Impulse

The one thing about Ellen Hopkins' books is that the verse style leaves fewer words per page so you can read a book that is, say, almost 700 pages long in no time flat. It's a great ego boost for teens. I thought this particular offering from her was good and enjoyable, but not 5 star worthy -it could have been better. There is some good characterization of the angst of these three teens in this mental institution. You feel their pain and depression. Sometimes it almost seems like it's thrown in for shock value, but part of the appeal of this book is not being able to turn away from the horrors these kids have gone through. This is not a happy book, but there is some hope and growth for 'some' of the characters. Still, I was left feeling that while the horrific things that happened were striking, it could have been even more powerful if it was told slightly differently. Maybe that's just me. Still, quick and intense in its own way.