Crank Exploration Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Poem Title, Stanza)

Quote #1

That guy was really something—a rebel and worse. In a day when it was supposed to be okay to experiment that way. No condoms, just good, gay fun. We know better now. (Light-Headed.4)

Kristina's reflection on Freddie Mercury's sexual behavior might clue her in about the dangers that come with sexual experimentation and exploration, but that part doesn't seem to register for her. She may say that we "know better," but clearly isn't applying this observation to her own rebellion.

Quote #2

Have you ever tried smoking it? She was the first to even suggest it. Robyn the Reno High cheerleader proceeded to show me a whole new way to get down with the monster. (Timing is Everything.6)

As if being introduced to snorting crank isn't bad enough, Kristina's connection with shady characters like Robyn only further her exploration of drugs by providing her with new ways to use them. Moral of the story? Cheerleaders aren't always good girls.

Quote #3

I meant to analyze Chase's limits that very weekend, to learn just how far I could stretch him at the edges, to judge how wide I might warp his self-imposed morality. Don't ask me why I felt the incredible need to test this person that meant so very much to me. (I Meant.1-5)

Kristina's experimentation with drugs actually extends to manipulating and testing Chase. We're not totally clear on her motivations behind this. Is she trying to get him to violate his "limits" so he can get as far gone as she likes to be? Is she trying to break him? Either way, there's something really dysfunctional about wanting to "test" him this way.