Crank by Ellen Hopkins Review

Title: Crank

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Genre: YA

Page Count: 537

Book Type: Library Paperback

Publisher: Simon Pulse, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 978-0-689-86519-0

Picture from Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads: 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.

My Review: I love how simplistic this cover is. There really isn’t much to talk about, since it is so simple, but I really, really think it has an impact. 

At first, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to get into the poetry style writing of this, but after about 5 or 6 pages I found myself enjoying it immensely. Despite the thickness of this book it is quite a quick read. The subject matter is heavy, but it is appropriate. The writing style adds so much to the story and pauses in all of the right spots. By now, I’m sure you are all aware of the story matter and I will just add in that it is powerful and raw. I give Ellen Hopkins very high praise for her ability to draw the reader into the story and take us on this journey with Kristina/Bree. I highly recommend this book--it will make you think for quite awhile. 

This is the first of my reviews of banned/challenged books for the month. I don’t think that books should ever be banned. Every family needs to make their own reading limits and discussing “hard” books can be a great family bonding experience. It makes me so mad (and sad) when books are challenged because, I guarantee, half of the time the challenger hasn’t even read the book. Anyway, I’m just throwing my two cents in there. 

Have you read Crank yet? What is your favorite banned/challenged book? Let me know in the comments!

Batch of Library Books 7/22/10

This should probably be called the Holy $#!+ edition, because I got 10 books at the library today. All 10 decided to come to me from my waiting list at the same time. This should be interesting considering I still have 7 floating around my house.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I've been looking forward to this one for awhile--so excited! It is sort of a 'Groundhog Day' tale where she lives the day of her death over and over again.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy. I read a review of this one on another book blog and added it to my list immediately. Seems like a classic outsider joins popular group and all is not as it seems story.

 

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. I am so, so happy this one came in because I just finished City of Bones and I wasn't really sure how I was going to last the wait until getting the next one.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. I'll probably read this one before the copy of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter that I got last week.

Wake by Lisa McMann. I've heard nothing but good things about this one and it seems like a short read, so I'm excited.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins. I love how this is based on her daughter. I'm sure this will be a heavy, but thought provoking read.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward. I'm pretty sure this is one where she predicts deaths somehow. I don't really remember, but I do know that it was on my Goodreads list and it was on hold for awhile at the library!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I'm pretty sure I'll be the last person on the planet to read this one. I'm on the lookout for Patch.

Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died: Controversial Views from the #1 Fan Site by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen. I know I'm way behind on this one as well, but eh, what can I say. I'm hoping this one is funny.

Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli. I've heard very good things about this one (mainly from Sandy, Hi Sandy!). I always saw it in the store and almost picked it up, but I'll give it a shot from the library!

Phew, that was intense. Have you read any of these? Any suggestions on which ones I should tackle first? Thanks.