Crank

CrankTo celebrate the first-ever limited hardcover edition of CRANK, Ellen will sign covers of the book. Buy a copy, then send the cover only in a flat envelope, along with a return envelope addressed to you, with enough postage to cover the return. Ellen promises to sign the book personally and will personalize it with your name. Send the cover to:

P.O. Box 2205, Carson City NV 89702.

CRANK A New York Times bestseller, 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.

Crank Excerpt

    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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