Spin: The Rumpelstiltskin Musical

Written by Neil Fishman, Harvey Edelman and David B. Coe

Narrated by Jim Dale, Johnny Heller, Nicola Barber and 3 more

2019 Audie Winner – Best Original Work

2018 SOVAS Voice Arts Award – Best Voiceover in Children's Audiobook

2018 SOVAS Voice Arts Award – Outstanding Production in Audiobook

2018 Parents Choice Award – Silver Honor for Audiobook

SPIN - THE AUDIOBOOK MUSICAL: A witty musical re-imagining of Grimm’s fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin, created by musical theatre veterans, narrated by Jim Dale, and featuring a cast of Broadway musical stars. The story takes place in a Nice Little Kingdom, and ignites when a foolish miller brags that his daughter, Jane, can spin straw into gold.  Since she cannot perform such a miracle, Jane desperately enlists the powers of a magical being…Rumpelstiltskin… in exchange for a promise with dire consequences. A fun, fractured fairy tale for the entire family.

Cast: Jim Dale, Barrett Leddy, Lisa Livesay, Nicola Barber, Khristine Hvam, Nick Sullivan, John Brady, Johnny Heller Produced by Hvam Audio and Sammy Smile Music; Music Composed, Orchestrated, and Produced by Neil Fishman; Book and Lyrics by Harvey Edelman; Adapted for the Audiobook by David B. Coe and Harvey Edelman; Directed by Khristine Hvam; Musical Direction by Neil Fishman; Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Charles De Montebello at CDM Studios; Percussion Programming by Sam Fishman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jan 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9780062851598

Neil Fishman

Neil Fishman is a veteran composer, orchestrator, and producer. Collaborating with Mr. Edelman, he has written the music for many theatrical properties to delight adults and children of all ages. Mr. Fishman, a graduate of Juilliard Preparatory Division and Yale University, is a member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild.

Reviews for Spin

[katie1723 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I recieved this book on the early reviewers. I was trying to stay away from "chick lit" books, but I have a weird obsession about reading books and watching movies about rehab. (Never been there, or needed to go). I absolutely loved this book. It was hillarous, and so fun at the same time.

[whitreidtan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reading about alcoholism and addiction can be depressing. It destroys people and lives. And for some reason, we as a society have a prurient interest in people, specifically celebrities, who cannot fight their personal demons without a bottle, a pill, a pipe, or a needle to help them. In Spin, McKenzie has tapped into both the heavy, serious topic of addiction and society's unhealthy obsession with celebrity but she's managed to do so in a lighter fashion that makes for a fun and entertaining read.Kate Sandford is on the verge of turning thirty. She's barely making ends meet writing occasional articles about bands locally but when she lands an interview with The Line, her favorite national music magazine, she knows she's finally about to break into the big time. Unfortunately she goes out to celebrate her birthday the night before and turns up at the interview some combination of still drunk and hungover all at once. Not surprisingly, she does not get the job. Several weeks later, when she has determined that she must buckle down and be an adult, change the direction of her life and get a consistent job, even if it isn't one she'd like, she gets an unexpected call back from The Line. Having pegged her as having a drinking problem but being a good writer nevertheless, they want her to go undercover and enter a rehab program to collect info on a troubled star currently in treatment, Amber Sheppard, also known to the media as The Girl Next Door. The assignment is not with The Line, however. It is for its sister magazine, a successful gossip rag. If Kate can deliver the story, she'll be reconsidered for the job at The Line.Determined not to blow her second chance, Kate agrees even as she worries how she's going to pull off pretending to be an alcoholic, without ever considering that she might in fact actually have a problem with alcohol. Rehab carries with it some big surprises for Kate as she struggles to understand the grip that alcohol has on her and the effect it has had on her life, her relationships, and her family. As she works through all of this (and the denial so common to addicts), she gets close to Amber. At first, she does it because she has to in order to write the story. But then she finds herself really liking Amber personally. How can she still write a story about her new friend's addiction battles and the private and personal things she's discovered about this young woman? With her dream job and a lot of money riding on the story, how can she not?Kate is a funny, naive, struggling main character. In short, she's very human and her struggles to know herself and to learn honesty, not only with others in her life (how ironic given the enormous lie she is perpetuating simply by being in rehab for a story) but with herself as well, are authentic and real. While she may have many issues to address, they don't come off as navel-gazing and self-help inspired but are leavened with humor and comedic moments that lighten the tone of the entire book. Certainly fighting an addiction is dark and terrible stuff that can make for a hard and depressing read but that darkness is the polar opposite of what readers will find here. Adding a potential love interest for Kate and the ubiquitous toxic celebrity relationship with the "It" boy for "It" girl Amber lightens the mood still further and allows for some appealing plot twists.While Kate is the main character, most of the secondary characters are entertaining as well and fleshed out enough to make it clear how they fit into's Kate's life. My biggest quibble with the novel is with how easy overcoming her urge to drink seems to be for Kate in the end, especially given her interior thoughts at the beginning of rehab. The ending of the story is never in doubt here and there are some plot threads given a bit of short shift but over all, the novel is a fun, appealing one that makes for a fast, light-feeling read even as it delivers some hard truths.

[twink_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[literarychanteuse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book definitely reflects our present day and age. It has a very real and believable heroine who shows her weaknesses and begins to learn her strengths as the story goes on. Underneath it all she manages to have a sense of humor that helps to lighten the story. I never thought reading about rehab could be this entertaining. To wrap it all up there is a dreams can come true ending that adds a positive spin. (no pun intended) Very enjoyable!

[meags222_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book has been out for about a year in Canada and I was surprised when I saw it on NetGalley; I guess it is being released in February in the States. I have to say that I quite enjoyed this book. I had just finished listening to a pretty serious book on audio and this was a welcome change. This book deals with the serious issue of alcoholism and addiction but it does so in a way that is not too depressing. The novel is mostly set in a rehab clinic where Katie Sanford is undercover trying to get a story on celebrity Amber Sheppard, aka The Girl Next Door. When Katie enters rehab she thinks that she going to have to "fake" her alcoholism just to get in but in the end she discovers that perhaps maybe she did have a problem that needed some attention. This book becomes a novel of self discovery and Katie ends up hurting not only herself but someone she forms a friendship with. This novel plays out the way that one would expect but to me this isn't a bad thing. When you begin reading this book, you know it is the kind of book that will conclude positively. I quite enjoy books like this when I need a little cheering up and I was glad to have this book on hand when I read it. The book is full of shenanigans that both Katie and Amber get into in rehab and in the end there is a little romance. There is only one thing that irked me with the book but I think this is because I have the distinct pleasure of dealing with close family members with alcoholism my entire life. I found that Katie's transformation to be a bit too sudden. Every alcoholic that I have dealt with is highly in denial and even after several stints in rehab, they still have a very difficult time admitting that their drinking was ever a problem. Again, I don't think this is something that the average person would pick up on while reading Spin and I realize that I may just be extra-sensitive to the issue. Even with this one complaint, I really enjoyed McKenzie's writing style and I am looking forward to reading more of her novels. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[dars_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[cathywillis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Spin" by Catherine McKenzie is the book I would have already written by now if I weren't so lazy. Instead, it is the book Mckenzie has written, which I had the privilege of reading. Kate is an aspiring journalist who has an interview for her dream job at fictional music magazine "The Line," second best known magazine of its type (next to Rolling Stone, natch), on her thirtieth birthday. Unfortunately, when she goes out to celebrate both her early birthday and her impending interview, she gets so inebriated she shows up to her interview the next morning still drunk. After spiraling into drunken depression, the magazine calls her back to ask her about another assignment for which they think she might be perfect candidate: to enter rehab and get the inside scoop on a celebrity also seeking treatment. While indignant that they might think she would be a convincing inpatient, she is also desperate to get in good with the publishing company, so she reluctantly accepts. Once there, she begins to realize she might need to evaluate her life, and how far she is willing to go to achieve her goals. In addition to being a surprisingly good entry in the chick lit genre, this book is also on target for readers in substance recovery. While "Spin" avoids being trite and refuses to imply that one "fake" stint in rehab will give Kate all the answers, it does convey the message that taking stock in one's life can reveal more than one might expect.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book cracked me up. I really wanted all the characters to act right!!!! Well, they didn't and it kept me reading --- quickly!!!

[mrsmommybooknerd7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adored this book cover to cover. What a fun and entertaining read! I nearly read it in one sitting then rushed over to read Spun (the follow up novella). When you are reading a great book it plays out like a movie in your head, you feel it in your bones and see it in its entirety! Spin was so brilliantly written that you felt like you were right there for everything...the awkward encounters, the funny moments, the serious situations…everything! I would have been sad when the book ended, but instead I was excited because McKenzie continues the story in an amazing follow up novella Spun, which also amazing and which I also gobbled up! 4.5 stars!!!

[ansate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mostly a fun chicklit read, but a nice change from the usual pink fare in that the main problem of the book was not the romance, it was the other issues Katie had in becoming a grownup, mostly dealing with alcoholism.I'm surprised that something could be mostly a fun read, but still take on such a big issue and not come across awkwardly or preachily.

[anissaannalise-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very witty, entertaining & surprisingly insightful read. I picked this up while travelling & it sat on my bookshelf waiting for me to disconnect myself from my Kindle to read it. I'm glad I finally did! Oddly, I've seen mostly recommendations for YA titles relating to this book (maybe it's the cover? idk.) & I have to say it is definitely NOT a YA book. When your protagonist is 30, has had 27 sexual partners & is spending a good amount of the book sitting in rehab contemplating her relationship with alcohol & the people in her life, even if she is emotionally immature & stunted... well, it's a whole other category.

Kate's voice is clear throughout. She is bright, witty & a straight up trainwreck. I've not read a character so engagingly un-self-aware in a while & she didn't disappoint. I found her wholly believable & I never tired of her self-delusions as she worked her way along the path of her journey. I cheered, hoped & worried for her the whole way through. I was even feeling anxious when it was clear that she couldn't act in her own best interest & there wasn't anything I could do but bear witness to it & pray she got her crap together.

I have to admit that I did find the use of designations over names for other characters in the book (TGND, YJB, E., The Banker, The Director, etc.) initially took me out of the story that Kate was narrating & I could not connect to those characters. Then I realised that it was integral to the way the story had to be told through Kate & I breezed through.

I won't give up important plot details but I will say that this is a great weekend, airport or beach read. It's thought provoking enough to keep you engaged without wearing you down with angst & gives just enough opportunities to laugh while giving a satisfying, more cliche than not conclusion I'd have been more impressed if we didn't get the running after the guy to tell him how you feel moment @ the end but considering that Kate made the reference to the BBC adaptation of Austen's Persuasion (my very favorite Austen adaptation!) earlier, I can live with it. I'd have been more impressed if Kate was going for a little more "Me Time" & complete in herself than obsessing over Henry.. I have the author's other book "Arranged" waiting on my bookshelf & I'm sure I'll be moving it up on my "To Read" list.

[rtroth_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really easy good read. I was gripped by the characters and couldnt wait to see what happened next all the way to the end. I recommend for an interesting read.

[yonitdm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a non-user, I generally dislike books about substance abuse since I can't relate to the characters and often find the handling coarse and/or crude. This book sucked me in from the start. I connected to the main character from the get-go and even came to enjoy many of the supporting characters. The story pace was perfect, the different plot threads complemented each other rather than competing for attention.

[nebraska_girl1971 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you enjoyed Bridget Jones Diary or the Shopaholic series, then you will enjoy this book. It is an enjoyable book with several amusing twists and turns. It is a about a 30-year old “girl” who enters a drug treatment facility to write an article (and land her dream job) about the “it” star who recently was admitted. But instead, she learns a lot more about herself.

[bcteagirl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun light book. After Kate shows up for her dream interview drunk, she figures she has blown her career. All she wants to do is write. Then she is offered a way in: Sneak into rehab (Which she figures she doesn't *really* need) to spy on a celeb girl who has been sent there by her family. Sure it means she can't leave for thirty days, but if they like the story she writes, then they may just hire her on full time! Wouldn't you at least try?A first time author, and a very funny light read. So great for when you are in that sort of a mood. :) 4 stars.

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kate is a mess. She dreams of being a writer, and has landed an interview for her dream job. But prior to her interview, she gets so drunk the night before that she is still drunk at her interview. Obviously, things don’t go well. Yet, she is given another chance, if she writes a gossip column about a star in rehab. This means she also has to go to rehab, and ends up finding out a lot about herself. I don’t enjoy books where the protagonist is a drunk, although Kate does eventually get clean. So that likely skewed my opinion of the book. I did enjoy that Kate had to go through low points before things got better. This is McKenzie’s debut novel, and I have read many of her other books, and have enjoyed them.

[ceh0017 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What drew me to requesting this book was its original plot. I really felt attached to the characters after I finished the book. Overall, a well written novel that captured my attention. It made me think deeply about what I would do if I were in this situation while keeping a comedic aspect revolving through the entire plot. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes chic lit.

[cats57_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spin – by Catherine McKenzieSpin is an interesting take on what may or may not happen when one goes into rehab for alcoholism.Katie is an alcoholic though she does not want to admit it. Alcohol even ruined her chance at her dream job at a music magazine. A few weeks later the same corporation that owns the music mag contacts her but they have different assignment for her. Follow a starlet into rehab, make friends with her and get a scoop. All of this is for a gossip mag that the corporation owns. The carrot dangled in front of Katie? Her dream job.During the course of this novel I had to ask myself “is this what rehab is really like”? Do stars and starlets really act out this way while there? Can lasting, close friendships be forged while enduring rehab? Can decades of hurt be cured in a mere 30 days of therapy? As I was reading, it soon became clear that the realism or lack of such, didn’t matter to me. What did matter was turning the pages to continue in finding out just what was going to happen with Katie and Henry and Amber and Amy.I needed to know if Katie was really going to backstab Amber, was Katie going to fall in love with Henry, would rehab work for her?While this book was uncannily like “28 Days” the movie, it ended unlike anything else I have encountered out there.

[bookishdame · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Dame's Remarks :"Spin" is a case of madcap mistakes and mishaps with a bit of misery thrown in. It's one of the funniest books I've read this season. It's also one of the most surprising. It's difficult to catch me off guard, but along with the protagonist, Katie, that irrepressible 30 year old, wanna-be 20ish-something girl trying to live her dream, I found myself in denial nearly to the end of this book! This is a story that will keep you up all night reading and relating.Katie is a simply irresistible character. As Catherine McKenzie has drawn her, she's a happy drunk and the kind of friend you call when you want to have a good time. She's also the kind of friend who won't deny you much of anything you ask her for. This combination, mixed with Katie's lack of a true family anchor and belief in herself, are lethal. She tries to give herself some sort of base to feel good about in her grasp of music and her goal of writing for a "Rolling Stones" type of magazine. Generally, these goals are illusive in light of her sense of failure.I love Ms McKenzie's beginning characterization of a young woman caught in a web of disillusionment. Katie knows she's spiraling out of control, but she's not sure how to stop it. The beautiful thing about McKenzie's portrait initially is that we see and are drawn in to Katie's strong sense of denial. Though we love Katie from the first introduction of her, we see it's going to be a sad commentary on a young woman who can't stop drinking long enough to grow up and face her demons. In my case, I loved Katie so much, I was sure she'd realize the drinking was holding her back and she'd quit as soon as she got her assignment! I found myself following her in denial. What a perfect place for a writer to take me! Genius!When Katie finds herself on assignment for "Gossip Central" to get a scoop in rehab. on the famous actress of a highly touted prime time tv show, she's as caught off guard as we are to find that she might be in need of some rehab. herself! It's through her experiences befriending this young girl, the rehab's somewhat ridiculous therapist, a gorgeous "handler" of the actresses boyfriend, and some hilarious group therapy that we all get a sharper perspective. As Katie's understanding of herself develops, so does ours. This is some powerful writing.I thought this was also a perfectly paced book. It had moments of enlightenment, and moments when I was so drawn down with Katie into her denial that I was sure everything was all right with her, and that the rest of the people, including the staff at Cloudspin Oasis, were cracked! It was beguiling, breathtaking in its truth-telling of alcohol and drug dependency's grip on people. I found myself laughing out loud at one point, and cringing with shared shame and sympathy a few minutes later. The mood swings- - spins of this novel are incredible and meaningful. So are the roads to healing."Spin" is one of the most clear and honest stories of the human condition of addiction, its repercussions, and its outcomes I've ever read. Its right up there with "Clean and Sober." Heart-warming and hilarious. This is a book that will have you spinning with sickness, love and laughter. You just have to read this book!In addition to the book's story, Ms McKenzie has included a playlist of Katie's at the end of the book that will just floor you. So cool you'll be writing it down to download it!

[scoutlee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary: Kate Sanford is thirty years old, living as though she's still in college. Her friends are all twenty-something and think she is a 25 year old graduate student. Life hasn't exactly turned out as she had hoped. Kate is still finding herself and making mistakes along the way.It's fate when Kate is offered an interview on her birthday. The night before the big day, she goes out with friends, promising herself it's just for one drink and she'll come home and prepare for the interview. Only one drink turns into several and Kate stumbles home after dawn. She wakes up with only minutes to dress, catch a cab and arrive to her interview on time.It's obvious to everyone at the interview Kate is still drunk. She's doing her best to appear lucid, but instead sounds like a babbling fool. When the nausea hits her full force, she runs out of the interview and proceeds to vomit in the bathroom.Needless to say Kate doesn't get the job. A few days later the magazine calls her. They have a proposition: get admitted to the same rehab as Amber, the current IT Girl, write an exclusive and the position is hers. Kate instantly agrees.My Thoughts: Initially when I first discovered Spin, I thought it would be a quick read. A great way to wind down after a long work day. Actually, Spin wasn't as light as I thought it would be. Kate struggled with real-life issues: insecurity, disappointment and frustration with how her life currently is, alcoholism, family issues and trust. These themes made Spin quite the engaging read.I enjoyed watching Kate's transformation from a carefree woman to discovering her potential. Although her time in rehab initially was her ticket to her dream job, she used it as a way to learn more about herself and her role in her family.Spin took me by surprise. I adored Kate and wanted her to continue growing and moving forward with her life. I wouldn't mind reading a "where is Kate now?" sequel! I definitely want to read more of McKenzie's future books. Highly recommended.

[kc9333 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a surprisingly enjoyable novel reminicent of Bridget Jones Diary. The main character faces serious struggles that land her in rehab - even though she is sure she doesn't really need to be there. Eventually she learns important life lessons that make her a better person. While the feel good ending has chick lit written all over it, there are certainly enough unexpected twists along the way to keep the reader turning the pages. The humor was well written and sometimes laugh out loud funny. Highly recommended for anyone in the mood for this genre.

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Good Stuff Author is Canadian (and the book isn't depressing or about the prairies -- you have to understand my issue here, we are forced to read depressing Cdn literature -- often about the prairies - from Grade 4 all the way through College in Ontario - it colours you ) Dialogue between characters is nice and crisp, fresh and often funny as hell Smart and funny Fast paced tightly written story, doesn't drag Fabulous character development, Kate feels like a real person, warts and all Really could see this as a movie Good secondary characters that compliment the heroine, yet don't overshadow her Nice moral questions done in a non preachy or schmaltzy way - makes you think what you might do in the same situation. I really liked how the characters lives didn't become perfect after they had left rehab, they were still struggling, but there was a sense of hope for change - very realistic Will be picking up Arranged, by McKenzie as well since I was so impressed with her writing style Could not put the book down, felt like I was part of the story Author is Canadian - come on American pals, you know how excited we get when something Canadian is goodThe Not So Good Stuff Found Kate's sister seriously irritating and just plain unpleasant - if she were my twin sister I would have drank tooFavorite Quotes/Passages"The way I see it, Kid, anything that comes from the ground is OK," my father said. "It's the manufactured shit, pardon my French, that gets people in trouble. If you can consume it in its natural state, and never tell your mother I said this, I don't see why you can't experiment a little."I stared at him from the middle of my beanbag chair. "What are you talking about Dad?""I'm talking about pot, hash, and 'shrooms. If you stick to those, you should be OK. Not that I'm telling you to take them. But if you do decide to do drugs, those are the drugs you should use.""If you're reading this message, you're smarter than I thought! No need for explanations,lass. The intrigue was worth it.I laugh out loud. People surprise you every goddamn day, even in rehab.""I wonder if anyone else is awake. Or are visions of sugarplums, or sugarplum brandy, dancing through their heads."Who Should/Shouldn't Read This one is perfect for everyone, both male and female -- people have mentioned it on chick lit lists, but I feel that does it a disservice, men will enjoy the story as well Even good for older YA readers (obviously there is some sex, drugs, etc -- but nothing explicit -- and hey the message of drugs and alcohol can be very bad is a good one) This would be a wonderful story for lying on a beach or curled up on a couch 4.75 Dewey'sWilliam Morrow sent this to me for review in exchange for an honest review

[ennie_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kate shows up drunk to an interview for a dream job at an entertainment magazine, but gets another chance when they offer to send her to rehab if she'll write about a celebrity patient there. This undercover assignment gets complicated when she finds herself becoming friends with the celeb, and realizes that she may not be pretending to be an alcoholic but actually is one. It's a different sort of plot than the usual chick lit, and felt authentic. The author is from Montreal, but the atmosphere didn't seem especially Canadian (whatever that means).

[marcyjill · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once you get past the implausibility of the premise (and that is not hard to do), this is a very enjoyable book. Our girl Kate is a mess at the opening of this book and if anyone needs rehab, she clearly does despite the fact that she doesn't know it. Part of me hates to think of rehab being handled in a "light" way, but the author managed to do without belittling its importance. And Kate is forced to take it seriously within the confines of the book. The best part of the book was that you couldn't help, but root for Kate throughout and cheer for her happy ending. It really is a perfect rom-com movie kind of story that is as much about growing up and taking responsibility for yourself as it is a love story or comedy. I look forward to reading more by Catherine McKenzie.

[smits_52 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

better then expected "chick Lit" novel. i liked the main character kate and her sense of humor. I liked hearing what rehab was like. The resolution at the end was too pat.