Book Review: Crank
by Emery W.
When I was in high school, I had a best friend who (after being wrongfully sent to the town’s alternative high school during Junior year) started living her life in a downward spiral. She finally transferred back to our school, but I barely recognized who she was; she was high on marijuana most of the time, cut class, and went to raves every weekend. She’d quit doing color guard, and dropped out of honor’s classes.
Before I knew it, it was the night of our graduation, and I’d be going off to college at the end of the summer, and I had no idea what my best friend was doing.
The Fall of my freshman year at college, I picked up a thick book with an interesting cover simply titled Crank for the long bus trip to an away game. From the moment I opened the book, I felt like I was reading my best friend’s life from her eyes.
Crank by Ellen Hopkins tells the story of Kristina (who later begins referring to herself as Bree), and the events that led to her long and faithful history with hard drugs, sex, and journey to adulthood. The novel is loosely based on the life of Hopkins’ own daughter’s battle with drug addiction.
We begin the story with Kristina living in Reno with her mother, stepfather, and younger brother until she decides to visit her dead-beat father in Albuquerque. As a straight A honor roll student, Kristina didn’t delve much into the harder side of life; boys, sex, drinking, drugs, etc. Until she met Adam.
Over the span of her time with her father, Kristina (now known as Bree) becomes addicted to the same lifestyle she shares with her father.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will tell you that this is one that I couldn’t put down. It put into perspective the thought processes of an addict, and why they do what they do, and what makes it so hard for them to stop.
The way Hopkins develops the character is unique in its own right because it is written in verse. I was confused a bit at first because I’d never read a novel in the style, but it made me yearn for more. Even though it’s a thick book, it didn’t take me long to read. I’d describe it as an absolute page-turner.
What’s great is that the book offers you the chance to both pity Kristina for her actions while simultaneously hate her for the destruction she brings to everyone important to her.
It’s classified as a YA novel, but definitely not a read for anyone who can’t handle vivid descriptions of sex, drugs, and some violence.
Ellen Hopkins has somehow managed to write a book that would make for an incredible film adaptation in the future. And this is only the first one! There are two sequels, Glass and Fallout that I urge everyone to read. If you can handle it. I’ve read quite a few of her YA novels (all which were written in verse), and continue to look forward to more. I’d rate this a solid 10/10.
5 Favorite Fall Lip Colors
by Valerie N
The fall season is in full swing and with the cold weather come boots, flannel, scarves, pumpkin spiced everything, and of course… fall lip colors. You’ve got your choice between gloss, satin, or matte finishes. And beyond that, you get to choose your favorite range of shades from nudes, to pinks and reds, to dark stained lips. Wearing different lip colors are my most recent favorite way to finish my makeup look and to express myself. I’ll wear a certain shade all depending on my mood. When it comes to fall time, I usually lean towards darker shades. Keep reading to find out 5 of my favorite fall lip colors!
1. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in “Fig”
The Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in the shade “Fig” is great for fall. The site describes the shade as “red grape” and I think it’s perfect for more casual days when you’re headed to class or meeting a friend for coffee. Unlike my other favorite fall lip colors, this product is satin-smooth and also works to hydrate your lips. It also contains ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin C, and vitamin E to protect your lips. With this lipstick, you’ll be looking… wait for it… legendary.
2. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Vintage”
The NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Vintage” is the absolute perfect vampy shade for fall. NYX’s website describes the shade as “plum with mauve undertone.” I love their Liquid Suede line because the product glides on so easily and stays put for a long time. I can go a whole night without having to re-apply. The only thing about the “Vintage” shade is that it’s so dark but sheer, you have to apply a few layers or else it’ll look blotchy.
3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Soft-Spoken”
Another one of my favorite shades from the NYX Liquid Suede collection is “Soft-Spoken.” The shade is described as a mauve nude and it’s perfect for all seasons. I’ve worn it throughout the summer and plan on wearing it well into the wintertime. I’ve gotten so many compliments while wearing this color and will continue to use it until I run out… or find a new favorite shade.
4. ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Tulle”
If you can’t tell by now, mauve nudes are my favorite lip shades. Another mauve nude that’s my favorite is the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Tulle.” Tulle is described as a dusty mauve burgundy. It definitely looks like I have wine stained lips when I wear this shade. And there’s definitely nothing wrong with that.
5. ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Love Bug”
ColourPop’s Ultra Matte Lip products have easily and quickly replaced NYX lip products as my favorite. They’re cheap, easy to apply, long-lasting, and the perfect dupes for the Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kits because they’re basically the exact same formula. Another ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shade I’ve been wearing a lot lately is “Love Bug.” Unlike the other berries and mauves I’ve mentioned, this shade is more of a rich terracotta and I think it looks great on my warm toned skin. This is another shade I can see myself wearing during both winter and summer times.