Smoke
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Series: Burned #2
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Poetry
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Summary:
First Sentence: Some things you can’t take back, no matter how much you wish you could.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
My Review:
I’ll start my review with this: the ending of Burned scarred me for life. After reading and finishing the lengthy book, I was in desperate need for some answers and desperately hoping that there was a sequel so I will finally get some solid answers. Did Pattyn go through with it? Does everything happen exactly as planned? What happens next? Most of all, why was Ellen Hopkins torturing us with that open ending?! Several months ago, when I heard that Ellen Hopkins was going to write a sequel to Burned, words can not describe how happy I felt. Never in a million years would I think that I would get an ARC of Smoke to quench my curiosity, but alas, I did. Thank goodness Smoke gave me some closure and a sort-of happy ending for both Pattyn and Jackie.
For those of you who have never read an Ellen Hopkins book before because you thought that her books were just plain poetry, newsflash: you’re wrong. The formatting of Ellen Hopkins’ may look like poetry, but in reality, you can read her books like they are just any other book out there. The format is written in a poetry format to place emphasis on certain words and events Ellen Hopkins writes about on that page. If you actually try reading one of Ellen Hopkins’ books, you’ll know what I mean. In fact, I think that Ellen Hopkins’ books are all easier to read than The Odyssey was.
Of course, how many people live unafraid? To truly embrace courage, I think, requires one of two things – unshakable faith that death is no more than a portal to some Shangri-la reunion. Or zero belief at all. (ARC 124)
Smoke was heartbreakingly beautiful – the book tugged on my heartstrings relentlessly. I was tearing up and crying throughout the book. I felt sorry for Jackie, sorry for Pattyn, and sorry for the awful situation they were both in. While I was reading Smoke, I couldn’t help but tear up like crazy, which was not so good for me because I was reading it while I was riding on the subway on my way to school. I couldn’t stop tearing up and I could feel everybody’s eyes on me. Smoke was one emotional ride, literally.
Not only did Smoke make me cry, Smoke also made me absolutely furious, although not at the book itself, but at some of the characters in the book. I was boiling mad during some scenes, so mad that I just wanted to throw the book across the room, fling some of my notebooks around, and maybe even stomp my feet like a little kid throwing a tantrum. Few authors can really drag that feeling out of me and Ellen Hopkins is one of the select few authors.
Do dreams sort out memories, or are they only closets where monsters hide? (ARC 314)
Smoke also made me question my morals. Right from the start, readers know that Pattyn and Jackie’s father is dead and that Pattyn’s gun killed him. Smoke focused on the aftermath of their father’s death throughout the book: Pattyn remembering the old dad she knew, Jackie trying to remember what had happened, both of them feeling very guilty, and all I’m thinking is thank goodness their father died; he deserves to die. I know it’s wrong to feel that way, but I just couldn’t help but feel that way. Pattyn’s father made them suffer so much and what he did to Jackie was just plain sick. He caused them both so much pain in Burned that frankly, I think he deserves to die.
…time is determined to tarry, teasing, and trying to push it forward faster is a losing proposition. No use staring at the clock, wiling its cooperation. The second hand spins at its own pace. (ARC 331)
Although Smoke has some parts that was focused on the Mormon religion, I didn’t get the whole religious and preachy vibe from it. I just felt informed about the Mormon religion and learned about Pattyn and Jackie’s conflicting feelings for it and their God. I have to admit that I was feeling a bit bored when I read all those religion parts though.
You guys, you should definitely pick up a copy of Smoke now. I even pre-ordered my copy about a month ago, especially since Amazon has it for so cheap right now. (It’s currently on sale for $11.99 aka 40% off. That’s a steal!) If you haven’t read the first book, Burned, I strongly suggest you do it now. You seriously can’t live without reading this series. It will tug on your heartstrings, make you bawl, and most of all, make you question the world we live in.
*sigh* I really need to start this series…don’t I? I’ve heard so many amazing things about this series!! Great review Kelly(:
Happy reading
Jackie
Jackie recently posted…Stacking the Shelves
YES, START THIS SERIES JACKIE. Yes, that needs to be in all caps. You’ll see TONS of awesome. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books That You Wish Were Taught In Schools
I love EllenHopkins! Her books are so incredibly poignant and I love the format of them. Definitley haven’t read anything like her books before.
Agreed. I’ve been trying to get everyone who haven’t read any of her books yet to give them a try. They definitely won’t regret it, don’t you think? ;D
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books That You Wish Were Taught In Schools
I’ve never read any of Ellen Hopkins books before, but you have convinced me to try at least one of her books. I want to see the writing you’re talking about.
Great review!
You should start with either Crank or Burned Jane!
Thank you! (:
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books That You Wish Were Taught In Schools
I haven’t read an Ellen Hopkins book yet, but the one I once came close to was Burned, so maybe I’ll give it a try sometime and then get this one. Glad you enjoyed it!
Briana @ Bree’s Books recently posted…Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
You should definitely give Burned a try Briana! I guarantee that you won’t regret it. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Read The Acknowledgements Page?
I love Ellen Hopkin’s books. I’ve read every one of them and I will definitely be reading this one! My worry is that it’s been too long since I’ve read Burned. Should I reread it? Do you think Smoke is okay to read if you barely remember Burned? Gahhh.. Why does reading have to be so complicated? Still, I’m glad that you enjoyed it and are spreading the love! I always think more people should read her work. I’m not much into poetry, but her books are so much more than that!
Asti (A Bookish Heart) recently posted…Bookish Thoughts: A Bookish Heart’s Features and Schedules
Yay! A fellow Ellen Hopkins fan! High five! :D<3
I didn't reread Burned because I remember everything that had happened in Burned. If you don't remember much, I don't think you need to reread Burned because Smoke has recaps of what had happened in Burned.
I know! I always feel like I need to spread the Ellen Hopkins love. EVERYBODY needs to read her books! ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Read The Acknowledgements Page?
Perhaps I’m just a little stupid or my brain just can’t process books written in the way of prose like Hopkins’ books, but I just can’t get into them! I wish I could. I have tried several, and it just never works out for me. :(
Aww, that’s sad to hear about Rachel. D:
But yeah, sometimes you just can’t help these things. >___< Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Once We Were – Kat Zhang
I am not scared, I will not be scared of poetic stylized writing, I am not scared, I will not be scared LOL Just a little mantra going on here to get me in gear for reading this series. I admit to often shying away from the more poetical style reads and really cannot say why; just not for me I guess. However, I am definitely intrigued by your review and will be checking out this series. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You shouldn’t be scared Denise! Like I said, the style may be poetic, but you can read Ellen Hopkins’ books like they are any other normal book out there. ;D
Don’t worry, you’ll absolutely LOVE this series.
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
Wow- sounds like you really drawn in! I love it when a story makes you think :)
Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…Banned Book Week 2013
I was definitely drawn in. Ellen Hopkins has the special ability to do that to me.
Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!
Cool review. ;) I wonder if they will ever make movies out of Ellen’s books because they are so popular.
Thanks Cali! :D
I don’t think they will – it’ll be too hard for people to watch. o:
Plus, the actor will have to go through fake drugs, fake prostitution, fake sexual status, etc.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
OMG! I need to read an Ellen Hopkins book ASAP! Her books are in my TBR list for a long long time! I purchased Identical, but i really really want to read Crank and Impulse, that sounds AMAZING!
That series sounds awesome too and I hope to read it soon.
thanks for the review =)
You definitely do need to read an Ellen Hopkins book asap!
Oh my goodness, Identical will scar you for life Kassi! I read it around three years ago, and I still get shocked every time I think of that twist.
Crank and Impulse are also amazing. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
I literally just finished reading this book. I was devastated by the ending of Burned, too. When I found out about the sequel, I totally flipped. Now that I’m done, I must say, I did not expect this at all. It was absolutely amazing (that I did expect), but everything that happened was CRAZY. I know what you mean about wanting to throw the book across the room. The characters that pissed me off the most were Deidre and Caleb. I mean, seriously. They are sick people :l
But I loved what Ellen Hopkins did here. She did give the Von Strattens a bit of closure. It’s definitely not like the ending of Burned at all. Sure, some things are up in the air, but it’s pretty obvious where they’re heading and I appreciate that.
I’m actually surprised that I didn’t cry during this book. I got really close several times, but I didn’t want to be blinded by my tears (which would make it impossible to read), so I guess that’s why I didn’t.
So glad you enjoyed it like I did! The poetry is actually something that drew me in because I had never seen anything like it before I read Ellen Hopkins’s Impulse. And I fell in love with how easy it is to read, and all the secret messages. I love her writing, it’s so beautiful<3
Joanna recently posted…Writing Adventures #2
YES. I’m SO glad you enjoyed it! :D<3
And oh my goodness, I HATED Deidre and Caleb, but then again, there are horrible people like them in the world. Ellen Hopkins is just SO realistic in her books.
Ha ha, you know what I imagined had happened after Burned before Smoke was released? I was hoping that Pattyn shot everybody that did wrong to her because they deserved it. But yeah, I'm really happy with Smoke either way. :P
High five fellow Ellen Hopkins fan! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins