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Showing posts with label Drug Addiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drug Addiction. Show all posts
Thursday, August 05, 2021
Buzzy YA Mystery/Thriller an Engrossing, Satisfying Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Half Ojibwe and half white, 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine is used to walking the line between her mixed identities and cultures. As an unenrolled tribal member, she's not quite part of the Native world. As a Native, she's not exactly immersed in the white world either. It shouldn't matter, but it does, especially in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. That's why Daunis can't wait to escape to college in Ann Arbor, where she can start studying for her medical degree. A family emergency has delayed her plans, but it won't be forever. Soon, she'll be able to break free. In the meantime, she'll continue volunteering at the rec center, working on her hockey game, and trying not to fall under the spell of the hot new guy on the rink.
When Daunis witnesses a murder, it shakes up her careful plans. Suddenly, she finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation centering on a dangerous new drug. Reluctantly agreeing to go undercover in order to help, she's thrust into a dangerous world that could put everything she's worked for and dreamed of at risk. She's dedicated to helping her community, but at what cost? People are dying around her; Daunis does not want to be next. As shocking revelations come to light, she learns some startling truths about her family, her friends, and the clashing worlds that combine to make her who she is. Will her life ever be the same again?
Firekeeper's Daughter, a debut novel by Angeline Boulley, has been receiving massive buzz ever since it came out in March. And no wonder. It tells a sweeping, multi-faceted story set against the backdrop of a unique, complex community. With its intimate look at Ojibwe customs and mythology, it feels more layered, more expansive than other teen thrillers. That being said, the mystery at its core is compelling, with enough twists to keep it interesting. Yes, I saw some of the story swerves coming and yes, elements of the tale seem far-fetched, but neither detracts much from this absorbing page-turner. The characters are colorful and well-drawn (with the exception of Jamie, who's pretty blah for a leading man). Boulley's prose is skilled and assured. The plotting is tight and taut. All things considered, I quite enjoyed this buzzy #OwnVoices novel. Pretty sure I'm not the only one who's waiting anxiously to see what Boulley does next!
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of the Wind River Reservation mystery series by Margaret Coel and Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, depictions of underage drinking/partying, depictions of illegal drug use, sexual content (including a rape scene), and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Firekeeper's Daughter with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, December 26, 2020
MG Novel-in-Verse Realistic and Relatable
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Hannah Lincoln's life has always been safe and stable. The 12-year-old has two caring parents, plenty of friends, and a love of gymnastics and dancing that sustains her. Her cousin, Cal Pace, has had the opposite experience. His mother died three years ago leaving him with his drug-addicted father. His chaotic home life ended with his dad going to prison and Cal coming to live with the Lincolns. Hannah's childhood has given her confidence and balance. Cal's has left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Hannah gets that her cousin's been through a lot, but she can't help feeling resentful of his sudden presence in her life. Cal acts strangely and has serious anger management issues. Not only is he bullied at school, but his behavior is causing contention in Hannah's home. She's trying to be patient and understanding, but Hannah feels like her nice, quiet life is spinning out of control. Will her family ever go back to normal? Or will Cal's antics tear them apart for good?
Told in verse, Ellen Hopkins' first novel for middle-grade readers tells a poignant story about two cousins with very different life experiences trying to find common ground. Closer to Nowhere is a quick read that's realistic and relatable. Based on the author's own experience, the story paints a vivid, sympathetic picture of how addiction impacts not just the addict but his/her whole family. While Closer to Nowhere deals with tough subjects, overall it's a hopeful book. I've enjoyed other books by Hopkins and this one is no exception. It's a heart-wrenching, empathy-inducing novel that spoke to me.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and difficult subject matter (drug abuse, alcoholism, divorce, school shootings, etc.)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Closer to Nowhere from the generous folks at Penguin Random House via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Gut-Wrenching Murder Mystery a Hard But Heartfelt Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Police officer Michaela "Mickey" Fitzpatrick is well-acquainted with the toll opioid addiction takes on not just its victims but also on their families and communities. Abandoned by their junkie parents, she and her sister, Kacey, were left to be raised by their cruel, resentful grandmother. Now 33, Mickey works a high crime beat in Kensington, one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Not only is she on the lookout for dangerous behavior, but she keeps her eyes constantly peeled for Kacey. An addict who pays for her habit by turning tricks, Kacey no longer keeps in touch with her sister. Which doesn't stop Mickey from worrying about her every day.
Mickey's used to not seeing her sister for weeks on end, but when a spate of murders are committed against street women in Kensington and Kacey is nowhere to be found, Mickey starts to fear the worst. Mickey's frantic search for both the killer and her sister becomes a dangerous obsession that puts her right in the path of a vicious murderer. No matter the cost, Mickey refuses to back down. She knows all too well how dispensable street junkies are—she won't let her sister and others like her slip through the cracks. Even if it means risking everything to save Kacey.
As you can imagine, Long Bright River by Liz Moore is not an easy read. Not at all. It's raw and disturbing, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. It's also important and impactful. Moore has spent a lot of time in Kensington and it shows. The story rings with authenticity. While it tells a difficult tale, the novel is a heartfelt one, woven through with sensitivity and sympathy. Anyone who's dealt with a family member in the throes of addiction will identify with Mickey's plight. Told in chapters alternating between the past and present, Long Bright River is not just a gripping thriller, but also an engrossing family drama, which gives the story a layered depth that makes it more than just a murder mystery. Relevant and riveting, it's a hard but unforgettable read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer, Heroine by Mindy McGinnis, and the Bell Elkins series by Julia Keller)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, disturbing subject matter, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, December 30, 2019
Raw, Hard-Hitting Drug Addiction YA Novel a Difficult, But Important Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although she's awkward in most aspects of her life, there's one place where Mickey Catalan feels perfectly in control—on the softball field. There, she's seen as a beast, a gifted athlete with enough talent to not just help win an upcoming high school tournament, but also to get recruited for a college team. Between Carolina Galarza, the team's equally skilled pitcher and Mickey's best friend, their team can't be beaten.
Then, the girls are in a car accident that severely injures them both. Carolina's pitching arm is broken and Mickey, who was driving, has a fractured leg and a screwed-on hip. If the two don't recover—and fast—their team will be in big trouble. Despite her determination to rehabilitate her body as quickly as possible, Mickey struggles with guilt, lack of energy, and brutal pain. The OxyContin she's given to manage the pain masks the hurt while giving her an extra boost that makes her feel loose and confident, so much so that she can't stop taking it, even after her prescription runs out. Desperate for her next hit, Mickey—who's always been a good girl—is suddenly lying, stealing, and letting down her teammates. Eventually, her new group of young addict friends turns her on to heroin, an even higher high. It's only when tragedy occurs that Mickey realizes her drug addiction could cost her everything—and everyone—she cares about. Can she stop herself before she destroys her whole world?
If you ask people what a junkie looks like, chances are good they're not going to describe the fresh-faced girl next door, the stressed-out housewife who lives down the street, or their boss with his high-end job and fancy car. The thing with opioid addiction is that it's changing the face of what an addict looks like, a point aptly addressed in Heroine by Mindy McGinnis. Mickey's softball star status might make her a bit extraordinary, but she's still an average, middle-class Jane whose opioid dependency starts as it does for many people—with a legitimate prescription. The book traces her downward spiral, a trajectory that's familiar to anyone who's experienced drug addiction or watched someone else go through it. McGinnis starts the novel with a warning about graphic depictions of drug use and indeed the story has many. For that and other reasons, it's a difficult read. A necessary cautionary tale, but not a pleasurable one. In addition, the characters are not easy to like. Edith is a particularly slimy one, but Mickey's not the most sympathetic one either. The ending of the novel is hopeful, but I don't feel that Mickey loses quite enough to really understand the consequences of her actions. In the end, I can't say I liked Heroine. For me, it was just too difficult and disturbing, so much so that I had to force myself to keep reading. I do, however, feel that it's a powerful, timely novel that is well-crafted and tightly-written. The story offers a real, eye-opening, hard-hitting picture of the effects drug abuse can have on an individual, a family, and a community, without glamorizing any of it. For these reasons, I feel that it's an important read with the power to keep kids from taking even the first step toward drug addiction. If it saves just one life, then it's worth the difficult, disturbing read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Crank trilogy (Crank, Glass, and Fallout) by Ellen Hopkins and Invisible as Air by Zoe Fishman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, graphic depictions of illegal drug use and prescription drug abuse, innuendo/rude humor, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Heroine from the generous folks at HarperCollins for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
Friday, December 20, 2019
Hard-Hitting Family Drama Highlights Dangers of Opioid Abuse
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Still grieving the loss of her stillborn daughter, 46-year-old Sylvie Snow keeps her sadness at bay by staying busy. Very busy. She scurries around making meals, cleaning messes, chauffeuring her son to and fro, working full-time, and lately, playing nursemaid to her needy husband as he recovers from a broken ankle he sustained while on a rigorous bike ride he never should have attempted. Add to her already overloaded schedule the planning of her son's upcoming bar mitzvah—the one he cares zilch about—and she's about ready to explode. When the three-year anniversary of her daughter's death dawns, Sylvie realizes she just can't handle another day of her frenzied life. Not without some help.
Paul Snow refuses to take the Hydrocodone his doctor prescribed for his ankle. Sylvie's in pain, too, so she decides to pop one of his pills, just to see. The results are almost instant. Her sadness blurs a little; she feels kinder, more patient, calmer. Amazing! Before she realizes it, Sylvie has become a bona fide junkie, willing to do anything—risk everything—for another hit. The more desperate she gets, however, the more her life really starts to fall apart. Soon, the truth will out and Sylvie must face some startling truths about herself before she loses everything that means anything to her.
With opioid abuse constantly in the news, Invisible As Air by Zoe Fishman, is a timely, affecting novel about the holes in our hearts and the alarming ways in which we sometimes try to fill them. Sylvie is a relatable Everywoman whose utter normality makes a hard-hitting statement about just what a junkie looks like these days. With his own "harmless" coping mechanism wreaking havoc on the family, Paul's is an additional cautionary tale about the destructive nature of burying feelings, hiding pain, and seeking help in all the wrong ways and places. Stuck in the middle, Teddy represents all the innocents damaged by people trying to get by instead of getting real. As you can tell, Invisible As Air is not a happy read. It's heartbreaking, eye-opening, and depressing. Compelling and ultimately hopeful, yes, but also not the most uplifting or mood-boosting read in the world.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Heroine by Mindy McGinnis)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, sexual content, and depictions of prescription drug abuse
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Invisible As Air from the generous folks at HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Thursday, August 09, 2018
New Bell Elkins Mystery Hits Me Right in the Feels
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Bone on Bone, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from previous Bell Elkins mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
After insisting on serving a jail sentence for killing her abusive father, Belfa "Bell" Elkins has paid her debt to society but lost her job. Although she's been fired and disbarred, Bell retains her loyalty to her "small, poor, done-in county" (34). When a local banker is murdered, she can't help looking into the case. With Rhonda Lovejoy—Bell's long-time friend and successor—and Jake Oakes—a former deputy sheriff who's reluctantly adjusting to life as a paraplegic—by her side, she's determined to figure out who killed Brett Topping. As the usual suspects fall by the wayside, however, Bell will have to look uncomfortably close to home to find the murderer.
While Bone On Bone (available August 21, 2018), the seventh installment in the Bell Elkins series by Julia Keller, isn't as unique as some of its predecessors, it's still a poignant, compelling novel full of everything I love about this series. Keller excels at bringing Acker's Gap, a worn-out Appalachian town, to life in all its problems and pleasures. While some of the Bell Elkins books rely more heavily on plot, Bone On Bone is definitely about the characters. I always love our understated hero and it was fun to get to know her and her compadres even deeper. Although the killer becomes fairly obvious in this one, the book's finale still caught me by surprise—and hit me right in the feels. Now, I really can't wait to see where this series goes next!
(Readalikes: Other books in the Bell Elkins series, including A Killing in the Hills; Bitter River; Summer of the Dead; A Haunting of the Bones [novella]; The Devil's Stepdaughter [novella]; Ghost Roll [novella]; Last Ragged Breath; Evening Street [novella]; Sorrow Road; and Fast Falls the Night)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, depictions of illegal drug use, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Bone On Bone from the generous folks at Minotaur (a division of St. Martin's Press/Macmillan). Thank you!
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Before I Let You Go Heartbreaking And Compelling
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Lexie Vidler will never forgive herself for leaving her younger sister behind the night she escaped from the Exclusive Brethren's enclave. The cult had ensnared their mother, its leader becoming the girls' stepfather. Tired of the strict, oppressive lifestyle that threatened to take away the educational opportunities she craved, Lexie fled at 16. Unable to take 12-year-old Annie with her, Lexie abandoned her sister. It was a monstrous crime, one Lexie has tried everything to make up for over the last two decades.
At 34, Lexie works as a general practice physician. Engaged to Sam—a kind, handsome surgeon— she's poised to finally achieve the safe, stable life she's been seeking since childhood. Annie's life has gone in the opposite direction. Despite constantly bailing her out, sheltering her, and paying for rehab, Lexie can't force Annie to ditch the drugs to which she's addicted and get her life together. In order to save her own sanity, she's had to step back, keeping her distance from the train wreck that is her baby sister.
In spite of everything, when Lexie receives a frantic middle-of-the-night phone call from Annie, she and Sam rush to her side. Although she's skeletal and still jittery from her last hit, Annie's also pregnant and in danger of going into pre-term labor. Knowing she could be arrested for chemical endangerment and that her baby will no doubt be taken from her, she begs Lexie and Sam not to hospitalize her. With little choice in the matter, the two doctors set in motion a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.
Available April 3, 2018, Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer is an intimate, heartbreaking novel about a family in crisis. The characters at its center are complex, flawed, and very human. I felt for all the Vidler women, each of whom is sympathetic in her own way. Learning more about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) made me feel most keenly for the fictional baby in this story who represents all the real children born to drug-addicted mothers. While Rimmer's portrayal of this crisis is realistic, it's also compassionate and hopeful. Even still, Before I Let You Go is not a happy novel. It's a tough, depressing read, one that will touch your heart as surely as it breaks it. Overall, I found it to be absorbing and affecting, an important book that calls attention to a devastating problem that affects an alarming number of innocent children and their families.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, depictions of drug abuse, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Before I Let You Go from the generous folks at Graydon House via those at Little Bird Publicity. Thank you!
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Keller Changes Things Up In a Very Good Way With Sixth Bell Elkins Mystery
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Fast Falls the Night, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Bell Elkins novels. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
When a young woman overdoses on the dirty floor of a gas station bathroom, it's a sad, tragic death. Not an out-of-the-ordinary one, however. Not in Appalachia, where life is tough, people are discouraged, and illegal drugs are plentiful. Addiction and all the ugliness that goes along with the "Applachian virus" are just part of life, especially in the small town of Acker's Gap, West Virginia. When another overdose occurs within hours of the first, however, then another, then another, it quickly becomes apparent that the victims have partaken of a bad batch of heroin. Laced with a lethal tranquilizer, the drugs are toxic.
Bell Elkins, the Raythune County prosecutor, is as alarmed as everyone else by the escalating death toll in her little town. In order to stop the madness, she and the police need to locate the dealer responsible for the tainted drugs. It's a frantic, adrenaline-fueled, race-against-the-clock hunt that is unlikely to result in a happy ending. Not everyone believes county resources should be used to fight a losing battle, but it's happening anyway. At least for one night.
As if Bell doesn't have enough on her plate with the desperate drug investigation, she has to deal with a sister who's dying of cancer, a boyfriend who's pressuring her into marriage, and a shocking revelation that will shake her to her core. For the 45-year-old prosecutor, it's going to be a very, very long night ...
I've enjoyed all the books in the Bell Elkins mystery series by Julia Keller and have come to expect a certain formula from them. That's why Fast Falls the Night—the sixth installment—surprised me so much. Keller changes things up this time around in a few ways. First, this story takes place over a 24-hour period, which makes for a much faster paced novel than usual. Second, she focuses on new characters and relationships. As much as I love Bell and miss Nick Fogelsong, injecting some new blood helps make Acker's Gap feel more interesting and alive. Third, Keller ends the book with a cliffhanger. Although this is par for the course with lots of mystery/thriller series, Keller always wraps her stories up at the end. At first, I thought Fast Falls the Night's very abrupt conclusion was due to a printing error in my ARC. Nope. While the not-so-satisfying finale was definitely unexpected, I can't deny that it's making me crazy for the next installment in the series. I have to know what happens, darn it! I also have to say that I like the changes Keller makes in Fast Falls the Night. They've injected new energy into the series. I would have been anxious for the next Bell Elkins book anyway, but now I'm chomping at the bit. August 2018, come quick!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Bell Elkins series, including A Killing in the Hills; Bitter River; Summer of the Dead; A Haunting of the Bones [novella]; The Devil's Step-Daughter [novella]; Ghost Roll [novella]; Last Ragged Breath; Evening Street [novella]; and Sorrow Road)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, depictions of illegal drug use, and other disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Fast Falls the Night from the generous folks at Minotaur Books, a division of St. Martin's Press/Macmillan. Thank you!
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Sweet Parisian Romance Uplifting and Enjoyable
(Image from author's website)
As an American in Paris, Chastity Whitmore finds herself charmed on a regular basis. Just not by Viscount Charles Jean Anne Monorie de Brase. The arrogant aristocrat thinks he can walk all over people just because he's wealthy, influential, and—okay, she'll admit it—dashing. Chastity refuses to let herself fall under the viscount's spell. As his son's English teacher, she's more concerned about Louis de Brase, especially since the boy seems to be ignored by his important father. When the viscount pooh-poohs her concerns, Chastity is outraged. Just who does the man think he is?
It's not until a tragedy brings them together that Chastity gets a peek beneath the viscount's slick veneer. At the same time her impression of Charles is changing, she's becoming increasingly worried about Louis. The teenager has gotten himself mixed up in a dangerous trade with men more vicious and calculating than he can possibly imagine. Can Chastity convince the viscount to act in time to save his son?
The closer Chastity gets to Charles, the more attracted to him she becomes. She knows a romance between them could never work. With her ex-boyfriend begging her to get back together, she's confused. Chastity wants to do what's best for herself and her young son, but what is that? Her heart's already been shattered once—is she willing to give love another chance? Or will she remain forever alone in the world's most romantic city?
The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet is a modern love story with a strong Regency influence. Although it deals with contemporary issues, at its heart the novel is a sweet, clean romance about two people with broken hearts who find healing in each other. My favorite part about the book, in fact, is its hopeful overtones. While the love story at its core doesn't offer anything unique, I do wish the plot had focused more keenly on the romance, less on drug dealing, art heists, and nefarious Parisians. Too many subplots make the tale feel chaotic and melodramatic. Still, I remained interested in the story throughout. Yes, I wanted stronger characterization. Yes, I longed for a more atmospheric setting. Yes, I would have liked a tighter plot. On the whole, though, The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte provides a pleasant, uplifting read that will be appreciated by those who enjoy clean, predictable romance in which two deserving people finally get their longed-for happily ever afters.
(Readalikes: Hm, I don't read a lot of romance. Ideas?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and depictions of illegal drug use/drug dealing
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte from the lovely and generous Jennie Goutet. Thank you!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Teenage Pregnancy/Drug Use Mix in Raw, Powerful Glass
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Some things have changed for 17-year-old Kristina Snow. And some things haven't. Hunter, her beautiful baby boy, has made his entrance into the world. But meth hasn't yet made its exit. Kristina's trying, doing her best to control her use so that she can act alive long enough to make it through her shift at 7-11 and play mommy until the infant's bedtime. Maybe she's not doing so well, but she's making the attempt. Shouldn' t that be enough?
The pressure's getting to Kristina, so she decides to head out on her own. A little road trip to check out college campuses - at least that's what she tells her mom. University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, certainly qualifies as an insititue of higher learning, but Kristina's not there for a campus tour. She's there to hit up an old friend for more crank. Not only does she get the drugs she's looking for, but she also makes a new friend. The best kind, too. Trey's not just hot, he's sweet, fun, and has access to the finest glass Kristina's ever had. She's head over heels and completely ecstatic when Trey promises to look her up the minute he arrives in Reno for one of his frequent meth-buying trips.
With her tantalizing new guy and his even more tantalizing drug connection, Kristina's resolve melts. Baby or not, she's going to get what she needs. Even if it means getting kicked out of her mom's house. Even if it means leaving her baby behind. Or worse, taking him with her. Even if it means leaving behind her goals of working, going to college, living a normal life. Because there's nothing normal - nothing happy - about living with a monster as seductive and consuming as crank. Nothing at all.
Glass, the second book in Ellen Hopkins' best-selling trilogy about teenage drug addiction, continues the raw, heart-wrenching story of Kristina Snow, a good girl whose world changes dramatically when she starts using meth. Loosely based on her daughter's experience, Hopkins tells a vivid, unflinching story that manages to be both honest and sensitive. She describes the reality of drug addiction, never glamorizing it, always showing just how destructive meth can be, not just to the user, but to her parents, siblings and, especially, to her child. It's that last one that makes Glass so harrowing because Hunter isn't just some made-up kid, he's Hopkins' very real grandson. And because he represents the hundreds, probably thousands, of children who are being endangered every day because of their parents' drug abuse. Hopkins writes no easy stories, just the kind that are so raw and powerful you can't get them out of your head. Glass is no exception.
(Readalikes: Crank and Fallout by Ellen Hopkins)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, sexual content and depictions of illegal drug use and underrage drinking
To the FTC, with love: Another library
finefind
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Searing Crank A Vivid, Disturbing Cautionary Tale
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Crank is more than a drug.
It's a way of life. You can
turn your back. But you can never really walk away (537).
I usually shy away from books described as "raw," "edgy," "disturbing" or the like, since such adjectives almost always signify a story with more language/sex/violence/gore than I want to ingest. Considering that Crank by Ellen Hopkins is just such a tale, you may wonder why in the world I picked it up. I asked myself the same thing as I raced through its very gritty pages. Well, first of all, Crank's the first book in a best-selling trilogy that's gotten a lot of buzz around the blogosphere. Second, it's a novel-in-verse and I'm really digging those lately. Third, its kind of difficult to put down. Really difficult, in fact. Because, somehow, this extremely unsettling book is also completely mesmerizing. And very, very affecting.
Loosely based on the experience of the author's teenage daughter, Crank begins the story of 16-year-old Kristina Snow, a good girl from Reno who gets her first taste of crystal meth while visiting her estranged father in California. An addict himself, he doesn't try to stop Kristina from using the drug - he joins her. Partying with her new "friends" makes Kristina feel loose, like a whole different person. Of course, as freeing as it is, this new hobby is only a temporary thing, a vacation thing, something she'll shrug off as soon as she's back in Nevada. She wouldn't even have a clue where to buy drugs back home.
Turns out, though, Kristina's got a real hunger for meth. The need for it doesn't dissipate when she returns home - it multiplies. It also turns out, she doesn't have to go very far to get what she needs. Soon, she's toking on a daily basis, blissing out to take the edge off her worries. It's under control, though. Kristina can stop any time she wants to ... until she can't anymore. As her lust for the drug grows, the good girl turns into someone she hardly recognizes, someone who lies, steals, deals, lets herself be used - anything to score another hit of the monster that's slowly consuming her.
As Kristina battles her all-consuming addiction, every other concern falls by the wayside. She's flunking her classes, draining her savings account, scaring her family, and doing irreversible damage to her body. And she doesn't care. Not while she's in the clutches of the monster. It's that freedom from worry, that sweet release, that keeps her coming back for more. And more. And more. Even when she discovers a new life forming inside her, she can't stop killing herself. Not for nine months. Not for nine days. Maybe not for nine minutes. Not when the monster is calling ...
Like I said, Crank fits all of the descriptions I listed above - it's raw, it's edgy, it's disturbing. It's all of those things and more. It tells it like it is in a way that's vivid, impactful and, surprisingly, sympathetic. Crank never glamorizes addiction, not in the least, but it shows how quickly and easily drugs can consume a person. Since Hopkins is a mother who's watched her daughter destroy herself with meth, the desperation felt by Kristina's family comes through loud and clear, even though the story's narrated only by Kristina. As much as I wanted a nice, clean ending for this troubled anti-heroine, I didn't get one. This isn't an easy book or even necessarily a hopeful one, it's a realistic, down-and-dirty look at the life of a drug addict. And it ain't pretty. What it is is an honest, unforgettable cautionary tale that will, hopefully, find its mark with the legions of teens (and adults) who are tempted every day by the lure of that most ferocious of monsters, crystal meth.
(Readalikes: I'm not sure I've read any other books about teenage drug addiction, so I'm not sure on this one. Any suggestions?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, sexual content and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library
finefind
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Winter's Bone As Cold and Bleak As a Missouri Winter
(Image from Barnes & Noble)I've read some disheartening novels in my time, but I'm not sure I've ever encountered one as depressing as Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell. From its icy blue cover to its frigid setting to its crusty characters, the book's as cold and bleak as a Missouri winter. Which is, I guess, the point. But still - talk about depressing.
The story revolves around Ree Dolly, a 16-year-old girl living in the hills of the Missouri Ozarks in a community full of her ne'er-d0-well relatives ("...dead to wonder by age twelve, dulled to life, empty of kindness, boiling with mean. So many Dolly kids were that way, ruined before they had chin hair, groomed to live outside square law and abide by the remorseless blood-soaked commandments that governed lives led outside square law" [8]). She plans to escape her poverty-stricken life the second she's old enough to join the Army, but for now, she's stuck taking care of her two young brothers and her mother, whose mind took a hike years ago. It's a hard, squalid existence, one Ree stoically endures while dreaming of something better.
All Ree's hopes are dashed one glacial winter morning when Johnny Law comes nosing around, asking about her father. A notorious crank chef, Jessup Dolly has skipped town, presumably to avoid his upcoming court date. He's posted the Dolly's home and timber acres as his bail bond; if Jessup doesn't appear in front of the judge, Ree and her family will lose the few assets they have. Knowing she can't keep her family together without a roof over their heads, Ree vows to drag her father home, no matter what it takes. It's a dangerous task, involving confrontations with the vilest Dollys the Ozarks have ever produced. With little choice, the determined teen sets out across the frozen hills on a life-or-death quest to save the only things in her world that are worth redeeming - her still-innocent brothers. And, maybe, herself.
As hardened as Ree is, she's an admirable character, one who's easy to root for if difficult to like. She is, in fact, the only (semi-) bright spot in the brutal, arctic landscape of Winter's Bone. Woodrell's raw, unsympathetic look at families steeped in the Ozark drug culture is both vivid and compelling, just not particularly uplifting. The novel's a quick read, to be sure, but not an easy one at all. If it had been one page longer, or if I hadn't been too sick to get out of bed when I read it, I wouldn't have finished Winter's Bone. It's well-written, just not my cup of tea. Like at all.
(Readalikes: Although the settings are vastly different, Winter's Bone reminds me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy)
Grade: C
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, sexual content and portrayals of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I bought Winter's Bone from Borders (*sniff*) with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Looking For More Romance, Less Thriller? Rachel Ann Nunes Delivers.
Like many a young lawyer, 32-year-old Caitlin McLoughlin entered the profession to help people. But after putting in her time as a public defender, always scoring the worst possible clients, she's tired and bitter. Working long hours leaves her with little time for a social life, barely enough money to support herself and her mentally handicapped sister, and no energy for anything resembling exercise or a home-cooked meal. She longs to spend her time convicting the bad guys instead of defending them, but prosecuting jobs are not exactly plentiful. For the moment at least, she's stuck with a career that's less than fulfilling, a social life that's going nowhere fast, and an expanding waistline courtesy of Costco's frozen food aisle. Although she's an excellent lawyer, her future feels about as bright as Utah's dull winter landscape.Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes opens with a frustrated Caitlin trying to deal with her less-than-satisfying life. Given the constant stream of lowlifes coming through her door, she assumes her newest client will be just like the others - creepy as heck and guilty as sin. Except that Parker Hathaway's not what she expected. She senses sincerity in his insistence that he kidnapped his daughter only out of desperation to keep her safe from her meth-addicted mother. The only problem is that there's no real evidence to back up Parker's claims. Without a solid lead, Caitlin can do little to protect him from rotting in prison. Still, she has to try - 4-year-old Madeline's safety is at stake.
Caitlin prides herself on never letting her personal life interfere with her work, but suddenly she seems to be starring in her own soap opera. She's finally caught a glance from pretty boy Mace Keeley; another co-worker's showing definite romantic interest; and she can't deny her growing desire to be in her client's arms. Parker obviously feels the same way about her, but acting on their mutual attraction can only end badly - for their case as well as for Caitlin's vulnerable heart. And there's always the possibility that Parker's playing her to keep himself out of jail. What if he's lying about his ex-wife's drug use? What if he really is the same kind of scumbag Caitlin always defends? And what about Madeline? Time's running out. How much danger is she really in? Can Caitlin sort the truths from the lies, and what will the answers mean for a desperate father, an innocent girl, and a public defender with her heart on the line?
According to Nunes, Saving Madeline was inspired by the recent case of a Utah infant dying after ingesting meth from a plastic baggie she discovered on the floor of her home. Sadly, the baby's fate is not uncommon. Every year, thousands of children are harmed as a result of their parents'/guardians' drug use. Thus, the idea of a non-abusing spouse "kidnapping" his child to rescue her from a dangerous situation, then being punished for it, intrigued me. I anticipated an exciting legal thriller that dug under the skin of a common occurence, probing, questioning and opening my eyes to all the legal and moral complications of such a case. What I got was ... not quite what I was expecting. For one thing, the novel is more romance than thriller, a fact that really started to bug me after awhile. I get that Caitlin's supposed to be beautiful, but seriously, every guy she meets falls in love with her and vice versa? Gag me. Luckily, the story had a little more substance than that. Although the reader pretty much knows exactly where the story's going, Nunez does throw in a few surprises. The novel would have benefited from tighter editing, better character development and more suspense, but overall, it wasn't half bad.
Although Saving Madeline is not an LDS novel, it's a clean read featuring characters who are flawed, but determined to do the right thing. It reminded me of a Mary Higgins Clark mystery - just add (a lot) more romance and subtract the heart-pounding finales for which Clark is known. Like the Queen of Suspense, Nunes offers a quick, clean read that's enjoyable if predictable. If you're looking for a mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, you'll want to look elsewhere, but if you're in the mood for a nice, easy romance with a little legal thriller thrown in, Nunes delivers.
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for mild sexual innuendo and brief references to rape and murder
(Book image from Deseret Book)
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