lot of hoping. But hey,
I’ve always been
an optimist…
…don’t ask me why.
author’s note
This book continues the story begun in my first novel, Crank. Both books, while fiction, are loosely based on the very real story of my daughter’s walk with “the monster” drug crystal meth. Our family is healing, but will always wear the scars of the monster. I hope that by opening our windows and letting you peek inside, you will gain some insight about the nature of addiction.
about the author
Ellen Hopkins has been called “the bestselling living poet in the country” by mediabistro.com. Her first book, Crank, was a New York Times bestseller, and her most recent bestselling book, Identical, was praised as “sharp and stunning . . . brilliant” in a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. She lives with her family in Carson City, Nevada. Be sure to check out Ellen Hopkins online at ellenhopkins.com and myspace.com/ellenhopkins.
A Reading Group Guide to Glass by Ellen Hopkins
PREREADING ACTIVITY
Ask students one of the following: 1) What do you know about the drug meth? 2) Why might a seemingly "perfect" teen turn to meth? 3) To what extent would you be willing to support an immediate family member who is addicted to meth?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In the opening of Glass, Hopkins reminds the reader of Kristina Snow's fall "into the lair of the monster," a metaphor for meth. How is the word monster an appropriate metaphor for meth?
Kristina's alter ego, Bree, takes over when she is high on meth. What does Kristina mean when she says she made a "conscious decision" to turn into Bree?
Kristina meets Trey, a user and drug dealer, and falls head over heels for him. A year previously she had fallen for Adam, who introduced her to meth. After their relationship, why does Kristina fall for Trey, another drug dealer? What characteristics does he have that draw her in? Why does she maintain this relationship even though she knows Trey has other girlfriends?
Kristina knows that she should resist the monster. Why do you think she lacks the strength? Why might recovering addicts believe they can use again but control their drug habit?
Chase, a boyfriend from Crank, has a minor role in this novel. When Kristina encounters him, she is somewhat tentative. What feelings does she have for him? Why do you think Hopkins develops the scene in which Kristina encounters Chase with his new wife?
Kristina's mother and stepfather want Kristina to heal. Why does Kristina journey down the wrong path again? What emotions exist between Kristina and her mother? Between her stepfather and Kristina?
Would you describe the way Kristina feels as "empty"? Explain. How much power do Kristina's parents have to help her? Could they have done anything to prevent her from spiraling downward again? If so, what?
Kristina became hooked on meth when visiting her biological father, a meth user. When her father pays a visit on her birthday, Kristina shares her own stash with him. Describe their relationship. In what ways is her relationship with her father similar to her relationship with her mother? How is it different?
Does Trey genuinely care for Kristina? Does Brad? Cite scenes to support your response.
Does Kristina feel parental attachment to Hunter in the beginning of the story? Explain. Do her feelings toward him change throughout the story? If so, in what way?
Does Kristina grow throughout the story? Why or why not? Cite passages to support your tho
ughts.
Kristina's mother "throws her out" and/or refuses to see her while she is addicted. Does her mother take appropriate steps by turning her away?
Glass contains numerous shape poems. Identify two shape poems and explain the meaning of these forms. What effect do they have on the overall story? Why do you think Hopkins chose these shapes?
Glass begs for another follow-up in the series. What might happen to Kristina now that she and Trey have been busted? Will she distance herself from Trey or will they continue their relationship? Will she rejoin her family and resist the monster?
ACTIVITIES
Organize a drug awareness campaign in your school and/or community. You may develop brochures outlining the dangers of meth and invite a guest speaker (ex., adolescent therapist) to your school, church/synagogue, etc., to speak to your peers.
Re-examine the shape poetry found in Glass. Write your own poem in a shape that suits the poem's theme. You may create a Shape Poetry Collection that when read together convenes a theme or short story.