Crank

Crank is a great novel and I believe the first one I ever experienced reading in poem verses as well. When I found out it's a fictional story loosely based around Hopkins own daughter, it made the story all the more important. Addiction is tough and can happen to anyone, including your own self or someone amongst your family/friends. It brought out a feeling in me that made me hope for good outcomes as I felt very invested in our main character which any book that can do that for me is great. Also it's a book to remind myself that reading can be such an immersive experience.

Update 2024:

I still do not know how I'm supposed to feel about Crank.

But... In my opinion I feel as though It's a powerful book for older middle schoolers/high schoolers to read. This book is one of few books that have touched upon heavy topics relating to teens in a way that they could relate too.

As for me, i think my biggest issue I have with these books is the fact I hate the formatting of them. It annoys me and waste paper.

Was I captivated by this book? No, and the reason for that is my personal experience (witnessing and living with) with someone on “crank”.


Older review:

When I was a teenager this book was popular because it just came out. I have attempted to read it many times and each time it has failed to captivate me. I always felt like I had read a different book than the ones that loved it.

sigh
I don't know.

Loved it. I've definitely reread this verse novel several times. It's the kind of book that can keep you seated all day till you reach the last page, and once you reach that last page ... you just want to keep reading.

It goes incredibly in-depth about an average teenage girl named Kristina. But when she visits her dad for the summer, she meets a boy named Adam, who greets her to the monster.

The book is incredibly powerful as you watch the protagonist fall to her knees for the monster, no will power. Being inside the mind of Kristina for the entire book, you watch as her choices become less and less responsible. Readers literally watch how the monster not only effects its abuser, but their friends and family too.

I highly recommend, especially if you're looking for a quick, raw read.