Crank (Crank #1)

In Crank raw pain, a deepening addiction, and a crumbling family come together to tell a real, powerful story. I remember when I was younger that quite a few people around me read this book though I never bothered to try. I finally the other day opened it up and was entranced by the poetic nature of Ellen Hopkin’s words.

I rushed through the book enjoying every page of it. It was interesting how poems could tell such a harrowing, intense tale. I did quite enjoy Crank and I think I’ll find time soon to read Glass and continue Kristina’s tale.

And to end, because I don’t want to give anything away in this beautiful masterpiece, two quotes I loved:

What made me despise the girl in the mirror enough to transform her, turn her into a stranger, only not.

You share a toast with me: here's to seasonal madness, to part-time relatives and substitutes for love.

I just got addicted to Crank. That's ironic, even though I was just talking about the book. But I seriously love this book. It's hard to put down.

Reader reviewed by Sierra Goodman

This was a great amazing heart wrenching book! It shows the strugles drugs can bring upon u or any monster for that matter. Kristina story happens to many everyday and i think everyone has a double identity we just dont realize it. I would recommend this book to any teen going through struggles or every teen because everyone has struggles sometime in life. I havent finished the sequal yet but it is quite amazing as well (:

Reader reviewed by Toni Johnson

Based on a true story, Kristina Snow has the perfect life. Until she goes on a trip to Albuquerque to visit her MIA father, and her life is flipped upside-down. Bree takes over Kristinas life, and turns her into a totally different person: one who is daring, careless, and fearless. Bree is introduced to the monster through Adam, and although her life seems amazing and exciting for a while, she soon learns that her new friend, the monster is out to destroy her life, and will do anything to accomplish that.

Reader reviewed by KatT

This is an amazing book, a must read for anyone and everyone. I have to say though, Brenden is a son of a (insert profanity here), Chase is amazing, and if Adam loved Kristina, then why did he care so much about Lince? And another thing, where did Bree come from?

Reader reviewed by Ashley

One summer Kristina goes to visit her father. When she comes back, she's no longer Kristina. She's Bree; and Bree is addicted to the monster. Bree is the polar opposite of Kristina, she has confidence, and can get anything she wants.

I love, love, loved this book! It is without a doubt high up on my favorites list. I'd recommend this book to anyone. It also allows you a real look at the effects of meth.

Reader reviewed by Crimin


The monster is reaching out, flexing its white claws near your throat.  It wants to take hold of you, to strangle you, to suffocate you with want and need.  But dont allow it to even graze the skin of your neck, dont let it come the close to you.   Dont sacrifice yourself for its deadly kiss.

Too bad no one warned Kristian about the monster or about its addictive destruction.  Too bad no one stood by her to yank her back from its world.   Too bad no one noticed before it was too late, before her other half, Bree, took control.

The Monster, for you who are confused, is Crank.  Cocaine, Glass, Ice -- it has a lot of names, but its always the same white powder.   

Ive always been a fan of Ellen Hopkins, so this was a no-brainer read for me.  I bought it and read it within a day, loving each twist and turn and sour note this book offered to me.  Im just surprised it took me so long to get Crank and its squeal, Glass.   

Trust me, even if you hate poetry, youll love Hopkins.  Go and pick up one of her books, read it, and tell me if I was wrong.

Reader reviewed by Expedia

THis book, was very captuvating. IT gives you a sense of what it must be like if you where in someones shoes. I most definately felt for the character.. But most importantly, it let me know how some of my friends feel, and a sense of what they go through.. What i mean by that is that, many of my friends need someone near them and im the one to help them up.. These books give me a better insight on how i should really help them.

Reader reviewed by Taylor J

When I first looked at this book I thought it was weird because of its poetry format. After a few pages I became addicted to the style of writing. I also love the characters and interesting plot. It was so intense and had good meaning. It shows you what going down a bad path can look like and its not a nice place. It can really scare the reader from doing anything to do with drugs, and alcohol. The book is a must read and is a page turner. It is such a quick read. I read it in less than a day!

Reader reviewed by KJ

Kristina is a straight-A, rule following family girl. She has a great life and lots of friends. When Kristina has to go visit her  father, she meets Adam. Adam introduces Kristina (and her new self, Bree) to the world of "the monster".  Kristina's life is in chaos. As her addiction grows, Kristina loses valuable friends, starts doing badly in school, and Bree begins to control her life.

Crank was written in verse so I finished it pretty quickly, but it will stick with me for a long time. I've read every book written by Ellen Hopkins but this one remains,to me ,one of her best. I would recommend this book to people 14 and up, as it deals with a lot of things inappropriate to younger audiences. This is an amazing book, that every teenager should read.