iMPULSE..

"It's called Aspen Springs, and it's the place where you go when you've reached the end."

This is how Ellen Hopkins begins to tell the story of three teenagers who are stuck at Aspen Springs, in her book Impulse. This book teaches a great lesson about teen suicide and abuse. Depressing? Yes, it is. But, there are still many valuable lessons to be learned.

The story is told in three different point of views, Vanessa, Tony, and Conner. Each of the characters have experienced some type of abuse. Whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual, the abuse has caused each of the teenagers to attempt suicide. The teens are in a psychiatric facility, Aspen Springs, where they undergo therapy so that someday they might be able to live a normal life.

The split up point of views and Ellen Hopkins's unique free verse writing style make this seemingly long book a very easy read. The verse also lets the reader see into the minds of the teens and all the trauma each has been through.

Each stay at Aspen Springs ends at level four, a survival course. Read to find out if these damaged teenagers can make it through level four, get out of Aspen Springs, and get back to their normal lives. I loved this book, and I know you will too!