Review: Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon and Schuster)
Published: October 5, 2004
Pages: 537
Received: borrowed audiobook from library
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Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

good girl turned junkie
the girl next door
falling for the wrong boy
gobbled up by the monster

poor choices
bad situations
desire and need
versus common sense

desire wins
need more
always more
the monster taking over

how terrifying
like a car crash
can’t turn away

compelling words
calling to me
must finish this story
need to know how it ends

kristina or bree
who will win this battle?

Even though I did not read this book in the manner intended (I listened to the audiobook version), I chose to write my review to show that I am now a believer in free verse (when it is effective). I think this subject matter fit the choice of writing style – thoughts being jumbled due to addiction shown using verse that jumps around the page. 

I am not normally a big fan of free verse literature. I actually have only made it through a few books like this in the past due to the fact that I hated leaving a book unfinished. If I had actually picked this book up in print format I am not sure if I would have finished it or not, but the fact that I was able to listen to this story play out made a big difference. The narrator was perfect with the way she portrayed the main character, Kristina/Bree.

I will be picking up the second book, Glass, from the library and reading it as intended - free verse style.

Check out the entire Crank Series – I know I will be.

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About the Author:
Ellen Hopkins is a poet, freelance writer, and the award-winning author of twenty nonfiction titles and five NY Times Bestselling novels-in-verse. She has published hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from aviation to child abuse to winegrowing. Ellen mentors other writers through her position as a regional adviser for the Nevada chapter of the Society of ChildrenÕs Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is a regular speaker at schools, book festivals and writers conferences across the US, and now throughout the world.

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***You can get your hardcover copies of Crank signed by Ellen Hopkins by following the instructions here.