Ready to Become a Fan of... focuses on those authors new and old whose works I have every intention of eventually reading, but haven't been able to devote the time to just yet. By discussing authors and their works that I'm sure I'll love, given the chance, hopefully I can be more easily compelled to take the next step in not simply acquiring one of their books, but actually take the time to read it.
This month I'm putting on record that I am ready to become a fan of Ellen Hopkins.
About the author:
Ellen Hopkins is a poet, freelance writer, and the award-winning author of twenty nonfiction titles and nine NY Times Bestselling young adult novels-in-verse, plus two adult novels. She has published hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from aviation to child abuse to winegrowing. Ellen mentors other writers through her position as a regional adviser for the Nevada chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is a regular speaker at schools, book festivals and writers conferences across the US, and now throughout the world. (Source)
Work I'm most looking forward to reading:
Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter, gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul - her life. (WorldCat)
Why this author & this work:
I've been hearing praise for Hopkins' works since I was in college, if not before. My current class on young adult literature has gotten me thinking about genres/formats such as free verse and the major young adult authors found within those categories (and Hopkins is obviously at the top there).
I'm not sure I'd enjoy any of Hopkins' books, to be quite honest. All their synopses make them sound gritty, hopeless, and uncomfortable, to be quite honest. But I don't read purely to stay within my comfort zone; good readers should want to have their limits tested by great fiction, and from all I've heard of Hopkins' works, I'm pretty sure she can deliver on that front.
NoveList recommends that readers start with Crank as an introduction to Hopkins' works, and as it's also her debut (a highly acclaimed one at that), I wouldn't want to start with any other book. I just got a copy of it from the library yesterday, actually.
For those of you who've already read some of Hopkins' works, I'd appreciate hearing what you think about them. For those who also haven't read his works yet, let me know what's been holding you back!
Ready to Become a Fan of... is an original feature of Late Nights with Good Books.
I've always felt the same way about her books. They are SO not my usual kind of read genre-wise, and then factor in the verse writing... WAY outside my comfort zone. But I also agree that we should strive to set our boundaries. Some of my favourite books have been ones that were outside my comfort zone after all. Very curious to hear what you make of this one/Ellen Hopkins' writing in general!
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