by Ardhys De Leon, staff reporter
When the lives of three different teens are no longer heading in a straight path, they start to experience the Tilt as they struggle to hold on. Tilt by Ellen Hopkins is an inside look into the lives of three different teens who were minor characters in her previous adult novel, Triangles. Hopkins’ new young adult novel depicts the ability to find the courage to hold on to everything when its starting to slant over the edge.
“Tilt the truth, it becomes a lie.”
The lives of these three different teens can be seen tilting as everything they’ve ever known suddenly become lies. Mikayla is madly in love with her boyfriend Dylan, but their love suffers a major restraint when something unexpected happens, leaving Mikayla stuck between two worlds. Shane is openly gay and finds his first true love, but when death shadows the ones he loves, he finds himself uncertain of what the future might hold. Harley struggles with her identity in search of attention from boys, unaware of the self-destructive path this might lead her.
In September 2012, Tilt made the third place in The New York Times bestseller list and received 4.2 stars out of 5 on Amazon and 4 out of 5 stars from Barnes and Nobles customers. So far, it seems teens are loving this book.
“I’ve noticed [students] are very attracted to her books…it is a safe outlet for them.” English teacher Ms. Marks, said.
Ellen Hopkins delivers another dramatic, captivating book that tackles the true life issues many teens face today. Her poetic style format, makes it approachable and easy to dive into. In Tilt Hopkins successfully evaluates the controversial issues of pregnancy, HIV and self-destruction. Making this book very appropriate for her audience of teenagers ages 14 and up.
“Her style is very unique which is why I like to read her books, there’s so much energy in her writing and so much emotion that it compels [you] to read more.” sophomore, Adva Fuchs said.
Hopkins insight of problems faced by teens comes from prior knowledge in dealing with her daughter Kristina, who gives into drugs and becomes a teen mom. Her trilogy Crank, Glass, and Fall Out come from the problems her daughter faced and are the books that have paved the way for all her other novels. Her books are cautionary tales, informing teens of the effects certain wrong decisions might have.
“I think there is at least one character in each novel that she’s written [about] that teens can connect to. You truly fall in love with the characters and learn their story and feel like you know them.” junior, Alexa Laspisa said.
