FlumeAward – Tilt Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
As usual, Ellen Hopkins has written an amazing book exploring the various issues teens face as they grow up. In this one, a varied group of teens, whose connections are revealed throughout the book, deal with first love, sex, conformity, drugs, grief, rape, AIDS, pregnancy & sexual orientation (did I miss anything?), while also dealing with their parents’ choices & foibles: infidelity, alcoholism, depression, midlife crises, lack of involvement, etc. The characters here are taken from Hopkins’ adult novel "Triangles," but this book is from the teens’ perspective of events.
I was not as immediately drawn into this book as I have been with her others. That said, once in, I was hooked. Hopkins describes emotions so perfectly you feel them right along with her characters, and even as you see where certain choices are most certainly leading, you also see the thought process behind them (however flawed). I am definitely interested in reading "Triangles" now, to piece together the puzzle "Tilt" frames. I don’t know that this is Hopkins’ strongest book, but it is a solid one, and would be a good recommendation for Flume. Hopkins has a loyal following, and this may be a favorite among teen voters come next spring.
-Lucia, Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham, 2/26/13
Another great book by Hopkins. I had not read Triangles, so it was fun to discover the how the three main characters were connected, and I loved the tidbits of secondary character’s views. I don’t totally get how the tag-line fits in, as it implies the story is about lies. It seems to be more about secrets than lies, but many consider secrets a kind of lie so I guess it fits. But that’s just a picky thing. The outmath of the rape (or lack, thereof) was disappointing – but unfortunately realistic, which would be a good talking point. Packed full of issues, but realistically and compellingly so. – Liz, Merrimack Public 3/12/13
This was the first Hopkins book I’ve read. I also had a hard time getting into it but then I was drawn in. I didn’t particularly love it but I could definitely see it being very popular with teens (I probably would have liked it more when I was a teen). It’s written the same way her other books are, in short poems by each of the characters. It took a little getting used to but then it was interesting, and I think it’s a good option for reluctant readers. Caitlin, Bedford Public Library
I started this, but I didn’t finish. I stole the italicized portion from another reviewer on Goodreads.
The plot, the characters – Hopkins keeps reusing them. There’s always this one gay stereotype, a teenage pregnancy stereotype, a young innocent girl stereotype, and a druggie stereotype. At least three of them are always in her books.
I also think her prose (and I love this kind of writing) is not catchy like it used to be and doesn’t hold my attention. I am not violently opposed to this being on the list, but it makes me wary when 2 of our reviewers say they had a hard time getting into it. Will the average teen persevere?
Kathy Watson
Kimball Library (Atkinson)
I have to agree with Kathy Watson. I have read other books by Ellen Hopkins. This time around, I was not as drawn in or impressed with the characters as I have in the past. I also feel like she’s re-using a lot of characters she has in the past and I did not feel as engaged this time around. The plot and the characters feel like shadows of some of her characters in other books. I didn’t feel like it hit me as emotionally either and the their lives didn’t resonate with me this time. I guess if you have never read any of her books, then this one may grab you. I preferred Crank, Glass and Burned better.
-Mary Ann Rogers (Pelham High School)