A review by amandalorianxo
Crank by Ellen Hopkins

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

2.0

Middle / high school version of Amanda really liked this book. Re-reading this 10/ 15 ish years later and I don’t find this as engaging as I assumed I did when I was younger. The verse format felt unnecessary. There was no honest intention with this format, just grabbing at what was “popular” and or “different” for a 2010 book. In spite of the pitiful attempt at having a lesbian and gay character in this book, the quotes surrounding homosexuality were pitiful. I also found it impossible to believe that these parents of Kristina had NO IDEA their daughter was doing drugs. Shouldn’t the signs have all been there in her behavior? Also, I strongly did not like the ending. How ludicrous to think a baby would make someone’s life better - especially a 17 year old hard drug addict. Unfortunately we all know that baby is going to be addicted and someone should have sat her down and told her straight up the options / the real risks of taking care of a baby.

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