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Book Review: Spin by Catherine McKenzie

January 11, 2010 by Darlene


Spin by Catherine McKenzie is a fresh and fun, yet serious debut novel from this author! For me it was a perfect escape to another world with characters I loved and a storyline that grabbed me from the beginning to the end.

The main character of Spin is Kate Sanford and she’s a Bridget Jones type of character. I liked her right off. She’s one of those characters that I formed a bond with from the beginning of the book. She’s funny, a little crazy, vulnerable and just may have a serious problem with alcohol which just makes her all the more real. She’s far from perfect and I think that’s the trait that pulls people in – she’s human.

The book starts out with Kate getting the interview of her lifetime to work at her favorite music magazine. She’s beside herself in her excitement so when she gets a call from a friend to go out and celebrate for her birthday coming up, she agrees. What can a couple of drinks hurt? Then she’ll come home, get a good rest and be in prime form for her interview. NOT! What starts as a few drinks quickly turns into too many drinks to count and Kate is hammered. She wakes up late the next morning, is late to her interview and even that isn’t so bad if she’d just been sober for said interview. Needless to say Kate doesn’t even get through the interview, doesn’t get the job and goes home defeated and miserable.

Days later Kate gets a call from Bob, another boss at The Line, who works on the gossip side of things. While he didn’t think Kate was right for the job she applied for, he does think she’s right for going to rehab as a patient to spy on It Girl, Amber Sheppard for them. In return for a good story, she just might be reconsidered for that job of a lifetime she wants. Well, what is a girl to do? Kate is more than positive she doesn’t need rehab – she doesn’t have a drinking problem – but for this job she’ll do pretty much anything so she agrees to go.

Kate heads into rehab and slowly finds herself becoming involved with the program and the people. As time goes by and she thinks about her past she starts to wonder if maybe she does have a bit of a problem with alcohol. Certainly her life has been badly affected by it at times. Not only that but Kate is finding that the people there are real people with real problems and even finds herself becoming close with some of them. One of those someones being Amber – It Girl Amber – the famed celebrity.

Amber’s not such a bad person. Kate actually likes her. Now what is a girl to do? Kate is torn. She doesn’t want to hurt Amber but she really wants this job, not to mention if she doesn’t go through with writing her article she’s going to be sued for a sum that she just can’t afford. Kate’s not sure she’s willing to give up the new friendships she’s developed just to write this article. There has to be a way around this – but what could it be?

While this novel is funny and amusing, it has it’s serious side with the issue of drug addiction. Kate takes a good long look at herself and finds a lot of pieces missing – pieces she has missed having around her like her family. She’s realized that just maybe rehab wasn’t such a bad idea in so many ways – it gives hope that a new life is out there if you just look for it. Spin is about Kate finding herself again and you will find yourself rooting for her all the way and turning the pages as fast as you can to see what comes next!

Currently Spin by Catherine McKenzie is available only in Canada and can be purchased here. Be sure to pop in and visit Catherine Mckenzie’s website as well and check out the Browse Inside feature at HarperCollins Canada to learn more about the novel! Stay tune tomorrow when Catherine stops by with a guest post and maybe a few other surprises!

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Filed Under: 2010 ARC Challenge, 2010 Book Reviews, 2010-100+ Challenge

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. itsJUSTme-wendy says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:01 am

    Sounds like a great book, thanks for the review! I'll put this on my TBR list!

  2. Dave King says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Possibly not my sort of book, though almost you persuade me. An excellent review.

  3. kay - Infinite Shelf says

    January 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    Great review! I ordered it this weekend and I can't wait for it to be home. I'm glad to know you enjoyed it 🙂

  4. Vivienne says

    January 11, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    I do like the sound of a book that hits all of your emotions. I loved Bridget Jones, so I shall keep my eyes open for this if it hits the UK.

  5. Icejewel says

    January 11, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    Loved your review. Will check this one soon !

  6. Sandy Nawrot says

    January 11, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Sounds like fun! Nice review!

  7. Serena says

    January 11, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    loved this review…sounds like a fun book.

  8. Kaye says

    January 11, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    This one sounds like a great book – Your review made me want it! I'll be back tomorrow to see what's cooking. Have a great week and happy reading.

  9. bermudaonion says

    January 11, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    That does sound like it tackles a series subject. Glad to see it's well done.

  10. Catherine says

    January 11, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Wow, thanks, Darlene! Such nice words, and such nice comments! Keep the comments coming – I love reading them!

  11. Diane says

    January 11, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    Loved your review on this one Dar.

  12. Blodeuedd says

    January 11, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    Sounds cool, and I sure like Bridget kind of characters

  13. robby says

    January 11, 2010 at 8:51 pm

    What a cute cover! :]

  14. Janel says

    January 11, 2010 at 10:50 pm

    I loved Bridget Jones, so this sounds like it'd be right up my alley.

  15. Melody says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    Great review, Dar! This one sounds like a good read!

  16. Ladytink_534 says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:28 am

    I hope it's available elsewhere soon! It sounds like an interesting story.

  17. Dar says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:33 am

    Thanks everyone, it is a really good read. Be sure to check back tomorrow. There'll be a giveaway that you can enter.

  18. Dar says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:34 am

    Catherine, thanks for stopping by and for a wonderful book!

  19. Staci says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Very interesting sounding book Dar!!!

  20. Catherine says

    January 12, 2010 at 1:12 am

    No, thank you, Dar, and thanks to your readers for the great comments. Keep 'em coming!

  21. April says

    January 12, 2010 at 1:52 am

    This sounds like a really great book, Dar!!! I'm going to have to check it out! Great review!!!

  22. Nise' says

    January 12, 2010 at 2:08 am

    Excellent review! Hope this book makes it's way to the States.

  23. Tea says

    January 12, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    I have Tweeted for SPIN.

  24. Lenore says

    January 12, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    This does sound fresh and fun!

  25. Alice Teh says

    January 13, 2010 at 6:43 am

    I sure like the sound of this one and is heading over to your book giveaway now hoping to win it. 😀

  26. Zibilee says

    January 13, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    I just entered your giveaway for this book and read the post from the author. I have to say that now, after reading your review, I am even more excited about it. Great review! I am really glad the book was such a good read for you!

  27. Joanne ♦ The Book Zombie says

    January 19, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    Love the review! I like the idea that the main character is reminiscent of Bridget Jones, with a storyline that addresses a serious subject.

  28. Angie Young says

    July 3, 2014 at 9:35 am

    Wow this is a great review. Really has me wanting to read it!

    Angie Young
    thelittlereadingcabin.blogspot.com

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