Guest Review: Spin – Catherine McKenzie

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?

Series:
Release Date:  December 29, 2009
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Source:  NetGalley
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

I LOVED this book.  Hilarious, fun, deep and well written, this book had me from start to finish in one sitting.  Katie has landed an interview for her dream job.  She decides to go out and celebrate (the night before the interview, mind you) and shows up the next day for said interview still drunk.  Insert hilariously awkward scenario that you can’t help but laugh at!  Needless to say, they don’t offer her the job.  Instead, they offer her an alternative – 30 days in rehab, reporting on the stint of Hollywood’s “IT girl” (think Lindsay Lohan) in the same rehab facility.  If she can successfully complete rehab with the story, they’ll reconsider her for her dream job.  What follows is Katie’s internal battle with her own demons, unique friendships – some of which waver on romantic – the tragic truth of drug/alcohol abuse, and the redemption of acceptance and truth.  

Katie is sassy, stubborn and convinced that there’s nothing wrong with her.  She is perfectly flawed to the point that she’s easy for readers to relate to.  The relationships that she forms while in rehab are touching and sweet, and her moments of awkwardness will have you laughing out loud.

The author has created a brilliant story that has plenty of similarities to well-known romantic comedies, yet still manages to be uniquely different.  Wonderful characters, a great plot and deeply touching moments makes this book a must read for lovers of chick-lit variety.