12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two intense, thought-provoking books, October 24, 2009
This review is from: Crank: Crank + Glass (Crank Series) (Paperback)
These books are intense and thought-provoking, and though they may appeal to more mature readers, they're not to be missed!
Crank
Kristina was an average teen until the monster took hold of her. A visit to her estranged father the summer before her senior year of high school introduces her to the wrong guy, and he gets her hooked on crystal meth. When she's high, her alter-ego, Bree, takes control. She's everything that Kristina is not: promiscuous, rude, assertive--and powerful. After Kristina returns home, she finds herself in a battle for control between what's right and what the monster demands.
Ellen Hopkins' first book is one that will blow you away. Kristina is a character that you get to know intimately through the first person narrative in verse form, making her story quite absorbing and very easy to read. Hopkins tells Kristina's tale in a frank, direct way, leaving nothing out--from her lowest moment to how she feels when she is high and everything in between. Bree is an interesting element to the story, because rather than excuse Kristina's behavior, she magnifies that idea that once you become addicted, the most manipulative and desperate part of you is released, intent on finding that next fix.
Though this book focuses on some of the toughest issues facing society today, it is important and could be used as a tool to educate teens on the horrors of addiction and how easily things can spin out of control. This engrossing, horrifying, and painfully honest book will make you cringe, but also make you laugh with its surprising moments of humor, oftentimes dark, but mostly it'll have you hoping that against all odds, somehow Kristina will straighten up. You had better have Glass on hand for when you finish Crank, because you'll most definitely want it.
Cover Comments: I think this cover is very befitting of the starkness of this book. It's hard to tell in the picture, but in real life, the title is made out of lines of white powder, which is a subtle but affecting sight. This cover is perfect for the subject matter.
Glass
Kristina managed to pull herself out of the horrible downward spiral of drugs and addiction when she found out she was pregnant. Now that she's had Hunter though, she chafes at the restrictions her family still imposes on her, and longs for a place of her own, a guy to love her...and the monster. She finds herself moving to glass, involved with some dangerous people, and falling in love all over again...but not without some serious consequences. Will she get in over her head?
Hopkins' second novel in verse about the troubled Kristina is compelling and heartbreaking at the same time. Kristina wants what most eighteen-year-olds do: independence, income of her own, a place of her own, and love. But how she goes about trying to achieve it is not the path many would take, and as she takes that first step towards the monster, readers can't help but hope for the best and be frustrated at her stupidity and thoughtlessness. The scariest aspect of Glass is how, as the story goes on and Kristina becomes even more hooked, it becomes increasingly apparent that there can be no happy, clean ending, and the struggles and dependence on drugs will always be a part of Kristina's life. This is a gut-wrenching, dark read that reveals the power of true addiction and the pain and havoc it can wreak.
Cover Comments: I do like the grittiness of the cover, and how the title looks like it has been formed out of bits of glass. It's very appropriate to the story, eye-catching, and it goes along with the style of the prequel. Very nice.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
YEAH! Hopkins' has written the 1st Ever successful D.A.R.E. Program!, February 1, 2011
This slightly altered "true story" is my story, my bff's story, moms, my brothers, my sisters, my friends, his, hers, yours & thiers. Ive seen addiction happen, to a more than a few people but EVERYBODY who loves them is affected. Meth is THE Monster.
To Parents, read this! then let your teen read it (age 14+, children are children, keep them that way) and then TALK about the BOOK w/them! Dont quiz them & dont dominate the conversation, that drives them away. Tell your opinions on certain parts & how you felt & then Listen to thier opinions/feeling/thoughts/questions. The bond & knowledge you & your teen will get from sharing Kristinas story just might be what gives them the strength/courage to say 'No' & walk away. After all, no mother ever dreames that her daughters gonna grow up to be a junky.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
