Crank
The front cover of the book Crank by Ellen Hopkins.
Appearances are never what they seem. But does this rule apply to drugs and society's split perception of them?
'Crank' explores the often-tackled but never really exposed world of illegal drug abuse through the eyes of Kristina, who falls into its depths while visiting her father away from home. On this dark journey of twisted hallucinations and exaggerated pleasures, she turns into 'Bree,' her exact opposite. Bree is daring and fearless, but this only hastens her ruin as she becomes absorbed with the enchantments of the 'monster,' which is the drug itself.
Along the way, she dives in and out of relationships, all changing her views on what love really should be like. Towards the end, one might think she has finally sunken too low to be saved, but perhaps there is a glimmer of redemption on the final page.
The novel is written unconventionally, sticking to something that resembles free verse poetry rather than the usual dialog/narration sequence, somehow delivering a better, more intense impact by making it seem more realistic and emotional in broken words. It teaches a lesson but doesn't preach, and instead shows the reader the dangers of becoming involved in such a dangerous world.
Appearances are never what they seem. But does this rule apply to drugs, and society's split perception of them?
Many strongly believe that it is purely detrimental, but others turn to this method of escape when things become too much to bear in their real lives.
'Crank' is a powerful chronicle that leaves readers to decide for themselves, but not without showing them the consequences of either choice.
