Speechless by Hannah Harrington + GIVEAWAY

Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Published: August 28, 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Received: ARC for review via Big Honcho Media

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret.

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself. [goodreads]

Speechless speaks volumes in the quiet world of how cruel high school can be.  There is always a label for everyone, whether that be the jocks, the cheerleaders, the nerds and even the social outcasts.  Chelsea was among the elite, attending the best parties and best friends with the high school queen.  This was the world she fought to be a part of and would do anything to remain in... even if that meant destroying someone elses life.

A horrible twist of fate lands Chelsea at the bottom; the lowest of lows -- all because she couldn't keep her mouth shut.  Instead of groveling at the feet of her beloved best friend, hoping to gain access back into their popularity circle, Chelsea has chosen to take a vow of silence.  Deep down she knows that ultimately what she did, what she said, was the right thing -- but she is also learning there is a price to pay.

There is a ton of inner dialogue through out this novel, in which the reader gets a full view of what is going on inside Chelsea's head.  Though her character faltered between doing what's right, and what's socially acceptable, I still knew that she was a good person.  The new friendships she found with Asha, Sam, and the rest of the crew at Rosie's diner really struck a chord with me.  I think some of the best relationships come from the most unexpected places.  In Chelsea's case, she would have never known these people if the events of her actions had not occurred.  I really admired the honesty, yet straight forward approach both Asha and Sam took in getting to know Chelsea.  They looked past the rumors and mistakes, and saw a girl who needed support.

Bullying is a subject matter which has unfortunately always existed.  I think it is important to express this issue in young adult novels today to make people more aware of the situations that can occur.  It's appalling at how far some things can go; how many people are aware of it and say nothing.  I hope this story enlightens others to step up, be aware, and not accept any sort of bullying because they are afraid.  Hannah Harrington has once again won me over with her writing.

Harlequin Teen has teamed up with Love is Louder (a project of the Jed Foundation, MTV, and actress Brittany Snow) for the release. The book will feature a back page with information about the movement.

Love is Louder was started by The Jed Foundation, MTV and Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. It’s hundreds of thousands of people just like you who have turned this idea into a movement. A movement of all types of people who have come together to raise the volume around the message that love and support are louder than any internal or external voice that brings us down. [taken from loveislouder.com]

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