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alongreader's review against another edition
4.0
I marked it down a star only because it's actually really uncomfortable to read in spots. Being that deeply inside an addict's head is confusing and upsetting and scary, and it lingered even after I'd closed the book - not that I did that very often, as I badly wanted to find out what happened next. I felt every bit of Lexi's struggles, both in the 'now' scenes and the flashbacks to her past.
I'll admit, I went into this expecting a 'poor little rich girl' scenario, but Lexi's struggles and pain were real and truthful and I came out with a much better understanding.
I enjoyed meeting her fellow inmates and seeing the differences between them, the little moments of triumph. All around a sharp, incisive book that deserves to sell much more than it's probably going to.
I received a proof copy from Quercus. This did not affect my review in any way.
I'll admit, I went into this expecting a 'poor little rich girl' scenario, but Lexi's struggles and pain were real and truthful and I came out with a much better understanding.
I enjoyed meeting her fellow inmates and seeing the differences between them, the little moments of triumph. All around a sharp, incisive book that deserves to sell much more than it's probably going to.
I received a proof copy from Quercus. This did not affect my review in any way.
doessusanwrite's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thepsychonyx's review against another edition
4.0
Clean is a hilarious yet melancholic YA contemporary about a rich teenage heiress and her struggles with addiction. The book tackles loss, denial, as well as the peer pressure embedded into London drug culture. It’s definitely an important read for teenagers to not only fathom relationships beyond a base level but also perceive things for their own benefit rather than conforming. Juno Dawson takes her readers seriously and doesn’t censor or limit the teenage experience and I strongly appreciate that.
Frankly, YA and especially Contemporaries are things I avoid and have little interest in but this book was enjoyable, harsh, funny and primarily honest.
It’s a strong 4/4.5 out of 5 for me due to the characterisation of Lexi being so content with her condition which fed her obliviousness. This book is about drugs and mental health and loss and sex and the gritty disgusting undertones that come with those things. They display a reality, not a simplified folly and as someone ignorant to drugs as a whole it was spoken in a language I understood. The issue was normalised, absorbed, peer pressured and deferred which those who experience addiction, any kind of addiction, can understand. If you want a funny and somewhat harsh book on reformation, Clean is worth a try.
Frankly, YA and especially Contemporaries are things I avoid and have little interest in but this book was enjoyable, harsh, funny and primarily honest.
It’s a strong 4/4.5 out of 5 for me due to the characterisation of Lexi being so content with her condition which fed her obliviousness. This book is about drugs and mental health and loss and sex and the gritty disgusting undertones that come with those things. They display a reality, not a simplified folly and as someone ignorant to drugs as a whole it was spoken in a language I understood. The issue was normalised, absorbed, peer pressured and deferred which those who experience addiction, any kind of addiction, can understand. If you want a funny and somewhat harsh book on reformation, Clean is worth a try.
paigey_x's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
crypticspren's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. It dealt with so many tricky issues in a really relatable way. Lexi grows phenomenally throughout the book and addiction struggles are made real and bared to the reader. It doesn’t limit itself to stereotypical additions, like heroin. It includes a plethora of addictions all sorts of people struggle with, from food, to exercise and sex. I love how it broke down the barriers or stereotypes and created such real, yet still likeable characters!
anyasreading's review against another edition
5.0
wow.
just wow.
I've never actually heard lf this book before I bought it but wow it should be so hyped up.
I felt so close to the characters like we were friends and I knew them so well.
I couldn't believe bow much I learnt from this book, no matter what u are or aren't dealing with this book will give u so much insite into how ur really feeling
just wow.
I've never actually heard lf this book before I bought it but wow it should be so hyped up.
I felt so close to the characters like we were friends and I knew them so well.
I couldn't believe bow much I learnt from this book, no matter what u are or aren't dealing with this book will give u so much insite into how ur really feeling
aaliyyah00's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Mental illness, Alcohol, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Car accident, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Addiction, Drug use, Suicide, Alcoholism, and Eating disorder
demetraskaito's review
4.0
Knyga, kaip galima suprasti iš Melvin Burgess „Heroino“ paminėjimo ant viršelio, yra susijusi su narkotikų tema. Leksė – septyniolikmetė, jos tėtis valdo didžiulį tinklą viešbučių. Mergina dažnai leidžia laiką vakarėliuose ir pažįsta daugybę garsenybių. Po vieno vakarėlio Leksė vos neperdozuoja, o vyresnėlis brolis atveža ją į reabilitacijos kliniką. Čia sveiksta ne tik su narkotikais turintys sunkumų jaunuoliai, bet ir su tokiomis problemomis, kaip anoreksija ar savęs žalojimas
craftychelc's review against another edition
3.0
I particularly enjoyed the tone of this novel, no punches were held in terms of character opinions and vocabulary used, but such crass language was vital to reflect the resistance of the characters in admitting their problems, and the laissez faire attitude which got them addicted in the first place.
However, even if you put aside the fact that these characters are addicts, they are wholly unrelatable to. Each one of them was so overly privileged that they became addicted due to a loss for what else to do with their time - if only we were all rich enough for such a luxury! Unless you can spend £1000 on a dress you will only wear once, have enough money to never work a day in your life, or casually name drop the Russian mob to scare your enemies, then these characters are not ones you’re likely to relate to. They’re more of a gossip intrigue; semi-ironically seen as Lexi does spend a lot of time in the socialite gossip magazines.
I highly enjoyed the story, and it’s definitely the ‘older’ version of young adult which is needed in the mix now that young adult seems to be more pre-teen than ever. It’s the type of book which grips you from the opening and doesn’t let go until you’ve made it all the way through.
However, even if you put aside the fact that these characters are addicts, they are wholly unrelatable to. Each one of them was so overly privileged that they became addicted due to a loss for what else to do with their time - if only we were all rich enough for such a luxury! Unless you can spend £1000 on a dress you will only wear once, have enough money to never work a day in your life, or casually name drop the Russian mob to scare your enemies, then these characters are not ones you’re likely to relate to. They’re more of a gossip intrigue; semi-ironically seen as Lexi does spend a lot of time in the socialite gossip magazines.
I highly enjoyed the story, and it’s definitely the ‘older’ version of young adult which is needed in the mix now that young adult seems to be more pre-teen than ever. It’s the type of book which grips you from the opening and doesn’t let go until you’ve made it all the way through.
hommeldraak's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Eating disorder