SYNC by ELLEN HOPKINS
A REVIEW by ALEXA DUNCAN
Ellen Hopkins, a long-time master of YA literature, has been in the game for many years, starting with her much celebrated, much maligned novel, Crank. Since then, Hopkins has been writing hard-hitting stories for young adults that refuse to shy away from the hard things in life. Sync is no exception.
Following twins, Storm and Lake, Sync tells the story of their very different paths through the foster system and the difficulties they face along the way. They’ve been separated for a long time, with Storm staying at his foster dad’s and spending his days with his girlfriend, Jaidyn. Lake, meanwhile, suffers under the oppressive thumb of her ultra-religious fosters while being a lesbian in love with her roommate. Their already tenuous lives implode and unfortunately, their journeys get worse from there.
Sync is written in Hopkins’ signature verse style. There is a lot of beautiful language within these pages, but there is also something visceral and raw about how Hopkins writes. Both characters have stories worth telling, and both were equally enjoyable. The abrupt ending may upset some readers looking for a more complete story. Nevertheless, Hopkins succeeds at supplying readers with yet another tale of struggle and resilience.
Sync would be perfect for reluctant readers who shy away from longer prose, and those who are already fans of Hopkins’ work.