Editorial Review
Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.
Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.
Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.
And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.
In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.
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Customer Reviews
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins 
2008-04-03
A friend of mine owned this book first and lent it to me a couple weeks ago. I actually just finished it today. This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. Every aspect of this book is pretty much flawless. This book is so good I caught myself reading it for hours at a time...and I never read. It's just that good. I will absolutely be buying this book for myself...I hate to see it go. The only thing is that this book directly ended on page 666, and I will admit that that creeped me out a little bit (the story is totally worth it, though).
insightful 2008-03-03
Impulse was such a great book. I loved following the characters through their daily problems. Each person has a different point of view on things and acts differently. This is real life! Finally an author who can write about real life and know what they are talking about. The characters in this book are easy to relate to. All of them are in for a different, but ultimately the same reason. This book offers a lot of twists that I did not expect. I was sad at the end of the book. But overall, i was able to walk away with a new insight into lives of those that are not too happy. A must read for all, especially parents of kids and kids themselves.
For the Creative Mind 
2008-01-10
Vanessa was a troubled beauty, Conner was a depressed hunk, and Tony was the childhood disaster. Different lives but all similar pasts. Drawn together at Aspen Springs by a tragic choice of suicide from hate, love, depression, and the thrust to die. During their stay at Aspen Springs, they will have to face their past and their deep dark secrets of death, family, and longing heart for the gone loved ones. Inside the walls of Aspen Springs a different life arouses for the better or the worst for Vanessa, Tony, and Conner. Knowing the truth of them selves will soon be discovered.
Ellen Hopkins has a unique style of writing that had me hypnotized through out the book. I could not put the book down when I started. Instead of reading page after page full of text, Hopkins writes the story beautifully and poetically. I, myself never knew how poetry could tell such an invigorating story. I fell in love with the characters and their story. The story flowed wonderfully through out. "Impulse" was an insightful for teen depression and what goes through their head.
If you like a new experience in reading Ellen Hopkins has written it for you. With her intriguing way of writing will have you mesmerized. I recommend this book to young adult reader over the age of 14. People with a creative mind set will enjoy this book.
alright 
2008-01-07
I don't regret reading this book but the end completely ruined it for me. I love books like this I just can't understand why then ending was so bad :(
My teen daughter loved this book 2008-01-03
She's read everything so far by this author and is very impressed by her writing and her books. She read it straight through, and she's not a big fan of reading! But she was fascinated by this story and its characters.
Impulse is a hit! 2008-07-24
I just love reading Ellen Hopkins books. Although Crank and Glass are my favorites, Impulse is a very close third. I love that we get three perspectives in this novel. The way that Ellen is able to reach teenage audiences impresses me every time. I will continue to buy and recommend all her books to my high school students. Thanks Ellen!!
Tells It Like It Is 2008-07-01
This is a good book because it tells it alot like it is. The writing format I didn't like but the poem at the beginning was inspiring. When I started reading it I was reading it like a poem because of the style but it was still good.
best book ever 2008-06-21
Hopkins is an incredible author! I believe all of her books are brilliant! This is by far my favorite. Must read!
More to life than Jonas Bros! 2008-05-19
I got this book for my 13 year old for Easter. My child finished it within a week, talking about nothing but the book most of the time. Prior to reading this, all I heard about was the Jonas Brothers! Nice to see there is more to my child's life than their band (no offense, guys)! According to my child (I didn't get to read it yet, as others have already been borrowing it due to the reviews my child gave it), it is a great book!
From a teacher's point of view 
2008-05-19
Ms. Hopkins does know her audience. 7-9th grade girls will find this a real page turner. As an English teacher, I like to keep up on young adult literature, and when students saw this book on my desk, many had already read it or at least knew of it.
It's not a book for class, meaning that it doesn't need much explaining. Each chapter is a two-page "poem" that always includes a punch line by the last two to four lines. Silly and predictable, it's a book for any drama queen in the making.
To view some of my other book reviews: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/1128814
