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 Thoughts: This is the first verse novel that I wasn’t completely in love with. It’s not the subject matter, which – after reading the author’s note at the beginning – is heartbreaking. I think it’s the formatting. There were times when I couldn’t quite figure out how I was supposed to read certain pages because the formatting was all over the place. Now, perhaps that was on purpose. To illustrate the high/mania brought about from “the monster.” I don’t know. It was all right. No, I don’t think I’ll read it again. Yes, I’ll continue with the series.
So far as banning/challenging goes, ridiculous. I could see if it was prose, with detailed descriptions of everything. But, that’s not how it’s written here. Yes, there is rape, HEAVY drug use, consumption of blood, teen pregnancy, etc. But it’s not super detailed or anything. Nothing that made me squirm. Still, though, I’d probably prefer my daughters are older teens (you know, young adult as opposed to middle grade or just plain teen) if/when they read this.
Source: My local library.
Read It: Get your own copy HERE.
Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 and the 2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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[...] Crank – Ellen Hopkins READ [...]
I had a difficult time reading this book too because it was written in verse versus prose. I always stumble while reading books written in verse because I’ve read very few in my life. It kind of feels unnatural? That being said, I can’t imagine it being written any other way.
This book made me cringe in parts probably because it’s been so long since I’ve read a book dealing with this sort of issue. I think it would have had a bigger impact on me had I read it when I was a teenager, but I too want to continue with the story, and I’m actually considering picking up some other books of Ellen Hopkins.
Lisa Schroeder writes the best novels in verse I’ve ever read. I highly recommend her, if you’re looking to check out more verse novels.
I agree that Crank would have had more of an impact if I was still a teenager.
I really enjoyed the story but didn’t enjoy that it was in Verse at all. And Verse novels are my simple pleasure so that wasn’t the problem.
Her adult verse novel, Triangles comes out this week, I can’t wait totally reading that.
Glad I’m not the only one who didn’t quite like this novel in verse. I was surprised, as I’ve recently fallen in love with verse novels. oh, well, I suppose it’s no different from liking one author’s prose style over a different author’s style.
I’ll be reviewing Triangles soon as part of a blog tour. I’m looking forward to it, too!
Twitter: ErinReadsblog
I think the only verse novel I’ve read is Love That Dog by Sharon Creech. I’ve never felt drawn to them, maybe because I haven’t found one I’ve loved. Are there any you’d particularly recommend?
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Lisa Schroeder. I HIGHLY recommend her. I fell in love with her writing! Here are my reviews of the books of hers I have read so far. http://proudbooknerd.com/tag/lisa-schroeder/ I fully intend to read all of her books – eventually!
Twitter: ErinReadsblog
Awesome, thanks!! I will totally keep her in mind
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My pleasure!
[...] Thoughts: I had recently read Crank by Ellen Hopkins, and was a bit disappointed. I’m not sure what I expected, but it fell flat [...]