Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Review: Spin: A Novel





Spin: A Novel by Catherine McKenzie
Genre: Chick Lit
Pages: 438 (Paperback)
Source: TLC Booktours
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook

Description:
Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line. Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

My Rating:

My Review:

Katie has been treading water waiting to land her dream job, but when the perfect opportunity comes along, she blows it, makes a full of herself, and starts to consider that she might have to give up on that dream.  But a second chance comes along when she agrees to spy on the newest teenage starlet in rehab.  Initially, the idea of taking notes and writing an expose seems very little to ask for a second chance, but Katie soon finds that rehab isn't as easy and she thought.  The lines between "made-up alcoholic Katie" and "real-life maybe alcoholic Katie" begin to blur. To top it off, she starts to feel bad when accidentally befriends the very person she is supposed to spy on.

This book is light fun with tons of humor.  I enjoyed following Katie through her journey.  She starts off as a 30 year-old who pretends to be a graduate student and twenty-five to a person who takes responsibility for her actions.  During the transition she finds herself forced to self-reflect and face her path.  I, along with Katie, couldn't figure it she was really an alcoholic and I liked that.  There were no easy answers.  The escapades were entertaining and the side characters were all different and captivating.  All the characters really jumped out and added more to the story.  I think it could have been a little shorter and had the same impact but that's neither here or there.

Spin has it all.  There is a bit of romance, drama, and tons of humor.  There were moments when I questioned whether something could really happen but I quickly shrugged it off because it added to the fun.  Ultimately this is a fun, light read with a few serious moments of reflection.


I find myself liking the concept books about rehab because you get to read about diverse characters with strange backgrounds.  Is that really bad of me?  Lol.  Have you read spin?  Books about rehab?  Tell me what you think.

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26 comments:

  1. I haven't read books set in rehab but I used to work at a rehab centre and no you are not bad. There is lots of fun involved in rehab along with the hard parts. This one sounds great!

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    1. Wow you worked in rehab!! I want to know more! Well I'm glad to know I'm not so bad :)

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  2. I had seen this book around but had no clear idea on what it was about! It sounds really good, actually! ;D

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  3. I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely cute and had lots of humour to it. Have you read any of her other ones. I've heard they're really good as well. Great review!

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    1. I haven't but I really need to. If this one is any indication, I think I'll really enjoy them.

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  4. I came upon this book at work today! It seemed like an interesting book from the description on the back, but I am still skeptical of whether or not I will read it.

    Maybe I will make a Maybe TBR list and add it to that.

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    1. I can understand that. It is more fun than serious. Think about it.

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  5. I haven't read this one, but I've heard a lot about it... first with the Canadian release and now with the American one. It sounds interesting and I know a few people who really enjoyed it. I might have to check it out at some point.

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    1. I recognized the cover but hadn't heard much. I'm glad that it fell across my lap :)

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  6. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention, Alexis! It sounds fabulous and like it might be a good one to read when I need a break from heavy, serious books!

    Molli | Once Upon a Prologue

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  7. Yay! Great review! So glad you enjoyed it. As you know, I thought it was a super fun read :)

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  8. I wondered about this book. The premise is so different from anything I've read so it had me curious. Glad to know it was an enjoyable read with a lot of humor. I'm a sucker for a book that can make me laugh.

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    1. Yes at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. But the premise just intrigued me. I had to try it. I didn't realize it was going to be so light. I was expecting more serious than crazy. So I'm really glad I picked it up. It was a very pleasant surprise.

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  9. i keep seeing this one everywhere! i'm glad to hear it's funny!

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  10. I've seen mixed reviews on this but I think I would actually like it. I love contemporary novels with humor. Great review!
    NC
    Truly Bookish

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    1. I can understand the mixed reviews. I think it depends on why you pick up the book. If you are expecting something serious, this might not work. There are serious moments though. It's just not the vibe of the book.

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  11. This sounds like the perfect book for a weekend getaway when I totally want to escape!

    Thanks for being a part of the tour.

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  12. Thanks so much for your review! Glad you enjoyed it & are helping to spread the word :) - Catherine McKenzie

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  13. I read this one a few years back and I loved it. I can still remember it and the characters. It's a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading the author's other novel Arranged soon. Glad you enjoyed it Alexis.

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    1. I didn't know about Arranged Soon but I'll check into it to see if it would be something I would like.

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I absolutely LOVE all comments! So please feel free to chime in with your thoughts, questions, opinions, or whatever else you have to say.

Don't forget to check back as I reply to comments. Dialogue is good right?

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