Crank by Ellen Hopkins: A review

Let me tell you, fellow bookworms, Crank is one of the most powerful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. And trust me, as an Avid reader, I have read a lot of books. This heartbreaking tale of drug addiction takes us on a journey through the eyes of a protagonist who becomes a captive of what she calls "the monster." And let me tell you, this monster is no joke. It will grab you by the throat and drag you down a dark, drug-infested rabbit hole that is all too real.

What makes this book even more poignant is that it is based on the true story of Ellen's own daughter's addiction. You can feel the raw emotion oozing from every word, knowing that this story is not just a figment of someone's imagination. This is real life. And that emotional pull only intensifies as you learn more about Ellen's personal connection to the story.

Now, I have to admit that I am still pretty new to verse novels. So, it took me a little while to get comfortable with the writing style. I spent the first 100 pages (which, let's be real, took me like 20 minutes to read) trying to figure out how I was supposed to read it. Do I go vertical first or not? But after a while, I realized that it didn't matter. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't even notice how I was reading it anymore. And let me tell you, deciding to write such a heavy story in verse was a stroke of genius. It gives the story a raw, unfiltered quality that hits you right in the gut.

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. "But Ify, I don't like poetry. It's too complicated for me." Believe me, I get it. When I was in middle school, I remember staring at a poem, completely bewildered, while my classmates talked about the deep meaning hidden within its lines. But let me tell you, my friends, verse novels are a completely different animal. They offer a potent form of storytelling that is both candid and captivating. And some of the poems in Crank are so stylized and mesmerizing that reading them is an experience like no other.

But let's get real for a moment. Crank is not a pretty story. It's gritty, raw, and downright ugly at times. But that's the point. Addiction is never pretty. And this novel portrays the descent into addiction in the most realistic way possible. We see the protagonist delude herself into believing that she's still in control, that she's not a prisoner to her addiction. And let me tell you, she will piss you off to no end. But at the same time, you'll likely feel sympathy for her. You'll see the downward spiral she's running towards, all while feeling helpless to stop it.

And here's the thing that really hit me hard: addiction doesn't just affect the person who's addicted. It affects everyone around them. Friends and family often find themselves in denial, making excuses for the addict, not wanting to admit that something is seriously wrong. It's heartbreaking to see how addiction can tear apart not just one life, but many.

All in all, Crank is an eye-opening story that anyone touched by addiction should read. It's a poignant and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you've finished the book. So, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You may just find yourself falling in love with verse novels and the power of poetry.