Ellen Hopkins

CRANK

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About the Book

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.

BOOK EXCERPT

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

Flirtin’ with the Monster

 

Life was good

before I

met

the monster

After,

life

was great,

At

least

for a little while.