Crank: Why Poetry?

Ellen Hopkin's book, Crank, is about how Kristina, better known as Bree, is taken into the world of drugs such as Methamphetamine. As a result, relationships are broken and others are made. The book is written in poetry, which is normally used as a way to express feelings or emotions. As a result of the story written in poetry, certain aspects are found in the book that you wouldn't be able to find in one without poetry.

When poetry and dialogue are combined, it's much more interesting than in a regular book. For example, at one point Kristina is talking to her boyfriend Adam, in her dad's hometown. "Hello?" "Hey gorgeous I miss you." Melted butter. Usually after each set of dialogue from the characters there is a description of an object that symbolizes how Kristina is feeling. Just from reading the dialogue one wouldn't really be able to interpret the emotions of a character. Writing in the form of poetry also allows the reader to show the two sides of a character, in this case Kristina and Bree. For example, "For a while, without the monster whispering sweet and terrible nothings, Kristina was still in charge. But Bree was watching."

All in all, reading this book has allowed me to see new writing techniques that I may be able to use in future writing. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking an intense and emotional book about drug addiction.

Crank: A Midway Review

*SPOILERS
I have recently reached the midway point, or climax of Crank by Ellen Hopkins and . So far, Kristina has become fully familiar and adequate of the benefits of meth. However, when sober she realizes what horrible mess she's gotten herself into and regrets her actions. Ironically, it seems to me that she is anxious for more of Bree and crank. After promising Adam, who cheated on his girlfriend to be with Kristina, to return back to her father's hometown, Kristina leaves and visits her mother. However, her addiction continues with Meth in Nevada where she begins to date another boy named Chase.

After reading well into the book, I can say that this is one of my favorite brutal, gory, and remarkable drug addicting books thus far. The story has an interesting flow due to the poem-shaped writing causing the reader the turn the pages quickly. Although at times, the writing can be vague and tedious, the story quickly picks up again through fast and exhilarating dialogue. Overall, I think the book is extremely well written and proves to be an aspiring winner of any young-adult medals.

Kristina, "Crank", and Bree

Kristina is a perfect example of someone who's trying to get by in life. She's a student in high school, has decent grades and a moderate amount of friends. However, all goes downhill when her mother begins dating another man, and she must live with her drug-addicted father who she hasn't in over eight years. This is where she is introduced to "Crank", the monster, Methamphetamine. This is where, "Bree", Kristina's alter-ego enters her world.

Of course there are endless possible outcomes when a character is influenced by drugs. For example, Kristina could suddenly realize her mistake of getting involved, and therefore take actions to correct this through rehabilitation. However, she could spiral into the world of addiction and follow her father’s footsteps as an impulsive being. From looking at certain characteristics of Kristina, I have a feeling that her future might turn out for the worst. For example, from what I’ve read so far Kristina seems like an innocent and shy person that could easily get caught up in the havoc of drugs. In a way, she also seems like someone who’s lost interest in everything and as a result turns to drugs. Hopefully, we’ll find out as I continue to read the book.