Quick Take

Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back. Crash Into Me puts readers in the driver's seat with four teens teetering on the edge of suicide. But will their cross country odyssey push them all the way over? Only the final page turn will tell, in Albert Borris's finely-crafted tale of friendship forged from a desperate need of connection.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Crash Into Me

Introduction

"Crash Into Me" by Albert Borris is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that delves into the lives of four teenagers who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. The book explores the complexities of depression, friendship, and the human desire to connect with others. With its gripping narrative and relatable characters, "Crash Into Me" has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its honest portrayal of mental health issues and the resilience of the human spirit.

About Albert Borris

Albert Borris, the author of "Crash Into Me," is a national award-winning student assistance counselor. With a background in working with teens, Borris brings a unique perspective to the book, drawing on his experiences in suicide prevention, drug abuse issues, and peer leadership for youth. As a teacher and counselor, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people and uses his knowledge to create compelling stories that resonate with readers.

Analysis of Views

Morbid and Depressing: Some readers found the book to be morbid and depressing, with a focus on suicide and mental health issues. They appreciated the honesty with which these themes were addressed, but felt that the book was heavy and difficult to read at times.
Engaging Characters: Many readers praised the characters in "Crash Into Me," particularly Owen, Jin-Ae, Audrey, and Frank. They found these characters relatable and well-developed, with unique personalities and backstories that added depth to the story.
Friendship and Connection: The book explores the power of friendship and connection in overcoming difficult times. Readers appreciated how the characters bonded over their shared experiences and supported one another throughout their journey.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the dark themes, readers found hope and resilience in "Crash Into Me." They appreciated how the book portrayed the importance of seeking help, finding support, and recognizing that life can be worth living even in the face of adversity.
Engaging Writing Style: Borris's writing style was praised for being easy to read and engaging. Readers found the book to be well-written and accessible, with a flow that kept them invested in the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Honest Portrayal of Mental Health Issues: Readers appreciated the way "Crash Into Me" tackled sensitive topics such as suicide and depression. The book provided a frank and honest portrayal of mental health struggles, which resonated with those who have experienced similar challenges themselves or know someone who has.
Relatable Characters: The characters in "Crash Into Me" were praised for being relatable and well-developed. Readers found themselves invested in their journeys and appreciated the depth and complexity of their personalities.
Positive Messages: The book conveyed positive messages about friendship, connection, and hope. Readers appreciated how "Crash Into Me" showed that even in difficult times, it is possible to find support and meaning in life.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Morbidity: Some readers found the book to be too morbid and depressing, feeling that it focused too heavily on suicide and mental health issues. They preferred lighter reads or books that explored these themes more subtly.
Predictability: A few readers felt that the book was predictable, with a clear trajectory towards the characters' decision to commit suicide. They felt that the ending was somewhat contrived and lacked surprise or impact.
Limited Character Development: Some readers felt that certain characters, particularly Jin-Ae, were not fully developed or explored in depth. They wished for more insight into their motivations and backstory to enhance their understanding of their actions and choices.

Conclusion

"Crash Into Me" by Albert Borris is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of depression, friendship, and human connection. While some readers found it morbid and depressing, others appreciated its honest portrayal of mental health issues and its exploration of hope and resilience. Borris's writing style was praised for being engaging and accessible, making "Crash Into Me" a compelling read for those seeking a gripping story with relatable characters. Overall, "Crash Into Me" offers a powerful message about the importance of seeking help, finding support, and recognizing that life can be worth living even in the face of adversity.