A review by inp9extra
Crank by Ellen Hopkins

challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m not usually a fan of dark realistic fiction, but Crank is a beautifully written must-read for teens and parents alike. Written my a mother whose daughter was a meth addict the plot is gripping, chilling, and dangerous. The book is hard to put down as we observe a far too common and relatable collision course. 

The biggest complaint I’ve seen about this book is that the characters are unlikable, but that serves to drive the point home. The characters themselves start out normal but due to their circumstances it is easy to see why they make the decisions they make even as they lead themselves down a dark and twisted path. The fact that they come to be unlikable people reinforces a perspective of  watching someone you love destroy their life, which is the perspective the author writes from.  However, if you’re not a fan of unlikable characters, this book may not be for you. 

Please give this book a try especially if you’re in your teens and being faced with real and difficult choices. Even if you don’t like it, the uncomfortable lessons it imparts are invaluable. 
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