I read Crank.
I couldn't finished it.
Her books are amazing, scary, and depressing.
It kind of tugs at your heart.
I found it very hard to read.
In fact, it was disturbing.
I tried to read others but they are difficult to read.
They aren't hard, just very weird.
She is though, an brilliant author.
If you haven't read any of her books I would start with Crank.
Just to see if you can handle her writings.

i love ellen hopkins writing. it shows kids that the world isnt pretty like some books. another really great book that is similar to crank is "go ask alice". ellen hopkins may be some what of a depressing writer but she tells the true raw story. i like that about books and people. she is a great author and so if u get the chance definatly start with crank.

I get to meet her this Friday, October 23, 2009! I won a local writing contest. Don't believe me? This is the e-mail I got: Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:14:19 -0700
> > > From: *****
> > > To: *****
> > > Subject: Writing Contest Winner!
> > >
> > > Congratulations!! You have won first place the middle school division
> > of
> > > **** Regional Library's Fall Writing Contest!
> > >
> > > A panel of judges read your work and we agree that it's excellent. We
> > are
> > > awarding prizes to the winning teens on Friday October 23 from 7-9
> > p.m. at
> > > ***** Community Library (1007 East Mill Plain Boulevard
> > > ****, ** 98***). Award-winning author, Ellen Hopkins will speak
> > > about writing at this event and then award you your prize. This event
> > is
> > > specifically for teens, but you may bring your family along if they
> > want
> > > to see you claim your prize.
> > >
> > > Please let me know ASAP if you plan on attending the event and
> > receiving
> > > your prize. If you have any questions you can email me or call
> > > ***.759.4800. Bring your friends!!
> > >
> > > See you on October 23rd,
> > > Jen

^ *rolls eyes* Way to spam up the place.

I can't believe some people have never heard of her. She is so amazingly brilliant, her work deserves to be recognized. Yes, her work is not for the light-hearted. I recommend her books to someone who can stomach a little more than Cinderella fairy tales.

I've actually read six of her novels- the Crank trilogy, Impulse, Burned and Identical. The only one I have not read so far is Tricks but I plan to soon. Hopkins is the only author who has been able to devour me completely within one of her novel within the first five minutes. (Well, besides Rowling anyways.) Once I pick up one of her books, I never want to put it down- even when I read the very last page. And I think that's what a GOOD author does, wants to make you keep reading even when the story is over.

Like I said, her books are tough. If you don't already know, her Crank trilogy is based off of her own daughter, who fell in love with the monster. (Crystal meth.) She wrote the books to show that an addiction is never just one person's problem and how it can tear a family apart- but sometimes, also bring them together.

Unlike most authors, her stories are real. She doesn't sugarcoat ANYTHING. People don't need to be left in the dark- if that's a type of book you're looking for, then don't read her. I believe that if you can't understand or at least appreciate her work, then you don't deserve to read it. Her books are absolutely breathtaking, each one of them. She's excellent at making the characters come alive. She's a storyteller- a genius one. Note: All of her books are written in free-verse, so it's not like it's an actual novel. Also, most of her books are told in either two or three characters (please see Impulse, Identical, Tricks and Fallout for reference) so if you're not used to that, well just know that's what she does. Sometimes, it's nice for a little change. :)

Now- If you're not looking to read a trilogy and just one book, I would go for Impulse. Or Identical. I liked Burned but I didn't like it as much as the others, mostly because it had to do with religion. =\ Most of her novels deal with sex and drugs, just in case you were wondering.

Okay- I think I've given enough information. Hopefully I've changed someone's mind and they're reading a Hopkins novel right after reading this. Or maybe not. I'd just be satisfied knowing I'm the Ellen Hopkins novice right here. ;) Okay, that's all.

I've never heard of her.