Impulse

by Ellen Hopkins

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of Crank, the story of three kids whose lives collide at a mental hospital after each attempts suicide.

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

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,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416903577
• ISBN13: 9781416903574
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Length: 688 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 5.0" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Book is all poetry

The description of the book fails to mention that the entire book is in verse meaning that it is poetry throughout. This is a warning to anyone who isn’t a fan of poetry, this book probably isn’t for you.

Sobbed like a baby omg

Iv never been so invested in an author like how I am with Ellen Hopkins. Read most of her books but THIS ONE!? Jesus Christ iv never ugly cried over a book the way this one made me. It’s such a sad story but it resonates with me bc of how much I relate to the characters. Kind of scary actually. But 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting to start reading Ellen Hopkins books!! Also, pls be aware of the trigger warnings in this book if you are easily triggered. Only read it if you feel comfortable and mentally okay to do so <3

Lovely

An amazing angsty teen book, Ellen's writing is like poetry. Love her books

Another beautiful story by one of the greatest authors.

Beautiful and sad. But I would still suggest to everyone who is looking for a good read.

Love elen hopkins

I have never read a book by her so far I haven't liked. I've read all but 1 of her YA books and have recently started her adult series. This book is worth the money.

Loved this book....

Keeping with Ellen Hopkins writing style she once again didn't disappoint. Just ordered the sequal perfect and I'm sure it will b just as good.

As someone who finds it difficult to start and stay interested in a book this is one of my favorites all of this authors books are the format of the book is very interesting makes you want to read it before you have even started definitely recommend.

WOW!

"Impulse" is not an easy book to read. The plot is rather dark: three teenagers find themselves at the same psychiatric clinic after failed suicide attempts. Vanessa slit her wrist a little too deep during her "routine" cutting experiment. Conner tried to shoot himself in the chest. Tony overdosed on pills. The reasons seem to be typical - Vanessa suffers from bipolar disorder and cutting is her only way to get her mood swings under control. Conner is going through a severe case of heartbreak after his relationship with his girlfriend is over. Toni is an addict who sells his body for drugs. But as the story progresses, the lives and experiences of these teenagers unfold in front of our eyes and we learn that there are much deeper reasons for these kids to desire to end their lives. The only reason I picked up this book was because I needed to read something in verse for my reading challenge. I am not a big fan of poetry, so my expectations were rather low. But as soon as I opened the book and read the first lines, I was hooked. The writing is so vivid and emotionally charged, I couldn't keep the story out of my head. I've read stories about similar subject matter in the past, but this book was by far the most memorable for me. I guess verse just adds even more impact to the narration as it skims over unnecessary details and focuses on raw emotion. I will definitely read more of Hopkins in future, maybe after taking a good long break from "Impulse," I need some time to settle my mind...

best book ever

Hopkins is an incredible author! I believe all of her books are brilliant! This is by far my favorite. Must read!

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

A friend of mine owned this book first and lent it to me a couple weeks ago. I actually just finished it today. This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. Every aspect of this book is pretty much flawless. This book is so good I caught myself reading it for hours at a time...and I never read. It's just that good. I will absolutely be buying this book for myself...I hate to see it go. The only thing is that this book directly ended on page 666, and I will admit that that creeped me out a little bit (the story is totally worth it, though).

My teen daughter loved this book

She's read everything so far by this author and is very impressed by her writing and her books. She read it straight through, and she's not a big fan of reading! But she was fascinated by this story and its characters.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Three troubled teens cross paths at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after attempting suicide. Connor, Tony, and Vanessa all have demons that try to pull them under and get them to succumb to the temptation to try it again; this time making sure they succeed. Connor's overbearing family, only concerned about his GPA, or his making the varsity football team, or getting into an Ivy League college, offer no solace during his time of need. Feeling suicide is the only answer after a deeply emotional love affair ends, he takes a gun and points it to his chest before pulling the trigger. Tony, after many years in a juvenile home for a crime that still haunts him, decides to ease his feelings of despair and loneliness by swallowing a handful of pills, only to vomit them up and be found by the police lying on the sidewalk unconscious. Vanessa is a cutter. In order to ease her mind in any time of stress she slices her skin with anything sharp enough to do the job. One day, when she was drowning in her blue ocean of sadness, she cuts too deep. She feels herself slipping into the abyss until her younger brother, Bryan, walks in and finds her. When he calls for their ex-nurse Grandma, she is able to hold off death. After arriving at Aspen Springs, Connor, Tony, and Vanessa are introduced to a life under constant surveillance, strict routines, and hours and hours or counseling. Immediately the three form a bond, feeling drawn to one another as if they might be able to save each other from death. Together they navigate the regulations of the hospital and make progress toward healing as they tell each other their deepest, darkest secrets; things they won't even tell their counselors. Ellen Hopkins uses her wonderful free verse style to weave together the story of three troubled teens as they attempt to heal the terrible scars left by their lives. The consistency the author uses when alternating the points of view makes the story easy to follow. Hopkins gives away just enough information that the reader feels a part of the story while still saving a big bang for the end. IMPULSE is a great story that reveals the importance of family during the healing process and is a must read for anyone who knows a teen. Reviewed by: Karin Perry