REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Release Date: August 28th, 2012 (US)

Pages: 288, Paperback

Source: For review via Netgalley

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

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.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

You know a book is good when there are Reader's Guide Questions for Discussion in the back of the book.

Just kidding. But seriously, Speechless was breathtakingly beautiful and definitely a special contemporary that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. If you enjoyed Hannah's debut novel, Saving June, you will for sure like Speechless as much or even more. For me, Hannah's sophomore novel rendered ME speechless and craving for more. Much more.

From the beginning, Speechless captured me from the start. Although Chelsea's character was extremely shallow at first, I could tell right away that the vow of silence was going to change her. So, I went along with it, and before I knew it, her character and inner personality was changing. I couldn't help but admire her progress after awhile and after that, I thoroughly loved Chelsea. But Chelsea isn't the only character I enjoyed. I loved Sam, Asha, and the whole crew at Rosie's just as if they were MY family. Asha is so quirky and NICE, I wish there was an Asha in my life. And Sam, oh Sam. He is not necessarily swoon-worthy, but so dorky and adorable it hurts.

Along with the totally endearing characters, there is the imperative lessons that every reader can learn from Speechless. I always love a good contemporary where they deal with issues that teenagers (or, people in general) need to be more aware of. In Speechless, there is mental and physical harassment, sexual orientation harassment, and more. I really appreciated the way Hannah created the characters who had to deal with the situation. And most importantly, for Chelsea, for constructing a character who can stand and speak up for others, and herself.

And of course, I HAVE to talk about Hannah Harrington's writing. It is so unique and raw. It was stunning in Saving June, but Hannah KILLS it with Speechless. Seriously y'all. It's amazing. Not only was it awe-inspiring, it's also more sarcastic and funny. I have more than 15 parts highlighted in my Kindle. No joke. SO MANY AWESOME QUOTES.

So just in case you guys haven't noticed, I LOVED this book. If you're looking for a serious contemporary that deals with serious issues, but has that light-hearted romance, Speechless is the one for you. Heck, read it, even if you're not looking for anything specific like that. Just go read it. This is another great masterpiece from Hannah Harrington! 

4.5 stars for Speechless!

                 *Thanks to Harlequin TEEN for providing me an eARC to review*