Crank

Crank  


By: Ellen Hopkins
Reviewer: Mr. Lamincent, 14
Rating: Loved it!


Before I say anything about this book, I must say that I have never before read a book that entranced me as much as Crank did. Crank not only provides the story of what drugs did to a teenage girl, but the experience. I would have my nose in this book for I-don't-even-know-how-long (although it is a reasonably fast read) and feel as Kristina -Or Bree?- did. Now on with the review. Crank by Ellen Hopkins is the story of Kristina and Bree and her struggle to fight "the monster" that is drugs. Now i know what you're thinking. "Oh crap, typo! He said 'her'", right? Well, you're sadly mistaken. Kristina Georgia Snow is Bree, but Bree isn't Kristina. When Kristina is in any way, shape, or form influenced by drugs, Bree is right over her shoulder waiting to take over. To Kristina, Bree is that other little person in our head that makes us think and want to do the most outrageous things; the kind of stuff that makes us want to say "What the heck, brain..?"

Upon first glance, a lot of people tend to think that Crank is a book that glorifies recreational drug abuse. Well, its not. In the same light, it doesn't make them evil, either. Crank is a straight forward experience of drug use and what it can do to you, and what can happen when you're careless enough to let yourself become addicted.

One remarkable thing about the book itself, when it comes down to text, is the fact that it provides so many plots while still maintaining a first person point of view. Kristina is always considered the protagonist, no questions asked. However, without ever changing any aspect of the story, there are ten (yes, TEN!) antagonists. Those antagonists would be Kristina herself, Crank, Bree, Love, Adam/Buddy [a la Kristina/Bree] (Boyfriend #1), Brendan (Boyfriend #2), Chase (Boyfriend #3), her family, and the reckless behavior Kristina -Or Bree?- takes on when high. And believe it or not, sometimes all ten are the antagonist at the same time.

All in all, Crank by Ellen Hopkins is literally a thrill ride through text and poetry. It truly showcases the candid, unbiased experience of using drugs for recreation and how much your life and way of thinking can be affected. I highly reccomend it!!