Review - Crank by Ellen Hopkins (Verse Novel) on Kindle

Book Summary from Ellen Hopkins website

Ellen Hopkins wrote:  CRANK, is loosely based on my older daughter's story of addiction to crystal meth.

Crank began as a personal exploration of the "why's' behind my daughter's decisions, and what part I might have played in them.

By writing the story from "my daughter's" perspective, I learned a lot, both about her, and about myself.  But I also learned a lot about the nature of addiction, and the physiology of this particular substance.  For those struggling with similar addictions, there is help, but the road to recovery is not easy.  The addict has to want to get well.  Rehabilitation cannot be forced.

For those who love someone struggling with addiction, learn as much as you can about how a substance works on the brain.  This will help divorce you from the overwhelming emotion involved.


My Review - Good to the Last Drop

I thoroughly enjoyed this book but wished it wasn't in Verse, that part didn't really do it for me but the story was amazing, you go through emotions reading this.  Anger, disgust, and sympathy were my main feelings and this is how the author won me over, I enjoy going through emotions when reading a story.

Kristina starts using meth which is called The Monster, Crank, and then she becomes Bree, the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder is Kristina.

It was quite interesting how we heard from Kristina or Bree and the back and fourth, pull and push, but the Bree on Crank always won over.

The story of the downward spiral of destruction felt so real and was quite an eye opener.  As a parent it made me question what I would do.  I tell myself I would ask my child if they were on drugs and if I felt all the signs were there I would somehow get them tested and get the help they needed.  This is what I tell myself but of course you never know until you are in the hard situation and have to make the decision.  So many story lines were just so unbelievable but I am not naive and know they are true and happen ever day, sad sad sad.

This is a dark story but one that is so important.

Here is a verse passage.

Did it show?

I mean I'd
thought
about
the monster
lusted
for
the monster
regretted
knowing
the monster
but I hadn't
touched
the monster
in over a month.
Hadn't even seen it.
Thought I might be over it.
Was it still alive in me?
Could it still have such
a solid hold on me?


I have to say I think Verse Novels are becoming my simple pleasures.  Lisa Schroeders books were my first taste and I love them. Do you have any to recommend?

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