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itsmeimkaty's review
dark
emotional
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Addiction
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Antisemitism, Toxic friendship, Vomit, and Sexual assault
katykelly's review
5.0
Witty and cuts-to-the-chase rehab story of a rich girl
There are many stories of drug addiction and rehabilitation out there. Some harsh and gritty (Trainspotting, Junk), others (Basketball Diaries, Requiem for a Dream) that show very average people being caught up in the world of drugs. It's not often that a very privileged, rich heiress is the protagonist and addict in question.
Lexi Volkov is the daughter of a hotel czar, who has never had a want she hasn't been able to satisfy. At the start of her story she is angrily struggling against 'kidnap' by her brother, as he forces her to an island paradise of a rehabilitation centre. As you would expect, Lexi does not believe she is truly an addict, but as she meets the other residents and begins to rid her body of the drugs, a rather satisfying and heartfelt recovery process can start.
The story is as much about the other addicts as Lexi, and they are a wonderfully chosen bunch - it was gratifying to see Dawson include a transgender character in this for whom gender was not the issue.
Lexi makes a very likeable (despite her flaws) narrator, she has a backstory you want to delve into, and she doesn't just glide through recovery without a hitch, she makes progress and falls back.
There are moments of genuine emotion - regarding drug addiction of course, and the stories of the residents, and it never feels as though Lexi, as someone privileged, isn't entitled to feel anything less than blessed and blissfully happy over her wealth.
Dawson speaks to the reader with the voice of an adolescent, creates a a set of people you find yourself caring about. And it feels contemporary and smart:
"We won't get through this alone. 'Get through what?' 'Get through anything.' 'Such wisdom.' 'I read a John Green book once.'
The mindset of a drug addict feels realistically written:
" Direct into the bloodstream. Now, that is pretty shameful actually. Worst part is, I knew that was proper junkie behaviour and I did it anyway."
It's honest. And sometimes very raw. This will make a great addition to a school library and as suggested material for a KS4 reading group. I would say age 14 would be a recommended age, there is a fair amount of sex/swearing that parents of younger teenagers may not appreciate.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample e-copy.
There are many stories of drug addiction and rehabilitation out there. Some harsh and gritty (Trainspotting, Junk), others (Basketball Diaries, Requiem for a Dream) that show very average people being caught up in the world of drugs. It's not often that a very privileged, rich heiress is the protagonist and addict in question.
Lexi Volkov is the daughter of a hotel czar, who has never had a want she hasn't been able to satisfy. At the start of her story she is angrily struggling against 'kidnap' by her brother, as he forces her to an island paradise of a rehabilitation centre. As you would expect, Lexi does not believe she is truly an addict, but as she meets the other residents and begins to rid her body of the drugs, a rather satisfying and heartfelt recovery process can start.
The story is as much about the other addicts as Lexi, and they are a wonderfully chosen bunch - it was gratifying to see Dawson include a transgender character in this for whom gender was not the issue.
Lexi makes a very likeable (despite her flaws) narrator, she has a backstory you want to delve into, and she doesn't just glide through recovery without a hitch, she makes progress and falls back.
There are moments of genuine emotion - regarding drug addiction of course, and the stories of the residents, and it never feels as though Lexi, as someone privileged, isn't entitled to feel anything less than blessed and blissfully happy over her wealth.
Dawson speaks to the reader with the voice of an adolescent, creates a a set of people you find yourself caring about. And it feels contemporary and smart:
"We won't get through this alone. 'Get through what?' 'Get through anything.' 'Such wisdom.' 'I read a John Green book once.'
The mindset of a drug addict feels realistically written:
" Direct into the bloodstream. Now, that is pretty shameful actually. Worst part is, I knew that was proper junkie behaviour and I did it anyway."
It's honest. And sometimes very raw. This will make a great addition to a school library and as suggested material for a KS4 reading group. I would say age 14 would be a recommended age, there is a fair amount of sex/swearing that parents of younger teenagers may not appreciate.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample e-copy.
jazz_maree's review
5.0
This book had me hooked (bad pun in intended). It successfully explored a range of issues, such as: gender identity, mental illness, love and relationships, family, self harm, addiction, and most importantly: wellness and wellbeing. I loved this book. AND THE COVER IS SO PRETTY!
larryleex's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
4.0
mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
Het tweede Vivianne voetbalt boek, ditmaal weer wat mysterie als Viviannes beste vriendin/buurvrouw een dierenopvang opent en bedreigingen krijgt. Het was best leuk om te lezen, al vond ik het wel sneu hoe de twee broers zich gedroegen, dan ben je een volwassen vent en gedraag je je als een puber. :| Ik snap dat Louise/Louisa er dus wat jonger uitziet, maar sorry, ik denk toch echt niet dat ze lijkt op een twintiger of zelfs jonger. Dat is namelijk hoe ze wordt getekend. Ik had in het vorige boek ook al dat ik zocht naar deze vrouw, en toen erachter kwam dat ze dus die jonge vrouw was.
Wie de bedreigingen stuurde? Erg leuk om dat uit te vinden. De selectie? Ook leuk voor ons trio, al was ik het met ze eens dat iedereen wel erg te ver ging met dingen. Ja, die selectie is belangrijk, maar kom op zeg. Die kinderen hebben al genoeg stress.
Wie de bedreigingen stuurde? Erg leuk om dat uit te vinden. De selectie? Ook leuk voor ons trio, al was ik het met ze eens dat iedereen wel erg te ver ging met dingen. Ja, die selectie is belangrijk, maar kom op zeg. Die kinderen hebben al genoeg stress.
heathssm's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.5
elliegrace99's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
mpeferreira's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ali_w15's review
4.0
An intensely readable story. An insight into a world of privilege and vice. An interesting cast of characters.