D

  77. I got real teary when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. Like tears streaming down face-ish. I actually looked for it in the Cable Guide, and I thought, “THAT’S SO COOL” when I saw it.

    I thought it was an amazing movie. I can’t believe it only got 2 stars. I liked that even though it wasn’t word for word, but it still conveyed the same story and the same message. I just kind of wanted her to tell Mr. Freeman her story first, instead of her mom, as she does in the book. He seemed like more of the parental figure to me. Other than that, I loved the movie.

    And I bought the book today. =D The first time I read it, I borrowed it from a friend; After I watched that movie, I wanted a copy of my own. <3

    PS: I think I did catch you as the lunch lady…I think. You are truly a great actress. =D

  78. I got real teary when Melinda showed Mr. Freeman her closet. Like tears streaming down face-ish. I actually looked for it in the Cable Guide, and I thought, “THAT’S SO COOL” when I saw it.

    I thought it was an amazing movie. I can’t believe it only got 2 stars. I liked that even though it wasn’t word for word, but it still conveyed the same story and the same message. I just kind of wanted her to tell Mr. Freeman her story first, instead of her mom, as she does in the book. He seemed like more of the parental figure to me. Other than that, I loved the movie.

    And I bought the book today. =D The first time I read it, I borrowed it from a friend; After I watched that movie, I wanted a copy of my own. <3

    PS: I think I did catch you as the lunch lady…I think. You are truly a great actress. =D

  79. The guy who played Mr. Freeman was PERFECT. When she showed him the closet, the tears in his eyes were so beautiful. And I loved how in that moment we all saw Melinda’s work for the first time too… And it was all so beautiful. Amazing.

  80. The guy who played Mr. Freeman was PERFECT. When she showed him the closet, the tears in his eyes were so beautiful. And I loved how in that moment we all saw Melinda’s work for the first time too… And it was all so beautiful. Amazing.

  81. The guy who played Mr. Freeman was PERFECT. When she showed him the closet, the tears in his eyes were so beautiful. And I loved how in that moment we all saw Melinda’s work for the first time too… And it was all so beautiful. Amazing.

  82. Congratulations on the movie! I watched it on Lifetime (no Showtime for us) with one of my flatmates. Unfortunately, our cable is very fuzzy, so it was a little hard to see. We both enjoyed it anyway. I also recommended it to another friend who hadn’t read the book. She now has the book on request at the library! 🙂

    I was most affected by Melinda showing Mr. Freeman her closet. I think that was the best done scene.

  83. Congratulations on the movie! I watched it on Lifetime (no Showtime for us) with one of my flatmates. Unfortunately, our cable is very fuzzy, so it was a little hard to see. We both enjoyed it anyway. I also recommended it to another friend who hadn’t read the book. She now has the book on request at the library! 🙂

    I was most affected by Melinda showing Mr. Freeman her closet. I think that was the best done scene.

  84. Congratulations on the movie! I watched it on Lifetime (no Showtime for us) with one of my flatmates. Unfortunately, our cable is very fuzzy, so it was a little hard to see. We both enjoyed it anyway. I also recommended it to another friend who hadn’t read the book. She now has the book on request at the library! 🙂

    I was most affected by Melinda showing Mr. Freeman her closet. I think that was the best done scene.

  85. Don’t forget You’ve Got Mail! He was the store clerk who shows Joe Fox the antique books. ^___^ It was a smaller, cute role.

    I’m such a nerd!

  86. Don’t forget You’ve Got Mail! He was the store clerk who shows Joe Fox the antique books. ^___^ It was a smaller, cute role.

    I’m such a nerd!

  87. Don’t forget You’ve Got Mail! He was the store clerk who shows Joe Fox the antique books. ^___^ It was a smaller, cute role.

    I’m such a nerd!

  88. I thought the movie was a good as it could be…seing as the book is always better. Kristen Stewart was simply the embodiment of Melinda. I feel like she is a real person.
    It seems like my generation has “seen it all.” Anymore it seems like nothing really shocks me. However, the rape scene was very difficult to watch…even though you did not see a lot. It was just so scary and emotional…all due to Kristen’s amazing performance .(What an intense scene for a 13 year old!!)
    Anyway, Laurie, they did your book justice. It was amazing. I can’t wait until the DVD comes out…I’ve already watched my VHS recorded lifetime verson three times.

  89. I thought the movie was a good as it could be…seing as the book is always better. Kristen Stewart was simply the embodiment of Melinda. I feel like she is a real person.
    It seems like my generation has “seen it all.” Anymore it seems like nothing really shocks me. However, the rape scene was very difficult to watch…even though you did not see a lot. It was just so scary and emotional…all due to Kristen’s amazing performance .(What an intense scene for a 13 year old!!)
    Anyway, Laurie, they did your book justice. It was amazing. I can’t wait until the DVD comes out…I’ve already watched my VHS recorded lifetime verson three times.

  90. I thought the movie was a good as it could be…seing as the book is always better. Kristen Stewart was simply the embodiment of Melinda. I feel like she is a real person.
    It seems like my generation has “seen it all.” Anymore it seems like nothing really shocks me. However, the rape scene was very difficult to watch…even though you did not see a lot. It was just so scary and emotional…all due to Kristen’s amazing performance .(What an intense scene for a 13 year old!!)
    Anyway, Laurie, they did your book justice. It was amazing. I can’t wait until the DVD comes out…I’ve already watched my VHS recorded lifetime verson three times.

  91. song at the end

    Anyone know the name of the artist who sang the song “Stand Clear” during the closing credits?

  92. song at the end

    Anyone know the name of the artist who sang the song “Stand Clear” during the closing credits?

  93. song at the end

    Anyone know the name of the artist who sang the song “Stand Clear” during the closing credits?

  94. I started crying when she showed Mr. Freeman (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Steve Zahn!) the closet, too. I’m just bitter because I recorded it on Showtime West last night, and my TiVo cut off when she was mid-sentence talking to her mom in the car. 🙁

  95. I started crying when she showed Mr. Freeman (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Steve Zahn!) the closet, too. I’m just bitter because I recorded it on Showtime West last night, and my TiVo cut off when she was mid-sentence talking to her mom in the car. 🙁

  96. I started crying when she showed Mr. Freeman (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Steve Zahn!) the closet, too. I’m just bitter because I recorded it on Showtime West last night, and my TiVo cut off when she was mid-sentence talking to her mom in the car. 🙁

  97. My favorite part was when Steven Zahn got teary eyed at the end over Melinda’s artwork. I also liked the ending where Mr. Neck actually called Melinda by her first name.

    My favorite line of the movie was “oh god, I’m trying into hair woman.”

    Although I favor the book over the movie because I love your style of writing and how we get to read Melinda’s internal thoughts- I liked movie a lot.

    The only critisism is that I think that there should have been more internal dialogue because I like Melinda’s commentary in the book.

  98. My favorite part was when Steven Zahn got teary eyed at the end over Melinda’s artwork. I also liked the ending where Mr. Neck actually called Melinda by her first name.

    My favorite line of the movie was “oh god, I’m trying into hair woman.”

    Although I favor the book over the movie because I love your style of writing and how we get to read Melinda’s internal thoughts- I liked movie a lot.

    The only critisism is that I think that there should have been more internal dialogue because I like Melinda’s commentary in the book.

  99. My favorite part was when Steven Zahn got teary eyed at the end over Melinda’s artwork. I also liked the ending where Mr. Neck actually called Melinda by her first name.

    My favorite line of the movie was “oh god, I’m trying into hair woman.”

    Although I favor the book over the movie because I love your style of writing and how we get to read Melinda’s internal thoughts- I liked movie a lot.

    The only critisism is that I think that there should have been more internal dialogue because I like Melinda’s commentary in the book.

  100. oh..and since I have watched the show “So Weird” and was in love with the character Cary on the show- the same actor who also plays Andy Evans- it was a bit hard to hate him because I think he is so darn cute!

  101. oh..and since I have watched the show “So Weird” and was in love with the character Cary on the show- the same actor who also plays Andy Evans- it was a bit hard to hate him because I think he is so darn cute!

  102. oh..and since I have watched the show “So Weird” and was in love with the character Cary on the show- the same actor who also plays Andy Evans- it was a bit hard to hate him because I think he is so darn cute!

  103. Wow…

    Hi. I saw the commercial for the movie, but I didn’t have a chance to watch it. However, I did go out TODAY and bought your book. I started reading it around 9 or so tonight, and I finished it around 12:30. I couldn’t put it down!!!! It was amazing!!!

    I really admire you for writing a book about a subject that so many other people are afraid to approach and explore the way you did. I really enjoyed the book, and I really hope that perhaps Showtime will air the movie again, so that I can watch it!

    Thanks again, it was an amazing story.

    Marie

  104. Wow…

    Hi. I saw the commercial for the movie, but I didn’t have a chance to watch it. However, I did go out TODAY and bought your book. I started reading it around 9 or so tonight, and I finished it around 12:30. I couldn’t put it down!!!! It was amazing!!!

    I really admire you for writing a book about a subject that so many other people are afraid to approach and explore the way you did. I really enjoyed the book, and I really hope that perhaps Showtime will air the movie again, so that I can watch it!

    Thanks again, it was an amazing story.

    Marie

  105. Wow…

    Hi. I saw the commercial for the movie, but I didn’t have a chance to watch it. However, I did go out TODAY and bought your book. I started reading it around 9 or so tonight, and I finished it around 12:30. I couldn’t put it down!!!! It was amazing!!!

    I really admire you for writing a book about a subject that so many other people are afraid to approach and explore the way you did. I really enjoyed the book, and I really hope that perhaps Showtime will air the movie again, so that I can watch it!

    Thanks again, it was an amazing story.

    Marie

  106. IS IT GONNA BE ON AGAIN???

    I was on a plane! Please tell me it’s going to be shown again…when???

    Major congrats, so glad you’re pleased with it. Can’t wait to see it!

  107. IS IT GONNA BE ON AGAIN???

    I was on a plane! Please tell me it’s going to be shown again…when???

    Major congrats, so glad you’re pleased with it. Can’t wait to see it!

  108. IS IT GONNA BE ON AGAIN???

    I was on a plane! Please tell me it’s going to be shown again…when???

    Major congrats, so glad you’re pleased with it. Can’t wait to see it!

  109. I wasn’t expecting a word for word movie from the book, but my favorite line in the whole book was at the end when she held the piece of glass against Andy’s throat and said, “I said ‘no’.” And I was totally waiting at the end for that part, but it never came… i was saddened. 🙁

    And I was kind of expecting the self injury thing… and kind of not. I knew that lifetime wouldn’t show it, but atleast put in the part where her mother finds out and brushes it off. I think that people really don’t understand self injury and think it’s some fad or something.

    But other than those two things, I thought the movie was amazing.

  110. I wasn’t expecting a word for word movie from the book, but my favorite line in the whole book was at the end when she held the piece of glass against Andy’s throat and said, “I said ‘no’.” And I was totally waiting at the end for that part, but it never came… i was saddened. 🙁

    And I was kind of expecting the self injury thing… and kind of not. I knew that lifetime wouldn’t show it, but atleast put in the part where her mother finds out and brushes it off. I think that people really don’t understand self injury and think it’s some fad or something.

    But other than those two things, I thought the movie was amazing.

  111. I wasn’t expecting a word for word movie from the book, but my favorite line in the whole book was at the end when she held the piece of glass against Andy’s throat and said, “I said ‘no’.” And I was totally waiting at the end for that part, but it never came… i was saddened. 🙁

    And I was kind of expecting the self injury thing… and kind of not. I knew that lifetime wouldn’t show it, but atleast put in the part where her mother finds out and brushes it off. I think that people really don’t understand self injury and think it’s some fad or something.

    But other than those two things, I thought the movie was amazing.

  112. Things I loved:

    The fleeting glimpse of the four “witches” giggling away into adulthood like black butterflies.

    Awesome casting of mother and daughter – I actually looked up Kristin Stewart on imdb.com to see if she was Elizabeth Perkins’ daughter.

    Of course the closet scene and Mr. Freeman’s misty eyes.

    Mr. Neck turning into a human being when it was necessary … “Melinda?”

    The last silent scene of Melinda talking and talking and talking while her mother listens.

    What a thrill it must have been to watch your book come to life!

  113. Things I loved:

    The fleeting glimpse of the four “witches” giggling away into adulthood like black butterflies.

    Awesome casting of mother and daughter – I actually looked up Kristin Stewart on imdb.com to see if she was Elizabeth Perkins’ daughter.

    Of course the closet scene and Mr. Freeman’s misty eyes.

    Mr. Neck turning into a human being when it was necessary … “Melinda?”

    The last silent scene of Melinda talking and talking and talking while her mother listens.

    What a thrill it must have been to watch your book come to life!

  114. Things I loved:

    The fleeting glimpse of the four “witches” giggling away into adulthood like black butterflies.

    Awesome casting of mother and daughter – I actually looked up Kristin Stewart on imdb.com to see if she was Elizabeth Perkins’ daughter.

    Of course the closet scene and Mr. Freeman’s misty eyes.

    Mr. Neck turning into a human being when it was necessary … “Melinda?”

    The last silent scene of Melinda talking and talking and talking while her mother listens.

    What a thrill it must have been to watch your book come to life!

  115. The Movie

    I really enjoyed the movie. I think it was well down, but I still like the book better. I think that is just because I truly enjoy reading. I will say this is one of the better movies developed from a book. The movie did its job.
    Excellent book! Great movie!

  116. The Movie

    I really enjoyed the movie. I think it was well down, but I still like the book better. I think that is just because I truly enjoy reading. I will say this is one of the better movies developed from a book. The movie did its job.
    Excellent book! Great movie!

  117. The Movie

    I really enjoyed the movie. I think it was well down, but I still like the book better. I think that is just because I truly enjoy reading. I will say this is one of the better movies developed from a book. The movie did its job.
    Excellent book! Great movie!

  118. Will the movie be available to purchase? If so through who/where? do you know 🙂 haha. I just saw that it was on tv- it’s already started so i cant watch it 🙁

  119. Will the movie be available to purchase? If so through who/where? do you know 🙂 haha. I just saw that it was on tv- it’s already started so i cant watch it 🙁

  120. Will the movie be available to purchase? If so through who/where? do you know 🙂 haha. I just saw that it was on tv- it’s already started so i cant watch it 🙁

  121. Did they have it??

    Somehow… and not so surprisingly… since I have such bad timing, I missed the first half of the movie, and Yes, I am sad about it. The second half of the movie is great, and, Yes, I do realize that the movie is somewhat different from the book… No big deal. It stuck pretty close to the actual storyline. All the actors did a great job. Melinda, aka Kristen, was great, she was just like I imagined what Melinda would be like. Great young actress, really fit the part, round of applause for her, Yay! “It”, aka Andy Evans, did seem a bit more tame and harmless than in the book. And Mr. Neck… I always pictured him as a larger, more scary man. I always pictured Mr. Freeman as older too, I’m not sure why though… But great movie!!! I missed the lunchlady scene!! Ahh!!

    But I have to ask, since I know they put in some quotes from the book and not others, but I have to know… did they use the “Pop-tart” line in the movie????

    And on another note, according to Amazon.com, Speak will be available for purchase on Sept. 27. Only two more weeks until I can buy it and watch it over and over until my eyes fall out…. Yay! 😀
    Amazon.com Speak DVD… Yay!!

  122. Did they have it??

    Somehow… and not so surprisingly… since I have such bad timing, I missed the first half of the movie, and Yes, I am sad about it. The second half of the movie is great, and, Yes, I do realize that the movie is somewhat different from the book… No big deal. It stuck pretty close to the actual storyline. All the actors did a great job. Melinda, aka Kristen, was great, she was just like I imagined what Melinda would be like. Great young actress, really fit the part, round of applause for her, Yay! “It”, aka Andy Evans, did seem a bit more tame and harmless than in the book. And Mr. Neck… I always pictured him as a larger, more scary man. I always pictured Mr. Freeman as older too, I’m not sure why though… But great movie!!! I missed the lunchlady scene!! Ahh!!

    But I have to ask, since I know they put in some quotes from the book and not others, but I have to know… did they use the “Pop-tart” line in the movie????

    And on another note, according to Amazon.com, Speak will be available for purchase on Sept. 27. Only two more weeks until I can buy it and watch it over and over until my eyes fall out…. Yay! 😀
    Amazon.com Speak DVD… Yay!!

  123. Did they have it??

    Somehow… and not so surprisingly… since I have such bad timing, I missed the first half of the movie, and Yes, I am sad about it. The second half of the movie is great, and, Yes, I do realize that the movie is somewhat different from the book… No big deal. It stuck pretty close to the actual storyline. All the actors did a great job. Melinda, aka Kristen, was great, she was just like I imagined what Melinda would be like. Great young actress, really fit the part, round of applause for her, Yay! “It”, aka Andy Evans, did seem a bit more tame and harmless than in the book. And Mr. Neck… I always pictured him as a larger, more scary man. I always pictured Mr. Freeman as older too, I’m not sure why though… But great movie!!! I missed the lunchlady scene!! Ahh!!

    But I have to ask, since I know they put in some quotes from the book and not others, but I have to know… did they use the “Pop-tart” line in the movie????

    And on another note, according to Amazon.com, Speak will be available for purchase on Sept. 27. Only two more weeks until I can buy it and watch it over and over until my eyes fall out…. Yay! 😀
    Amazon.com Speak DVD… Yay!!

  124. speak movie

    I loved the movie and the book I read the book for summer reading and it was great. It was soooo awesome. I felt that I could relate to melinda in being that I am an out cast cus I have no friends. This book is now the topic and featured book for the school book club l8r THANKS LAURIE!!!!!!

  125. speak movie

    I loved the movie and the book I read the book for summer reading and it was great. It was soooo awesome. I felt that I could relate to melinda in being that I am an out cast cus I have no friends. This book is now the topic and featured book for the school book club l8r THANKS LAURIE!!!!!!

  126. speak movie

    I loved the movie and the book I read the book for summer reading and it was great. It was soooo awesome. I felt that I could relate to melinda in being that I am an out cast cus I have no friends. This book is now the topic and featured book for the school book club l8r THANKS LAURIE!!!!!!

  127. a little late

    Laurie,
    I was overseas when SPEAK premiered. I just now finished watching my video tape of the movie. WOW! As you suggested, I did not reread the book prior to watching the movie. I recall some parts of the book, now, that were not in the movie – but I like how it worked with the film version. I understand the need for editing for length, and I think they did it very well. I was impressed with the cast, and yes, I cried at the end. I’m looking forward, now, to rereading SPEAK to compare it to the film version. 🙂 SPEAK is one of my all time favorite books.
    you rock! 🙂
    debbi

  128. a little late

    Laurie,
    I was overseas when SPEAK premiered. I just now finished watching my video tape of the movie. WOW! As you suggested, I did not reread the book prior to watching the movie. I recall some parts of the book, now, that were not in the movie – but I like how it worked with the film version. I understand the need for editing for length, and I think they did it very well. I was impressed with the cast, and yes, I cried at the end. I’m looking forward, now, to rereading SPEAK to compare it to the film version. 🙂 SPEAK is one of my all time favorite books.
    you rock! 🙂
    debbi

  129. a little late

    Laurie,
    I was overseas when SPEAK premiered. I just now finished watching my video tape of the movie. WOW! As you suggested, I did not reread the book prior to watching the movie. I recall some parts of the book, now, that were not in the movie – but I like how it worked with the film version. I understand the need for editing for length, and I think they did it very well. I was impressed with the cast, and yes, I cried at the end. I’m looking forward, now, to rereading SPEAK to compare it to the film version. 🙂 SPEAK is one of my all time favorite books.
    you rock! 🙂
    debbi

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