83 pages • 2 hours read
Crank
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Book Brief
537
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Reno, Nevada • 2000s
2004
YA
16-18 years
NP0L
Super Short Summary
The first novel of Ellen Hopkins’s Crank trilogy, Crank (2004), tells the story of how one summer using the drug crystal meth changes the course of protagonist Kristina Snow’s life. Written in hypnotic, broken verse, the YA novel is loosely based on the addiction struggles of Hopkins’s own daughter. The novel uses minimal words and granular details to immerse the reader in the psyche of a teenager dealing with drug addiction. Honors student Kristina is only 16 when she first uses meth, a drug she dubs “the monster,” showing that addiction can strike any person or family. Filled with visceral descriptions and strong language, the book has invited praise and censure in equal measure. A New York Times bestseller, Crank has also regularly featured on banned-book lists because of its depictions of addiction and sex.
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
151,667 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ellen Hopkins' Crank vividly explores the harrowing effects of addiction through a unique verse format. The gripping narrative and authentic voice captivate readers, but some find the poetic style disjointed. While praised for its raw realism and emotional depth, it may be too intense for sensitive readers. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Crank?
Readers who would enjoy Crank by Ellen Hopkins are typically teens or young adults interested in intense, gripping narratives about addiction and personal struggle. Comparable to readers of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, they seek raw, emotional stories told in a unique, poetic format.
151,667 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marie
Marie
Kristina's mother, a writer who is protective of her children and struggles to support Kristina as she deals with addiction, trying to find the right balance between firmness and understanding.
Kristina's Father
Kristina's Father
An absent figure in Kristina's life who, during her visit to Albuquerque, exposes her to a world of neglect and addiction, significantly influencing her choices and trajectory.
Adam
Adam
A young man who becomes Kristina's first love during her visit to her father's home and introduces her to meth, a decision that sets her on a perilous path and complex relationship journey.
Chase Wagner
Chase Wagner
Reno High’s perceived bad boy who becomes Kristina's second boyfriend; initially suggesting danger but later showing unexpected gentleness and care in their relationship.
Brendan
Brendan
A lifeguard with a charismatic but violent demeanor, who exploits Kristina's vulnerability and represents the darker aspects of her world through his actions.
537
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Reno, Nevada • 2000s
2004
YA
16-18 years
NP0L
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