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jcrawford728 's review for:
Burned
by Ellen Hopkins
Review originally posted at Mrs. Crawford's Thoughts
I have always known about Ellen Hopkins. I have had her Crank trilogy on my shelf for a number of years now. I have been meaning to read her work for about as long, yet the books always got pushed down the to-read pile as it infinitely grows. After attending her visit to Ann Arbor on her Smoke book tour, I knew I had to read more as soon as possible. I first read Identical and loved it. The intensity of Hopkins’s stories makes me take some time in between them. After a student read both Burned and Smoke and told me how much I had to read them, I rushed them to the top of my list.
Oh wow. That is really the best phrase I can think of for this book. Pattyn is a character I don’t think I would ever forget. It amazes me the power Hopkins can put in such few words in her verse. Pattyn is a strong girl despite what she is up against. First of all, she is a typical teenager in many ways. She wants love. She has crushes. She questions her world. All of these emotions are ones I believe many teens can relate to. However, Pattyn’s situation is extreme in that she does not feel like she is allowed to have these feelings and thoughts because of her upbringing. This adds many layers to both Pattyn and her story.
I think because of all that Pattyn faces, this makes me appreciate her Aunt J so much more. I would love this character anyway, but the unconditional love and support she give Pattyn helps Pattyn discover the strength and potential she has. Aunt J is a strong woman herself that has overcome many things in her life. She is just what Pattyn needs. I wanted to meet her as I read.
I also felt anger towards other adults in Pattyn’s life. When Pattyn tries to reach for help to members of her community and they silence her, I was very upset. However, I think this is a reality many people – children, teens, and adults – face. It does not just happen in religion communities but all over. I would hope this aspect speaks to many readers of all ages who will do all they can to help someone in need.
Pattyn’s story has hope but is also heartbreaking. While it took me so long to read this since it’s release, there was one major advantage; I did not have to wait seven years to read the rest of her story. I don’t want to say too much about Smoke but I can promise you that you will want to have it nearby as you finish Burned because you will want to discover the end of Pattyn’s story as soon as possible.
5/5 stars
I have always known about Ellen Hopkins. I have had her Crank trilogy on my shelf for a number of years now. I have been meaning to read her work for about as long, yet the books always got pushed down the to-read pile as it infinitely grows. After attending her visit to Ann Arbor on her Smoke book tour, I knew I had to read more as soon as possible. I first read Identical and loved it. The intensity of Hopkins’s stories makes me take some time in between them. After a student read both Burned and Smoke and told me how much I had to read them, I rushed them to the top of my list.
Oh wow. That is really the best phrase I can think of for this book. Pattyn is a character I don’t think I would ever forget. It amazes me the power Hopkins can put in such few words in her verse. Pattyn is a strong girl despite what she is up against. First of all, she is a typical teenager in many ways. She wants love. She has crushes. She questions her world. All of these emotions are ones I believe many teens can relate to. However, Pattyn’s situation is extreme in that she does not feel like she is allowed to have these feelings and thoughts because of her upbringing. This adds many layers to both Pattyn and her story.
I think because of all that Pattyn faces, this makes me appreciate her Aunt J so much more. I would love this character anyway, but the unconditional love and support she give Pattyn helps Pattyn discover the strength and potential she has. Aunt J is a strong woman herself that has overcome many things in her life. She is just what Pattyn needs. I wanted to meet her as I read.
I also felt anger towards other adults in Pattyn’s life. When Pattyn tries to reach for help to members of her community and they silence her, I was very upset. However, I think this is a reality many people – children, teens, and adults – face. It does not just happen in religion communities but all over. I would hope this aspect speaks to many readers of all ages who will do all they can to help someone in need.
Pattyn’s story has hope but is also heartbreaking. While it took me so long to read this since it’s release, there was one major advantage; I did not have to wait seven years to read the rest of her story. I don’t want to say too much about Smoke but I can promise you that you will want to have it nearby as you finish Burned because you will want to discover the end of Pattyn’s story as soon as possible.
5/5 stars