SPEAK OF ME AS I AM is a poignant story about loss, discovery, friendship and development. Not only is it a quick read, it's a impact read. Sonia's use of words--including word choice, diction, dialogue and everything in between not only makes this story seem whole, she makes it seem familiar. This isn't a story you're reading, it's a journey and you feel like you're part of it. For someone who has loss someone, it's a great reminder of how far I've come. As someone who has never loss someone so close to them, it shows a different side of grief. I think this is a novel everyone should read, and especially due to its length, it's a casual one. Don't mistake casual for light and without feeling, though. This book packs a punch over and over--and that's what makes it magical.