A New York Times bestseller,
Crank is loosely based on my
older daughter's story of
addiction to crystal meth.
Released in October 2004, the
novel, my first, quickly found a
following, due to its timely
subject matter, interesting format
and honest portrayal of a "good
girl's" fall from grace.
Crank is loosely based on my
older daughter's story of
addiction to crystal meth.
Released in October 2004, the
novel, my first, quickly found a
following, due to its timely
subject matter, interesting format
and honest portrayal of a "good
girl's" fall from grace.
| Crank began as a personal exploration of the "why's" behind my daughter's decisions, and what part I might have played in them. By writing the story from "my daughter's" perspective, I learned a lot, both about her, and about myself. But I also learned a lot about the nature of addiction, and the physiology of this particular substance. For those struggling with similar addictions, there is help, but the road to recovery is not easy. The addict has to want to get well. Rehabilitation cannot be forced. For those who love someone struggling with addiction, learn as much as you can about how a substance works on the brain. This will help divorce you from the overwhelming emotion involved. |
| Excerpts: Flirtin’ with the Monster Life was good before I met the monster After, life was great, At least for a little while. *************************************** Just Before The Drop You know how you stand and stand and stand in line for the most gigantic incredible roller coaster you’ve ever dared attempt. Anticipation swelling, minute by minute by minute, you choose to wait even longer, to ride in the front car and finally it’s your turn. They buckle you in, lock the safety bar with a jolting clunk! Hook engaged, the chain jerks you forward. You start to climb Crank-crank-crank. Cresting the top, time moves into overtime as you wait for that scant hesitation, just before you drop You know how you feel at that instant? Well, that’s exactly how it feels when you shake hands with the monster. |
| Review, From School Library Journal Grade 8 Up–Seventeen-year-old Kristina Snow is introduced to crank on a trip to visit her wayward father. Caught up in a fast-paced, frightening, and unfamiliar world, she morphs into "Bree" after she "shakes hands with the monster." Her fearless, risk-taking alter ego grows stronger, "convincing me to be someone I never dreamed I'd want to be." When Kristina goes home, things don't return to normal. Although she tries to reconnect with her mother and her former life as a good student, her drug use soon takes over, leaving her "starving for speed" and for boys who will soon leave her scarred and pregnant. Hopkins writes in free-verse poems that paint painfully sharp images of Kristina/Bree and those around her, detailing how powerful the "monster" can be. The poems are masterpieces of word, shape, and pacing, compelling readers on to the next chapter in Kristina's spiraling world. This is a topical page-turner and a stunning portrayal of a teen's loss of direction and realistically uncertain future. |
| Reader letter, from Mick, age 15: ... I'm still trudging through my own journey but before I go any further I have to thank you for this book. It has helped my parents realize my struggles, and has helped me recognize the dangers of addiction. I cant thank you enough for this powerful and truly amazing read. I cant tell you how many times I have read it but I can tell you it amazes me every time. I'm able to see me in this book not only because its about addiction but simply because you are able to capture truth and emotion as if it were you who experienced the monster. Once again thank you for this book, it has helped me more than you will ever know. |
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| So many readers have asked, "What happened to Kristina?" that I decided to answer the question with another book. Glass, the sequel to Crank, is also a NY Times bestseller. Will there be a third Kristina book? Probably! |