CRANK

Dark, dismal, and scary—and no, it's not a horror novel (unless you're the parent of teenagers). Hopkins's novel follows the story of Kristina and her involvement in drugs, sex, and rape. Despite Kristina’s dreadful encounters, the writing and narration of this work are a true treasure. Hopkins has written the text in free verse, which is amazing in itself, and Laura Flanagan’s narration takes the story to a completely new height. Sounding like a young, scared teenager, Flanagan makes it impossible for the listener to turn off the recording. She uses Hopkins’s carefully chosen line breaks as cues for adolescent vocal inflections and gives the impression that she has read, contemplated, and understood every single one of Hopkins's words. As depressing and shocking as it can be, this production is riveting. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]