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.
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12 books in catalog
Free-verse young adult fiction gained a prominent voice in 2004 with the publication of Crank, a novel dealing candidly with addiction and personal trauma. Ellen Hopkins established a distinct literary presence through verse novels that confront difficult real-world issues affecting teenagers and adults. Recognized by Media Bistro as the bestselling living poet in the country, she has authored fourteen young adult novels, two middle grade books, and four adult novels.
Born on March 26, 1955, in Long Beach, California, Ellen Hopkins was adopted at birth by Albert C. Wagner and Valeria Wagner. She attended Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Crafton Hills College, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Hopkins began her writing career in 1990 as a freelance journalist and poet, publishing hundreds of articles and twenty educational nonfiction titles before pivoting to fiction. Her daughter's struggle with crystal methamphetamine addiction inspired Crank, which launched her career as a New York Times bestselling author. Beyond writing, she founded Ventana Sierra, a Nevada-based nonprofit initiative supporting youth housing and resources, and lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband, John Hopkins.
Hopkins writes primarily in free verse, utilizing poetic line breaks, visual typography, and open space to reflect the emotional turbulence of her characters. Her work addresses complex issues such as substance abuse, mental health, trauma, eating disorders, and human trafficking. Drawing on research and extensive correspondence with teenage readers, she constructs raw, accessible narratives that explore personal recovery and resilience.
