"Flirtin with the Monster" is a book of essays that contain critical commentary on the works of author Ellen Hopkins who wrote the best-selling books, "Crank" and "Glass." Both books were fictionalized accounts of Hopkins' real-life daughter who she dubbed "Kristina" and who struggled with methamphetamine addiction. The essays also contain insight into the addiction and its ramifications.

The book begins with an introduction by author Hopkins. She provides a brief synopsis of her real-life struggle with a daughter who was a victim of meth addiction. She explains her arduous journey from disbelieving parent to frantic mother and finally to author. Hopkins explained how she got to an emotional crossroads where she had to let go of her daughter. She also felt compelled to write about her daughter and the damage that meth did to her and the entire family. In writing about this tragedy, she was better able to understand what happened and held the hope that her words would prove to help others.

Hopkins had geared both books toward teenagers. Some critics thought the sentiment and emotion were too rough for teens. Although the stories may have been rough, they contained the raw truth. She wanted to learn what some of her colleagues, other professionals and her family thought of the books and asked each of them to provide critiques of her works. The books were unusual in that the stories were written in verse fiction. It was important for Hopkins to learn the opinions about her works from her respected peers, other professionals who she held in high regard and those she loved. The book consists of two main parts.

The first part contains the essays of other writers and professionals. In this section, topics such as the truthfulness of memoirs; letting go of a loved one who is addicted; a judicial view of meth addicts; and Hopkins' choice to fictionalize a true story are addressed. The second part contains the thoughts and feelings of her family. This second part, of course, are wrought with emotion as family members describe the personal impact of having a loved going through such tragedy and horror.

Throughout the book, there is the fundamental acknowledgment that meth addiction is a monster that wreaks havoc on the addict and her loved ones. It is a powerful drug that has a powerful and unyielding effect over its captives. There is no cure for meth addiction. Recovery is possible but relapses are common and the monster is always waiting in the shadows to reclaim its victims. The books concludes with the comments of young Orion, the eleven-year-old son of Kristina whom Ellen and John Hopkins eventually adopted. Hopkins indicates that she wanted to end the book with Orion because he represents the future.