Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Burned 

by Ellen Hopkins

Released: April 1, 2006
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Series: Burned, Book 1
Followed By: Smoke
Page Amount: 431, US Hardback
POV: 1st Person (Pattyn)
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon

OVERALL:

Plot-20/20
Characters-19/20

Creativity-20/20

Writing-20/20

Pace-10/10

Ending-100000/10

=99/100 A+

★★★★★/5

SUMMARY:

It all started with a dream. Nothing exceptional, just a typical fantasy about a boy, the kind of dream that most teen girls experience. But Pattyn Von Stratten is not like most teen girls. Raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, a simple dream may not be exactly a sin, but it could be the first step toward hell and eternal damnation. It's with a real boy that Pattyn gets into real trouble. After Pattyn's father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control until Pattyn ends up suspended from school and sent to live with an aunt she doesn't know. Pattyn is supposed to find salvation and redemption during her exile to the wilds of rural Nevada. Yet what she finds instead is love and acceptance. And for the first time she feels worthy of both -- until she realizes her old demons will not let her go. Pattyn begins down a path that will lead her to a hell -- a hell that may not be the one she learned about in sacrament meetings, but it is hell all the same. -Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This is far from the first book I read by the genius Ellen Hopkins. Impulse was the first book of hers that I read and I was absolutely crazy about that book and its ending. It reigned as my favorite book of all time...until now. Hopkins really outdid herself with this book. The plot was so unique and encompassed every aspect of Mormon religion and culture. I really enjoyed seeing how main character Pattyn's religion effected her life. Honestly, I was proud for her when she started to find herself and in the process a cute guy. Did Pattyn become reckless too fast in this book? Well, maybe, but as a teenager myself surrounded by other teens, I though that that made this book realistic and raw, which is the kind of literature the YA genre needs more of. Personally, I thought that the plot was flawless. I couldn't stop reading. Let me warn you though, if you have work that needs to be done, postpone this books because I can guarantee you will want to finish it in one sitting like I did. Hopkins is the queen of plot twists so be prepared for a wild, but heartfelt ride. 

Oh man, the characters ripped me apart inside, in a good way! Pattyn was relatable even with her super strict religious background. Pattyn had questions about morals, God, family, relationships, and about her own family, and she searched and lived to find the answers. Personally, I think that Pattyn was right in rebelling. It was necessary for her to find herself and what she truly believes in. When she meets Ethan after being sent away to her aunt's farm, sparks flew. It might have been a little bit insta-love, but for this verse style of book, I think it flowed very well. Ethan was a perfect gentleman and a truly great boyfriend to Pattyn. I loved seeing how they interacted with one another. However it wasn't just the two main characters who got all of the spotlight. Secondary characters such as Aunt J really tugged on my heartstrings too. She had a truly heartbreaking backstory that really touched me. It made me feel like I was getting to know her as Pattyn did. Pattyn's family on the other hand ticked me off. Pattyn's dad is a drunk and an abuser, two things I absolutely despise. His violent nature added to the raw truth that rang throughout this story. Pattyn is a strong, beautiful, and smart girl. She didn't deserve anything she had to go through, but it was an entertaining journey to see her mature and become even stronger because of the pain she underwent.

I don't think I'll ever be the same after reading this ending. I have to admit, it is most definitely the best ending I have ever read. I'm not a heartless person, I just really admire when authors are able to shock readers like me. I've read a couple hundred books in the past few years, and I find it worth it when I read gems with unexpected plot twists like this book. So many books have the same cliche "and then they rode into the sunset" ending. Though I do wish this book had this, I loved it a million times more because it didn't end as sweetly as I expected. I can't even think of a word to adequately convey how amazing this book's ending was. Hopkins is a genius. Although, I will be emotionally scarred from reading this book for a couple weeks, it has opened my eyes to love.   

My Favorite Part: The ending, of course!


ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? YES! Read it NOW!
Will I be reading the next book? Pshhhh, what kind of question is that??? I don't know what the sequel will be about because, well, the book kind of ended with a bang, but I still NEED to read it super soon.


Thanks for reading! Spread the word that It's a Book Thing is back and better than ever!

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Released: May 20, 2008
Publisher: McElderry Books
Page Amount: 666, US Paperback
POV: 1st Person
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon
OVERALL:
Plot-20/20
Characters-20/20
Creativity-20/20
Writing-19/20
Pace-10/10
Ending-9/10
=98/100 A+
★★★★★/5





SUMMARY:
Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide. Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade. Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills. And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself. In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place..Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book... Oh my was it a crazy ride. The plot with the rehab clinic and the suicide attempts really opened my eyes. So many people think of suicide it's not even funny. I feel like at one point or another in all of our lives, we want to die. I really think this book should be read by everyone, but especially those with suicidal thoughts because it shows that you are not alone. Someone is thinking just like you. Don't let the size of this book stop you. Sure it's long, but honestly I read this book faster than most 300 pagers. It is that good and her writing is poetic so it flows beautifully. This book is graphic and realistic, but it exposes the truth of pain and depression and the psychology that goes behind every little thing we feel. This book has everything so please go out and read it.   

The characters were flawless. Every single one of them had their own backstories. Most of them weren't exposed until the very ending and let me ell you, I never saw them coming. Hopkins put so much thought into this book. Vanessa, Tony, and Connor all had their struggles and their pain, but all of that could be explained and solved. It was a very realistic journey with them. They resisted rehab and lied to some therapists, but they learned to open up. Reading all about their progression to happiness was heartachingly beautiful.  

This ending...Ohhh this ending...It makes me want to bang my head against a brick wall. Did I like it? No, I LOVED it. It was perfect, horribly, morbidly perfect. It evoked strong emotions within me, which I loved. I was so surprised by the ending and it was just epic. I feel horrible that that is the way it ended, but it worked. It made sense. Ahhh, you have no idea how many the feelings I have for this ending. I really wish this book didn't end. I was crying and screaming by the very last page. That last line, broke my heart, but was so amazing at the same time. Definitely give this book a try, you won't regret it.
My Favorite Part: The entire freaking book was fantastic. Go buy it, GO BUY IT NOW!

ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Well, absolutely!!!

Thanks for reading!

It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥