Ellen Hopkins is the author of this YA book published in September 2010 . It's about the conclusion of Kristina Snow's story which began in Crank. Kristina is addicted to crystal meth and during her long love affair with this drug she gives birth to five children. Fallout is the story of Hunter, Autumn, and Summer. It's gritty and real. Hopkins doesn't glamorize anything and depicts realistically what happens to the children of drug addicts. Overall I thought this was a very well-written book. I liked getting to know these three young people and I feel that even though they didn't have a normal childhood and had to deal with problems that no child should have to endure, I still felt hopeful for them. I didn't like Kristina. I was hoping that she would have grown up and put aside her selfish ways, but she disappointed me terribly. I also wish that the three sibling would have gotten together earlier in the story. I would have liked to read more of the family dynamics in regards to how they interacted with each other. I got this book from the publisher unexpectedly and was over the moon to read it early! I would recommend this book to teens, fans of free verse, and anyone looking for a solid read. But do yourself a favor and start with Crank. This is one that should NOT be read out of order!! I rated it 4/5
**Reviews Cruise Format by Lynne's Book Reviews
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I'm not a big fan of books about drug addiction, I guess because I'd rather hide my head in the sand. But I think I should really push myself because it's important to know about these things!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review and post Staci. Thank God for authors like Hopkins, Anderson, and others who are willing to take risks and speak to the issues teens face daily without sugar coating. The truth hurts, but ignoring should not an option.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like an AMAZING author!! This book sounds WOW! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteloved your review, I like that it deals with how drug abuse affects the children.
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds compelling, but free verse isn't really for me, so I probably won't read it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteEven if the book is not for me, but banned books need a voice
I'll definitely be reading this one of these days (though I need to read Glass first). Can I just say how sad it made me to hear you say that Kristina doesn't end up getting her act together? I just sooooo wanted her to, you know. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that authors like Ellen Hopkins are writing books that tell it like it is. I checked my library's catalog and am happy to report they have 13 of Ellen Hopkins books. No banning here.
ReplyDeleteI've got this series on my want to read list. Great review.
ReplyDeleteFallout sounds good Staci - what a cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up, Staci :) And what a great review. Think I'm going to have to read this one. I love books about drug addiction (thanks to my brother, who is now doing great and soon will graduate from UCLA!) But I'll take your advice and read Crank first.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has just started reading this author --- she devoured her first book in about a day!
ReplyDeleteThat was a fantastic review Staci! I'm of the belief that sometimes the harder to read books are the best ones. Great tribute to Ellen Hopkins!
ReplyDeleteAs you already know - I agree with you! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't want to say that I learned something from this series because in my head I already knew the hold drugs can have on a person, as well as the others in their life. However, it most definitely gave my heart a jolt being in the head of Kristina and then her family members.
After reading your review I'm thinking I should give Hopkins another try. I tried to read Crank and never finished it, but I'll admit I didn't get very far.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this author but certainly a point of view that should be explored. Thanks for the review Staci.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this author but certainly a point of view that should be explored. Thanks for the review Staci.
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