Running my mouth has hurt enough people already -- the least I can do is shut up. Why can't everyone see I'm doing the world a favor? 
 Chelsea is one of the popular girls in her sophomore class -- or, at least, she used to be. After a drunken party, a hasty announcement, and an enormous secret have ended in tragedy, Chelsea has realized just how much words can hurt. Unfortunately, though, her enlightenment has come a bit too late -- Chelsea is now the object or tremendous ridicule and horrific bullying as a complete social outcast. 
 When even her best friend abandons her, Chelsea decides to take a vow of utter silence, promising not to utter a sound for as long as she can. She knows that saying she's sorry will never be enough, so why say anything at all? She definitely can't allow herself to be in another situations where her own idle words have the ability to ruin lives. 
 But as Chelsea takes on a month of total silence, she soon comes in contact with unexpected friends in new places that show her the true value of forgiveness. Even if her old friends can't forgive her words, can Chelsea somehow learn to somehow forgive herself? 
 I was very excited to finally get to read SPEECHLESS, not only because the stark white cover is absolutely beautiful but also because the concept is a great one. While I do love young adult fiction, I tend to be most interested in reading about strong characters who aren't afraid to be deeply introspective. Sure, Chelsea started the novel as a typical teenage party girl, but she grew leaps and bounds in the novel and was able to learn from her mistakes -- something that is always good to see in fiction today. 
 The author handled topics of bullying, harassment, and betrayal with such honesty and sensitivity that she really drew me in from page one. I read the novel in a single sitting, which isn't always something my attention span will allow. 
 I think the only thing that detracted me a teeny bit was the monotony of Chelsea's silence at time. I just wanted her to stop writing on the board and TALK already -- but, this did allow her to build up to the point of her first speaking being something meaningful and evolved for her. 
 Two thumbs up, definitely read this one if you love realistic fiction that tackles real life problems. I look forward to seeing what else this author creates in the future.