The Story Siren: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Friday, October 30, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Release Date: August 25, 2009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 627
Overall:

From: publisher
Interest: author
Buy the Book: Amazon/Indiebound

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two boys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is that they can have all of these things when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons. Five moving stories remain seperate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up.

Three words; heartbreaking, depressing & nightmare

I had a really hard time getting through this book. Not because it was poorly written, but because it was heartwrenching. I was disgusted, I was appaled, I was depressed.

I couldn't definitely feel a emotional change in myself the week I read this book. It took me a long time to want to read something again... and I just wanted something light and fluffy.

Hopkins is a powerful writer and I give her kudos for writing about these issues, I know I could never do it. I can't imagine the state you would feel after writing something like this. Hopkins amazes me, she never fails to touch a cord with me.

Thanks Ellen.

Gritty, graphic, real. Tricks is a powerful read.

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View an in depth look into my Star Rating.

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12 comments:

Kelsey said...: I really want to read this! I've loved all her other books.

Great review!; October 30, 2009 3:58 PM
Bianca said...: I'm dying to read this! I love all of Ellen's novels!

Nice review!; October 30, 2009 4:40 PM
Frankie Diane Mallis said...: I want to read this but I'm worried I'll have the same reaction you had. Ellen Hopkins intimidates me.; October 30, 2009 4:44 PM
Erin said...: I have never read Ellen Hopkins before, but I own Crank and was gonna work my way through all of her novels. I am hoping that she writes stories that move you because I have a hard time with just plain ole sad ones...; October 30, 2009 4:51 PM
L. Diane Wolfe said...: I met her a few years ago when we were on a panel discussion together. She is quite talented!; October 30, 2009 5:06 PM
Rhiannon Hart said...: I really want to read this and Crank. I'm glad you enjoyed it, even though it was draining.; October 30, 2009 5:17 PM
Kailana said...: I am looking forward to reading this. I have enjoyed Hopkins so far. :); October 30, 2009 11:35 PM
Sab H. said...: It was really hard for me to review this one! You did a great job! ;D; October 31, 2009 10:50 AM
Lauren said...: This sounds like it's not just a story, it's an emotional experience you lived through as you read it. I'm hoping to read some Ellen Hopkins soon, because I keep hearing how amazing her work is. Thanks for the review.; October 31, 2009 1:44 PM
Amy said...: Your review is terrific. This sounds like a tough book to read but one that's worthwhile and addresses important issues. It's definitely going on my TBR list!

Thanks!; October 31, 2009 4:01 PM
Cat said...: I really want to read this, but I can't get into books written in verse. It doesn't feel like a novel to me.; April 5, 2010 10:54 PM
Anonymous said...: I read all her books. All deeply depression,however every memorible.; June 19, 2010 10:21 AM