Monday, January 25, 2010

Spin - Catherine McKenzie


Kate has an interview and a shot at her dream job - writing for a music magazine. The night before the interview she heads out for one celebratory drink, which somehow turns into more than one...... She makes it to the interview the next day, but five minutes in, has to run to the bathroom to throw up. Needless to say she doesn't get the job. Their sister magazine - a gossip rag- calls later with an offer. Her writing samples were good - would she consider going undercover at a rehab to get the dirt on the latest 'it' girl , Amber? If all goes well, they'll give her the job at the music magazine. She jumps at the chance.

McKenzie has created a flawed but lovable character in Kate. She has goals, but keeps sabotaging herself. But at rehab, she is forced to confront some of those flaws and decide where she wants to go in life. Can she betray the burgeoning friendship she has with Amber and spill her secrets for public consumption? The supporting characters were well drawn as well. Amber is particularly well portrayed and is a poignant commentary of celebrity in our society. Although substance abuse is a focal part of the story, McKenzie strikes a fine balance between serious and humourous. Much of the dialogue and situations were laugh out loud funny, but the foundation of recovery is handled with respect as well.

Spin was one of those books that read like potato chips. Yep, it was an addicting read for me - just one more chapter until I turned the last page and realized I'd finished it already.

This is a debut novel for Canadian Catherine McKenzie. Definitely recommended. I'll be waiting for the second book by this fresh, witty new voice! (Spin has just jumped on the Globe and Mail's Canadian bestseller list!

My friend Cindy over at Cindy's Love of Books enjoyed Spin as well!

Read an excerpt of Spin and see for yourself! Make sure you stop back tomorrow for a guest post and giveaway with Catherine McKenzie!

14 comments:

Rebecca Chapman said...

It sounds really good, I love reading debut novels!

I like your description of not being able to put down a book as like eating potato chips, for me its like opening a bag of lollies!

Kaye said...

This sounds like a really great read and I love the cover. You can almost see how she feels just by looking at it.

Unknown said...

Wow, thanks Luanne! So glad you enjoyed it.

Jennifer @ Mrs. Q: Book Addict said...

Sounds like a good read. I love reading Canadian authors. I put this on my TBR list.

Great review!

Adele said...

Sounds cute not my usual fare but i'd probably enjoy. Good review. Thanks.

bermudaonion said...

Poor Kate! She does sound like a character most of us could relate to, though. Great review!

Mrs Suvi said...

I think I'd love this one!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I bet I'd like this one... gonna have to find myself a copy, I think.

B.Kienapple said...

Cool, hadn't heard of this one before. Is it YA?

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

So now I want to read the book and eat potato chips.. thanks a lot! ;)

Luanne said...

Nope not YA - definitely adult,,,

cindysloveofbooks said...

Luanne, wasn't this a great book? I loved your comment about it being like potato chips. So true.

Unknown said...

Thanks everyone! Hope you enjoy the book!!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I just finished reading "Spin" yesterday and plan a review on my blog on Monday. Great debut!