Glass

Written by Ellen Hopkins

Narrated by Laura Flanagan

"Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal. Whatever you call it, it's all the same: a monster. And once it's got hold of you, this monster will never let you go."A sequel to Crank, this harrowing and disturbing look at addiction finds protagonist Kristina Snow thinking she can use drugs yet control the consequences. Now with a baby to care for, she's determined to be the one deciding when and how much, the one calling the shots. But the monster is too strong and, before she knows it, Kristina is back in its grips. She needs the monster to keep going, to face the pressures of day-to-day life. She will do anything for it, including giving up the only thing that makes her truly happy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Aug 1, 2008
• ISBN: 9781598877717

Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous young adult novels, as well as the adult novels such as Triangles, Collateral, and Love Lies Beneath. She lives with her family in Carson City, Nevada, where she has founded Ventana Sierra, a nonprofit youth housing and resource initiative. Follow her on Twitter at @EllenHopkinsLit.

Reviews for Glass

[gen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Book was good, narrator was horrible. Her accents and man voice were so cringe made it hard to suffer through.

[Noah Everett Braley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredibly luring. I want to smack Christina SO many times shake her saying WAKE UP you have a LIFE that needs you! Screw the drugs. But it moves to sorrow and sympathy on how much the drug can control you. Change you. I’m hopeful that she gets out of its grips. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[nadine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Too good. I love it so so so much seriously

[sparkleponies · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Glass is the terrifying and controversial sequel to the book Crank. It is a painfully heartbreaking read, that describes one girl's transition from A+ student to meth addict. I would only recommend the Crank series to older teenagers and adults. As the book is heavy with drug use, sexual themes, and cursing I would not feel comfortable handing it to a teen younger than 12th grade. Nevertheless, it is a book every parent and teen should read as a cautionary tale.

[dancingwaves · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I did not like the main character, and so, hard a really hard time with the book. It's not an easy topic, for sure. I also think I had a hard time being that close in the MC's head that I was uncomfortable the entire time. (And it's not that I think books should be fluffy easy, but this was discomfort like I wanted to throw up the whole time.)

[Gabriela Vasquez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow that’s all I can say like others have stated that it gets dragged a little bit too much but her story left me in shock and it really left me thinking it’s such a good book after crank and I can’t wait to read fallout

[Nathaniel Hudson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I listened to Crank, just finished Glass and I'm going to start on the 3rd book right away. I love this series!

[idaho_vandal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First I will say that I am a recovering addict so my review might be a but bias..... But anyone can enjoy this book!!!
I was so happy to know there was
a sequel to Crack. This was a thrilling book that I could not put down. I was so proud of the mother in this story and I found this book to better being I was not angry with the mother.
This was a very real but sad story about relapse and addiction. Although this was a bit predictable story from the start it is one of the most real stories I have red in a long time.
I think anyone who finds them self pregnant with very little sobriety time should really read this book. Also the high school kids who think dating the "bad boy" or dealer is a good idea should read this. Both Crack and Glass would be amazing 8th grade- high school drug education books.
I really hope that she can pull her life together and soon before it is too late but this is really the reality of active addiction.

[smooody106 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always wondered if the author had either experience or knew someone going through these things and it turns out she's been through both. Very good. I love her books.

[khal_khaleesi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

(This review can also be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).

After reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins, I knew I had to read the sequel. It just had to be done. I enjoyed this book a lot, not as much as the first book in the series, but it was still good.

Glass begins where Crank left off. Now Kristina has a baby to take care off. Kristina believes she can control the monster now that she has Hunter to take care of. Little does she know it's not as easy as that. Will Kristina finally give up the monster for good this time to become a good mother?

The title of this sequel to Crank is a great one. Glass is one of the many slang names for the drug Meth. I love the way Hopkins continues to use a slang name for Meth.

Again, I do like the cover to this book. I do prefer the first cover as I loved the black and white simplicity of it. However, the purple cover with the title written in Meth looks good too.

As with the first book in this series, the world building is perfect. It's so easy to lose yourself in Kristina's world. The scenes for each chapter are so easy to imagine.

The pacing of this book is a bit slower than the first one. However, the pacing is still very good. I didn't devour this book like I did Crank, but I still loved it. I don't know why, but Glass just read a bit slower.

Like with the first book in the series, there isn't that much dialogue between characters. However, I loved the internal dialogue Kristina has with herself. It makes Kristina come across as more real and vulnerable. There is swearing in this book so if that bothers you, you don't want to read this book.

I still think Kristina is a fabulous character, and Hopkins does a fantastic job of portraying her like a proper Meth addict that came from a great home life. Kristina is a very well written character, and I really, really loved learning more about her. I was a bit saddened that Chase wasn't really in the second book as I loved him in the first. We do get to meet Trey though who I didn't really like, not because he wasn't written very well, but because of the way he treated Kristina. Brad was definitely one of my favourite characters.

This book is also written in verse like the first one. I like this because it makes the story more interesting to me. Plus, I like it when a book has a short chapter. Long chapters in books really annoy me for some reason.

Glass is a fantastic book and continues from the first book rather smoothly. The pacing is not as fast as the first book, but it's still a great sequel. I've now started on the third and final book in the series.

I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16 due to the bad language and the themes.

I'd give Glass (Crank #2) by Ellen Hopkins a 4.5 out of 5.

[bookscantgetenough · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an amazing book it didn't disappoint. I had a glimpse into a mind of an addict and saw how no matter how much they treat to run the monster will always drags them back.

[thebacklistbook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just as tough to get through as the first one.

[shahnareads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I still want to punch her in the face.
She's so stupid!

Why wouldn't you use condoms. Like seriously now.
I don't have sympathy for her, even though I really like this series.

[kristymk18-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Never have I disliked a main character as much as I do Kristina. At the end of Crank it seems like she is willing to to get her life together and leave behind the world of drugs for her son. But soon enough, in Glass, she goes straight back to "the monster." It controls her, becomes her obsession once again, and destroys her life. Glass is an all too real look at life on drugs, specifically meth. It's heartbreaking and infuriating.

[alsparks324 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent continuation of Crank. Glass picks up the story of Kristina/Bree and her fall back into the world of crystal meth. Extremely true to life account of how drugs can affect the world and judgement of people. Fast read, kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next as Kristina spirals out of control.

[dianalynn5287-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good book by this stylized author, but not as good as its predecessor "Crank". 7/10

[emscape · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story of Kristina’s walk with “the Monster,” aka Methamphetamine, continues in this sequel to Crank. The style is the same, all stream-of-conciousness, few words on each page, really evoking the feeling of being high and out-of-it. Kristina’s consequences increase as she pretty much abandons her son to her mother’s care and goes off in search of more and more meth. The easy style will appeal to the young reader, and impart a cautionary tale that is important for young people to read.

[thoughtsofjoylibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kristina Snow made some major mistakes in the summer prior to her senior year and those mistakes continue to haunt her every day.This follow up is no prettier than its predecessor. It's filled with all the damaging effects that drugs can have on someone's life and how it affects those around them. It was very repetitive, and there were no redeeming qualities to be found, but I was still drawn into the story. I know that Crank (#1) was based on the author's daughter, so I'm assuming this is a continuation of the same. With that always in the back of my mind, I found the story to be captivating. The conclusion to this series titled Fallout will be published in September, 2010. I'm looking forward to it.Originally posted on: Thoughts of Joy

[hollyrae_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy Ellen Hopkins writing style. The book is fast paced, I started it last night and finished it this morning. Once you begin you just get hooked. Im already looking up the next one to purchase it, because I have to know what happens. This book will take you on quite a ride. It really, I feel it gives you an inside look at what it would be like to have the lifestyle of someone on meth. The mindset is crazy. I would recommend this book as a read and overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 because it kept my interest until the very end.

[bookswithbite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great amazing book that crushes your heart and makes you bleed. I mean really, reading this book has really opened my eyes to something I never really seen or felt before. I always seen this type of things go on in movies, or heard through stories, but to really be in someone else's shoes and goes through this has really made an impact on me. Once again this story is about Kristina and the return of her past. I think, that if something returns from your past that you once let go and is now following you, this is your test. Whats it gonna be? Your life or the drugs? Throughout the book we see Kristina struggle so much. Many times, I just wanted to help her get out of what she is doing and be the person she is meant to be.The plot line is the same expect now Kristina has a child. And one thing I always failed to understand is how a parent can choose a drug over a child. After reading this book, I am at a more understanding part of this. Drugs aren't easy to get out of. It has such a strong on hold on the person, like you are a slave to it. I saw Kristina fight so hard, yet fail.This is another great book that will leave you speechless. I admire Ms. Hopkins so much for taking the time to write such true stories like this one. The impact that Ms. Hopkins has on me is something that I will always remember. Her writing and inspiration to write about these subjects has really inspired me.

[sb631 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Glass is the sequel to the book Crank and the second book in a 3 part series. Ellen takes us back into the life of Kristina, who in the first novel had a huge problem with drugs. Now, in Glass, Kristina is a mother. She is determined to not let drugs ruin everything again. But throughout the novel, she struggles with the monster. She wants to stay clear of drugs but they keep pulling her in. She needs them to get through her day and feel alive. I am glad that Ellen wrote a sequel to Crank. I really wanted to know what happens to Kristina. This was a very insightful book into to the life of someone who struggles with drugs. I can't wait to read Fallout, the third book.

[readingthruthenight · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To say that Hopkins has done it again barely covers how freakin' incredible this woman is! (Not just as a writer, but as an advocate against censorship). She grabs your heart and clenches it ever so slightly until you realize a little too late that it's been pulled out of your chest. Simultaneously you are thankful that the book is over while still longing for more.Glass is the continuation of Crank, the story of Katherine and how she gets hooked on Crystal Meth. I read Crank last year and found it heart-wrenching. Man was I surprised to find Glass even more so. Hopkins is not just real (it's loosely inspired by a personal experience) it's raw. I know I sound dramatic here and I don't mean to. BUT IT IS DRAMATIC! Especially when you realize that Kristina, while dealing with the Monster (her euphemism for crank) she's raising a baby. Really? REALLY? And it's like, the whole time I'm reading it, I am fighting with myself. Of course I am pissed at Kristina, she's a mom now. But then I get angry at Kristina's mom for waiting soooo long, even though I know it's hard on the family too. It's this never ending saga of pain and everyone is hurting and falling off of the cliff. Glass is not for the weak of heart, but if you choose to pick it up, I promise you'll be suckered into Kristina's world. I must get my hand on the finally installment.

[acleveland_14 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

this one was my favorite out of the series.it really had to do with addiction and how easily you can fall back into it without meaning to and not realizing that you have a problem or just ignoring the fact that you do have one.it seemed like no matter how much Kristina tried she couldn't see the bigger picture or the truth. instead of thinking of how naive she is i started to feel like this is a girl needs a big does of reality and self-esteem. the sad part is, is that we all know someone who couldn't of or did end up like this. this book really did hit home because a lot of it was so raw.

[elca0720 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kristina deals with addiction to crystal meth and having to be a single mother. She has deals with losing boyfriends and the people she loves because of her addiction.

[hiroshisasaki · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Looser poetry, narrative arc, and reading-compulsion-level than CRANK (just doesn't feel as finely honed, tightly wound, nor, dare i say it, carefully written), but still fulfilling to follow the characters further down their spiral. Just started the 3rd book, FALLOUT, which is so far amazing, and makes powering through GLASS completely worthwhile.

[lynnsigman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sequel to "Crank" - kind of depressing because character only gets worse. I guess that's real life though.

[melissamariel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A teenage girl goes on a wrong path and finds herself doing drugs and what happeneds to her along the way. It shows what these things can do to you and I recommend this to teenagers in high school or about to go into high school. It's a really good book.

[booksandwine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is a song from an obscure 90s movie called Angus, that I can’t get out of my head. It sort of reminds me of Glass by Ellen Hopkins. The song is called Am I Wrong and it’s by Love Spit Love. Basically, there’s just one line that reminds me of the book, “It’s like glass, when we break, I wish no one in my place.” You see, Glass is the sequel to Crank. It is just as powerful as it’s predecessor. As for spoilers, you should probably stop reading right about here, if you have not already read Crank.Glass picks right up where Crank ended. Kristina seems like she is about to make a turn around, be a real parent and quit meth. I mean she’s got a son. She wants to make life right. She’s working on her GED. However, Kristina starts to feel fat, and decides to give the monster a whirl, since meth will make her skinny and pretty again. She thinks, oh, I can handle this, just a little bit here and there. That’s the thing though, isn’t it? Kristina is only human, and meth, well it’s incredibly addictive. What ensues is a downward spiral.I will say, Glass cuts just as badly as Crank. I mean, how can you read these words without your soul clenching? It’s like seeing someone you care about continually make bad decision after bad decision after bad decision. You want to just sit the person down, explain they are being nuts, and please, just stop that. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.I won’t go much further into depth, as I would ultimately repeat what I said about Crank, the free verse works, it’s emotional, it’s hardhitting, it’s excellent.

[khager_9 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Glass picks up where Crank left off. Kristina is back at home with her mom and stepfather, trying to stay clean, get her GED and take care of her baby son (born at the end of Crank). Except it’s not so hard to walk away.Soon after Glass begins, she tries meth and it’s a whole new world and now even harder to stay clean.I think in a lot of ways, Glass is even more heartbreaking than Crank was. In Crank, you saw the good, smart girl making a lot of bad decisions. In Glass, though, you see that she’s just sort of given up on herself and her life. She’s sort of trying to get her GED but not really, and she takes a dead-end job at a 7-Eleven (ostensibly to become more independent but really just so she has easier access to money for meth). Kristina desperately wants to stay clean because she loves her son, but she can’t do it. The best/worst decision she made was turning her son back over to her mom to raise, because she knew that he deserved a better life than she was able to give him. I say worst because you could tell that she loved him and that by giving him up, she was so clearly choosing drugs and not even trying to stay clean anymore.These books are so hard to read, but so important, too.

[fayeflame · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Glass has completely changed my thoughts about Kristen. In Glass I learned more about Kristen and her addicting battle with drugs. All of Ellen's book are always eye opening and interesting to me. Her books are intense. There no sugar coating about it.My thoughts on Kristen have changed. but I can't necessarily say i like her or hate hate. I don't agree with what she does. To me she's acting like a child with a baby. She's 18, i just wanted her to grown up and stop being so boy crazy. I knew it would be hard for her to stop taking Crank/Glass. But i felt that she was more aware. In the book she says she has control. I wish it was control to gradually stop...for herself and the baby. Everybody she was associated with were druggies. You know that's no help. She started drugs to fit in(in Crank) but now the drugs keep her company. She goes to all the wrong people for love, but she's surrounded by love from her family and son Hunter. I think it hurts her to know she's failing...or maybe she has given up...That's what i love about Ellen's books. Her characters have depth. I really care about them. And of course her writing, beautiful but raw. I can't wait to read Fallout!