Impulse (Impulse #1)

Three teens, sharing only the wish to end it all, meet after their failed suicide attempts in Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital. Each has their own story: Tony can only find his peace in pills after a hellish childhood, Vanessa who has to cut so her secrets don’t tear her apart, and Connor, the picture of perfect who hides an inner turmoil. Together they will fight to forge ahead and write a brighter chapter in their lives.

Ellen Hopkins has a very distinctive style. Her books deal with young people coping with very real issues in a heart-wrenching way, all in free verse poetry. Impulse is no exception as we are presented with issues such as teen suicide, sexuality, and what family means. This is all done with no holds barred, nothing off limits and no sugar coating. Due to this honest and gritty approach, I felt that Hopkins showed a huge amount of respect to both the subject matter, and the audience. Unfortunately, many people have for more negative reactions to this, which I will touch upon later...


For full review, go to: http://nobsbooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/impulse-by-ellen-hopkins.html

Can you ever really get over pain…loss…love? Three teens have their fair share of issues, but can they find redemption in one another?

I was really taken with this story. I have had experience with suicide before. A good friend of mine was the victim. I never will know his side of the story, but reading this book made me feel closer to him somehow. I saw him in Conner.

Conner supposedly had everything. He was smart, hot, and rich. People hear this and think, “Well what’s the problem.” It is hard to look past these things and see the loneliness these people experience.

This was definitely an emotional story. The ending broke my heart. It brought to life all the injustices some people face in a blind world. We think money buys happiness when it doesn’t. We think people people that were blessed with great genes are happy when they aren’t. We believe people placed in unfortunate situations deserve what happens to them when it shouldn’t. I was definitely rooting for a change in these teen’s lives.

Change originates in each individual person. It was a conscience struggle for them. Vanessa struggled with her cutting addiction. Although in the end, there seemed to be no reprieve for that. Tony struggled with his guilt and sexuality. I saw the most progress in him by the end. And Conner… poor Conner struggled to find himself in a world of expectation and pain. His ending was the most tragic.

Hopkins’ books always find a close place in my heart. I always feel a sudden urge to fix the injustices of the world. It saddens me to think that these situations happen everyday. Although I am sure rehabs have peoples best interests at heart, we can see in this book that is does not always provide the help these teens/adults need. Progress towards a better us only happens when we consciously place one determined foot in front of the other.

Reader reviewed by bria

This is the third book by ellen hopkins.It's about three kids who after trying to kill themselfs, go to rehab and meet eachother. Vanessa likes blood and cuts herself to releive herself of thoughts of her past. Conner, had an ephare and when she broke it off, he tried to put a bullet through himself. And Tony, who thinks that he is sure of himself but as the story progresses. tony's thoughts get more and more confused as he tries to figure himself out. This book is amazing, it broke my heart and i wish that there would be a sequel to this great story.

Reader reviewed by Megan

When you try to kill yourself, they send you to one place: Aspen Springs. There, three teens, alike in so many ways but yet different, find themselves. Vanessa, a cutter, Tony, who takes pills, and Connor, who turned to the gun, all start off at the lowest level. But, as they gradually increase levels, they begin to open up to each other. Impulse will definitely open your eyes.

Reader reviewed by Bookluver-Carol

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.
This was a raw, thrilling book. I couldn't put it down. I tried to put it down because it was late and I needed to get up early the next day but I couldn't. I was drawn into the story. The book deals with issues that many teens may have. This is the first book I've read by Ellen Hopkins and it certainly won't be the last. I haven't read a lot of books written in free verse but this book was great. All three characters were connected and the book was so well-written you just couldn't help and care for these characters and wish them well. *Minor Spoiler* I didn't really like the ending because of what happens to one character but I'm glad the other two stayed together. *End of minor spoiler* I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an issue book.

Reader reviewed by Samantha Watt

This book was so amazing, the detail, even thought at first i didn't like the way it was written it made it better that way.

Conner was my fav, I liked Tony tell he got all lovey dovy with Vannessa, same goes with Vanessa.

I still think that Conner and Vannessa should have gotten together. Tony didn't need much saving, Conner needed it.

Though at the end, it didn't clearly say that Conner was dead, it just said that they THOUGHT he was dead. They hadn't taken him to the hospital yet.

Besides the ending i loved it!

Reader reviewed by courtney

This was my second favirote of the ellen hopkins books. i love how it was three different people struggling to live. how they connected to one another and help save each other almost. i love how it was so sad. but you couldnt put it down till you figured out what happened. i would redommend this book to anyone who is going threw a rough time it makes u realize there are things to live for.

Reader reviewed by 18399

The book Impulse by Ellen Hopkins is a very discriptive book. I would recommend it for teens because of what it is about. 

Reader reviewed by Halsey

This book was great from the start. It had a great entrance and amazingly shocking ending. It always kept you on your toes as it gave you a little information at a time but just enough to keep you wanting more. At the first look of the size of the book, it looks like a lot but it's so good, you'll be done within days.

Reader reviewed by vampreviews

this is another by ellen hoppkins, and its pretty good. its about three teenagers who all try to kill themselves and fail, so they get sent to a mental home called aspen springs, ware they meet eachother,there names are tony, vennesa, and conner. aspen springs makes sure that there paitentents are mentaly sane before they leave, wich requires them working togehter.so they must help eachother achive or they all fail.