Crankkk

I finished reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins the other day.  Overall, I think that it was a powerful book, through examining Kristina/Bree's transformation of good girl, to bff's with the monster.  

I think Crank can be a good book to read (at an appropriate time with parental awareness) for teens, possibly as a precautionary measure.  However, it makes me wonder if that age group would really understand what Kristina was going through (without having a connection to her actions)-- there is so much happening in her life.  It definitely takes a mature audience to read this text.  

At times, I felt anxious and didn't want to know what was going to happen.  I would be angry with Kristina's decisions.  I would close the book and return to it later, sometimes hoping the situation would change if I walked away for a while.  I wanted to hope that she would really turn it around and kick the monster, for good.  I felt sorry for her.


Through Kristina/Bree's challenges and transformation, we end the 'story'; I still don't know how to react.  This struggle that she has been through, we really see how easy it can be for a drug to literally change a person's life.  Turn into another being.  Do things one normally wouldn't do.  With all this time she was in trouble, and felt she couldn't talk to her parents.  What if she did?  How would it have affected her situation?  Kristina/Bree was out of control and would do anything she had to stay high.  
In the sense  she felt she couldn't talk to her parents, I know this is something I could connect to, and I'm sure others as teens did, too.  I always felt as if I couldn't really talk to them, or couldn't help me, or especially in Kristina's case, receiving a GUFN (grounded until further notice).


With everything that happens throughout these stories, it is hard not to feel for and/or with Kristina/Bree.  This book was written as a powerful read and may or may not recommend it to others, depending on the reader.
My favorite thing about this book was the set-up of the text during each 'chapter'.  It put meaning behind the writing,  and made for interesting connections.  I also enjoyed re-reading the passages, but through different patterns, attempting to discover new meanings and ways of interpreting her words. 

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

I recently began reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins, and am really enjoying it. I have to admit it took a bit getting used to, between the format of the book and the some of the language used, throughout.  However, the fact that it is based (loosely) from true events makes the book that much more desirable.  It seems to have a raw perspective, and grabs my attention and wants me to keep reading.

Crank is a powerful read, and shows Kristina (a high school junior) transform into Bree-- a nice young quiet girl, turned rebellious and carefree.  Crank, in the book, is known as the drug, meth, a.k.a. the monster.  Between Kristina vacationing to see her long-lost father, meeting a boy--Adam, a.k.a. Buddy, using drugs and experimenting sexually , Kristina has transformed into Bree.  

It seems that Kristina has attempted to try and come back, hardly recognizing herself after sleeping 20 straight hours after being high on crank.   We see Kristina's struggle, briefly, to want to fight back.  The monster comes back, and Bree is again.  Everyone surrounding Bree during this 'vacation' is using and abusing crank--Adam (her crush and supplier), and more importantly-- her own father. 


Bree has been in Alberquerque, and now three weeks later heading home to her mother's in Reno. But not after a long night abusing crank, and 'allowing' Adam to draw a small heart tattoo on her thigh.  Is this love that her and Adam have created, real?  Is he using her?  How long can this last before she realizes it's no good.  How is crank really affecting her?
I have left off reading on the chapter-- 'I Still Wasn't Down When We Landed'; I can't wait to continue reading.


This book clearly contains some topics that may not be suitable for all readers, although it is a teen book.  Drugs and sexuality are common themes throughout the book, so far.  I think when dealing with these topics, the author has no choice but to be so blunt and real in her writing.  However, I think if Hopkins had not written Crank in such a reality, no one may take it seriously.  This book examines how an innocent teen girl can easily transform into a user,  before she even realizes it herself.

While this book can be a difficult read in a variety of ways, I can see how it would be a great book for many teens to relate to.  We often wonder how teens dealing with drugs (and the like..)  can be helped or how it could have been prevented.  And although I haven't finished reading close to half of the book, I can see how there is much potential to show teens that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Even the fact that Kristina's father is constantly using, can put drugs into perspective for teens.  Who wants to be mid-age, alone, without much, trying to save your own job and life, while abusing drugs?


So far, I think this book possesses a powerful message.  I am finding myself thinking of Kristina/Bree's situation and hoping once she is back home she will have the opportunity to clean up.  How will things change for her once she is back in Reno with her mom and step dad? Will she return to Albuquerque, in hopes to reunite with Adam?

Time to keep on reading...

Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

I recently finished reading Fever,1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, as my choice book this week.  I initially found this book reminding me of another book I read, A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.  They each possess deep historical fiction backgrounds, dive into a sense of wonder and mystery, and even both main characters were young ladies named Mattie (both of which you are also rooting for throughout the book!).  Fever, seemed to be an easier read for me and one I found to be enjoyable.  I am thinking historical fiction may be a new favorite of mine. 

Fever is set in Philadelphia in 1793, when yellow fever takes over the community.  Many are dying, and Mattie is forced to grow up quickly after her mother falls ill, leaving Mattie in the care of her grandfather in order to go to the country and escape the sickness.  Mattie catches the fever, and over a week after, Mattie becomes healthy enough and has no choice but to head home; to the Cook family Coffeehouse. Times were very scarce; there was hardly anything to eat, and her grandfather soon became ill (but, without fever). While fighting off robbers one night, her grandfather gets hurt and is no longer strong, he passes and Mattie is now alone in a pretty dangerous city.  Her mother is still missing, possibly in the country looking for her, or dead from the fever; and Eliza (the Coffeehouse help) is no where to be found, either.  Mattie knows that Eliza would never flee to the country, though; she would be here to help her family and those in need.

In this time, Mattie seems to transform into a young lady, much different than the Mattie introduced in the beginning of the story.  She learns that life isn't always easy, and one needs to be strong to carry on and wait until frost comes, and the fever is disappeared.  
I loved how selfless Mattie was, finding a little girl whose family has passed , Nell and taking her with her; it seemed they really needed each other.  Mattie had someone to stay strong for, and Nell had a caregiver.  

Luckily, Mattie briefly thinks she spots Eliza through the city; with Mattie carrying Nell, she tracks her down in desperate search for the help she needs.  I felt ecstatic when it really was Eliza and they were reunited.  Eliza was very kind and generous to everyone, but especially Mattie.  Eliza took in Mattie and Nell into her brother's home, with also two little boys.  I could never imagine how lonely, scared, and exhausted Mattie must have felt before finding a familiar face.  

Mattie and Eliza seemed like a good team together, especially when they had to face the young children getting sick. Mattie suggested moving back to the Coffeeshop for cooler and fresher air.  Before the yellow fever had stopped, the frost finally came during late October, more than two months after the fever initially began spreading.  This begins the slow return of people coming back to the city, along with food, and health; Mattie and Eliza re-open the Coffeeshop.  Mattie's mother does not return for some time, until General George Washington travels through the streets of Philadelphia, marking a new beginning for those who have lost so much. 


The courageousness and bravery that Mattie, Eliza, and many others in the story possess throughout, was remarkable.  It is very hard to imagine these hard and difficult times that they had to go through.  It is easy to remember how lucky we are today, and how much everyone had to fight for themselves, for others, and for their lives.  Hope was never lost, and many people stayed strong; many people can learn a lot in reading this book.  I personally enjoyed how much Mattie took in so much that her grandfather had taught her throughout the years.  I believe he would have been proud of her efforts and successes, and proud to know that although she didn't go to battle as he did, she won in a similar sense. 





 

A Northern Light...I didn't want it to end.

 
I recently finished reading A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.  I really enjoyed this book...I purposely made myself stop reading towards the end to take a break, so that I could continue reading it one more time.

With Mattie's high interest in reading and literature, I think it is important to consider her thoughts concerning happy endings in stories, and how reality seems to be so different.  This book seems to show the 'best of both worlds'.  While reading through her story, it is easy to understand Mattie's constant struggles; promises she's made, following her dreams, and witnessing some harsh realities are some of the first things that come to my mind when thinking about Mattie and her story.  On the other hand, I felt myself constantly rooting for Mattie, and wondering what she would decide.  Many of the predictions I made in my head throughout the story came true, but some turned into what I didn't expect coming-- which is another quality of this story that really drew me in.  And the mysteriousness always left the urge to know more, what will happen now??  Overall, I found one of Mattie's words to be helpful in describing this story-- bittersweet.


The mysteriousness and romanticism behind the story really intrigued me, throughout.  The mystery of the drowned girl (Grace) and her gentleman friend ('Chester') was very captivating, even more so after reading the author's note and discovering the truth behind the real story.  Wow...

I also really loved when the author eventually combined the two scenarios, of Mattie's life at the Glenmore, and her past/current life.    Although it was confusing at first to follow along, as I noted in my earlier post, I think it really kept me on my toes and made me think deeper throughout the book.  I was unsure if she was at the Glenmore to eventually go to college, and when finding out she was doing it to help her father with money, I was nervous as to how it would end.
Mattie's decision in the end (especially during this time period) to follow her dreams was fearless and bold; it made me feel proud that she gathered the courage to do what felt right.  The book has still kept me thinking since I had finished it.  Nothing had ever happened with Lawton, will Mattie never return to visit?, what will become of her family members, and Royal, and Weaver?,  Will Mattie become a writer, or fall in love?  
Although left with many unanswered questions, A Northern Light was a great read, and would definitely recommend it--especially if you're looking for a great historical fiction! Enjoy =)

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

I have been reading A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly and so far I am really enjoying it!  This book is set in the early 1900's, and the chapters shift between what seem's like Mattie's current and future time.  This confused me a bit at first, along with the amount of characters the author introduces.  However, it quickly became an easy read for me as it is definitely a book you can easily get sucked in to.

Mattie is a sixteen year old girl, helping to take care of her younger siblings and father, as her mother has recently passed away.  She finds herself in a predicament because of her obligations to her parents and the farm they live on.  Mattie is determined to finish high-school (along with her good friend, Weaver), and go to college on a full scholarship...but she can't find her way to discuss this with her father, who needs her around.


I find the relationship between Mattie and her father similar to many potential situations that could be occurring in any reader's homes.  This connection can be easily made many ways.  
Single parent households can create the same relationship Mattie is currently dealing with in her home.  It seems that often the oldest child(ren) are taking on roles requiring more responsibility, with the need to grow up quickly.  Also, a personal connection can relate to the amount times when either my parents would not want to take a discussion further than 'no'; or when I really needed to bring up something important to them, and felt the weight Mattie seems to feel (even more so after being accepted into Barnard College).


Another reason I enjoy this historical fiction book, is the setting.  The familiarity of Mattie's locations and the descriptions throughout the book make everything visual in my mind.  I think the author did a really nice job by allowing the reader to feel and connect with the characters, making it seem like you are in the story with them.  

Overall, I can't wait to keep reading this book.  I am curious about what will happen with everything....One curiosity has me wondering if anything will occur soon with Mattie's older brother Lawton (who left the farm recently after a fight with their pa), will he come back home?  What will become of  the letters she was asked to burn, and what happened to the girl that drown? And her 'boyfriend' with more than one name?


More to come! Check back tomorrow :)

Stargirl-- a new favorite of mine

I could not put this book down.  I wanted to know more and more.

Stargirl's extreme positive behavior gets her into trouble during a basketball game, where instead of being her own school's cheerleader, she rushes over to the opponent's big star who had just been injured.

It seemed as if everyone had had enough of Stargirl, and whoever had wanted anything to do with her.  It was as if she was shunned.  

Leo and Stargirl were together constantly, and loved each other in their own ways.  I loved how Leo adored her uniqueness and natural free spirit...until he made her aware of the dislike people have for her.  And then, he wanted her to become ordinary.  Leo seemed torn throughout the book about his relationship with Stargirl, which is why I wasn't completely shocked that he made her aware of everyone's thoughts.  However, I can't say that I wasn't a little disappointed that he wouldn't stick up for her more.   He wanted the best of both worlds, to be with his friends and 'known', but to also be with Stargirl and connect to everything that they encountered in spending time together. 

Stargirl and Leo go through a lot of ups, with a few downs (similar to her wagon in her room in which she puts a marble in for something making her happy, and taking out marbles when she is not feeling so).    By the end of the story, I think that Stargirl truly became Stargirl again, and without Leo.   While this is never something easy to go through, it must have been difficult for Leo as Stargirl disappears; family sold the house and she is never seen again.  All anyone can remember is the final night at their school ball, when everyone seemed to forget why they feared or disliked her (except for the one snobby girl, Hilary).  Memories of Stargirl leading them through the dances and having a blast, together, among many other unusual traditions introduced by Stargirl that now roam what was once their high school.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story.  I think it is filled with character and realness.  It can teach someone to slow down and enjoy life, and to make the most of how you feel. 
Why should anyone stick to the norms of life, not go out of the boundaries and not have to explain why to anyone.  Your life is your life, live it how you want it and enjoy it.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

I have been reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I am really enjoying this book and is one I have been wanting to read for a while. So far it has exceeded my expectations, in a way it's similar to what I was expecting and I can't wait to find out more. This book is narrated by a high school boy, Leo. His best friend is Kevin and they run the school show, The Hot Seat. I love that this story comes from a boy's perspective, and is focused around Stargirl. Stargirl is the new girl in school and catching everyone's attention. She is beyond ordinary (some think she is crazy) and has a free spirit. Her nature is contagious and Mica Area High School students are bursting with individuality and creating the own identities. Stargirl always is positive and cheers on anyone for any reason; attitudes throughout the school also seem to become happier and more caring because of the energy she gives off. Stargirl seems to somehow know a lot about everyone...their names, and their birthdays! She even sings to them (with her ukilele) in front of everyone. Yet, no one knows really anything about Stargirl, except for the rumors and stories made up by the student body. Stargirl starts cheerleading and becomes popular. It seems as if the other students are rubbing off on her...will she become uniform to her classmates and lose her individuality, and positive, care-free perspective on life? I am anxious to keep reading this story. There is so much to wonder about Stargirl, so much to discover. Check back tomorrow for more details :)

The Big Splash complete...

"Time is elastic, shrinking and expanding in certain situations.  It loves to sneak past you when you aren't paying attention, and slow to a crawl when you are".

I decided to use the quote because I feel like this is true for everyone.  I feel like this is true to me constantly.  It seems as if Matt is constantly running against the clock.  He is hired to solve the mystery of who 'Outted' Nicole/a.k.a. Nikki Fingers, all before the week is over and situation is potentially forgotten.

The middle schoolers in the book almost seem as if they are waiting on something, or completely in the moment. The bullying and other activities related to Vinny and his 'organization' may be extreme. But, I think they also portray a reality to how the characters feel, which connects to readers and their own realities. 
Throughout this story I can understand why this book would be great for a lot of readers.  It notes many occurrences and situations that happen to kids of this age, allowing for many potential connections to the story.  Not only does it cover bullying in extent throughout the book, but it examines various family situations, problems with friends, love, and standing up for yourself.

By the end of the story, Matt helps rescue Liz (Kevin's sister) from being 'Outted' entirely as she gets shot with a cat urine squirt gun by Jenny (Nicole's sister!!) on accident.  Matt helped by removing her from the scene; no one ever finds out due to other havoc taking place the halls.  

Kevin and Matt seem to regain their friendship through Liz, (oh, and because Kevin realized Vinny's lack of loyalty...!).  It was pleasing to read that Kevin stood up for himself and discovered what friendship really consists of.


Well,  I shouldn't give away the rest of the book's details (read to find out!)...  
However, my last thought in reading this story, is how much it can relate to Chris Crutcher's Deadline. Consider everyone may not be who they seem.

*The Big Splash

This week, I began reading The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo.  I have to admit, it is a hard book for me to connect to, but I think especially upper elementary and middle school boys would really enjoy.  I do however really enjoy the overall theme of the book-- I it's great how it is easy to visualize what the author is trying to portray.


Matt Stevens is a seventh grader who plays the role of private detective amongst his classmates.  The school is practically run by a boy, Vinny, and his clique (which includes Matt's old best friend). Matt seems to dislike Vinny and the crew, but reluctantly takes a job (hey, who wouldn't take twenty bucks?!)fetching a good luck token from an ex-member, Nikki.

Nicole (aka Nikki), a girl that used to be part of Vinny's circle of rebels, was recently put on the 'Outs' (let's just say 'Outs' it's pretty mortifying and makes people not want to seen with you). Matt's job is currently to solve who Outted Nicole.  Everyone in school wants to know who FINALLY got her...apparently she had this coming for quite some time.  There are so many possibilities, and for some reason I want to believe Vinny when he says it's not him or his friends! Hmm...


Anyways, Matt seems to enjoy being a private detective.  I also think he will use his knowledge to try and find his father, who has left years ago.  He has one clue: TMS136P15, a combination of numbers and letters left behind in an old glove box. I will be anxious to discover if Matt finds the answers he may be looking for.


This book contains a lot of material that could connect to many readers, many children are raised by one parent, such as Matt.  Peer pressure and bullying are often two additional factors in a middle-school boys' life that the readers can experience with him.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out throughout the book, will the big splash put Vinny and friends out of the business of doing illegal things in school?

Time to get back to reading, check back soon :)

Why was it more difficult than normal to find this book? It should be in every library!

This was a book that I wish I had read in high school.  I was shocked when I went to the library a couple weeks ago, and they had to get this book sent to me from a different library!  After reading it entirely, I know it really should be everywhere.  So, here's me spreading the word on this book... :)

Jamie Bartlett, became a famous author (pretty much overnight!), all because she accidentally handed in her own journal as her English assignment.  After being fed up with rude popular and picture perfect girls, her journal demonstrates a story made for all teen girls.  

Based off of her true reality as a freshman in high school.  Her main character Isabella transforms into 'IS'  and has superpowers and it changes everything; we read how with the simple motion of a 'Flick' can create a balance between her friends and her vs. the Evil Clique of Populors.  

Everyone (mainly teen girls-- but everyone) goes crazy about this book.  Even everyone in her school.  It is top rated, number one! You'd think that Jamie had it all.  She was flying to Hollywood and New York City; making appearances, doing interviews, signing books.

But not many people expect Jamie to be like Jamie, they think of her as 'IS', which puts even more pressure on Jamie.  Jamie/IS is a huge role model to young teens and by the end of the story you can see why.  Teen girls feel empowered.  They are standing up for themselves, and believing in themselves.  This message is definitely carried over into our book, and I was rooting for all the girls that felt left out throughout her story.  Reading about the 'less-popular' girls smiling and feeling great put a smile on my face, for sure.

 Especially today, I think there is more of a focus concerning bullying and treating each other with respect.  It seems as if adults are just now realizing how some students are being treated.  I wish I knew about this book in high school as there are many of the same qualities and/or situations I feel I can completely connect to.   I can only see this book becoming more popular as we demonstrate treating people as you'd want to be treated.  This would really be a great read for girls just entering high school.


This book was a great read.  Like I have mentioned before, it does take me back to my high school years. Although they mention characters in the book that younger readers nowadays might not be aware of  (such as the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Amber Tiffany), the way the author set the book up, I don't think that it would affect how the reader connects to the book.  It would almost be as if readers nowadays may think they are made-up characters. 

Anyways, the boys, cliques, popularity, family members, they all play a huge role in the lives of everyday teen girls.  I don't think people tend to understand the kinds of pressure teen girls are under in our society, at times.   This book is made for all girls (and boys!), but it really does send a great message.  Believe in yourself, stop putting yourself down, try and be positive, be you FOR you.

P.S.-- One of my favorite pieces of advice in the book... is putting sticky notes around your things to write down POSITIVE things about yourself.  That way, you can read it and believe in yourself even more :)

Deadline finished...

I finished Deadline while traveling this week...
Although I have some mixed feelings about different parts of the book, it was overall an enjoyable read.  I felt that it had a powerful message that could connect to any reader, even when the specific situation may not be familiar.  


Ben made the decision to try to lead a normal life, without telling ANYONE about his terminal illness. Throughout his story, we can visualize his wanting to live his life to the fullest in his senior year of high school.  

Along the road, I think Ben not only discovers a lot about himself but tends to grasp an understanding of how the world 'works' in odd ways. I can connect with him (and many others in our world), in wanting to question--what is the purpose of life?  I am sure in Ben's situation, this question is constantly would be constantly in the back of his mind.

Given the circumstances throughout the book, I felt pretty satisfied with how the story ended.  I learned that we all have our pasts, secrets, and stories behind our lives; no one is what you expect them to be, as the book states.  This book demonstrates a good example of understanding that behavior, and I know I can take that and more away from reading Deadline.