Book Review and Giveaway: Spin

By Melissa Amster


**Giveaway is now closed**

After falling in love with "Arranged" by Catherine McKenzie, I received an opportunity to review "Spin" and jumped on it! I had heard only good things about it and had a feeling I would enjoy it for that reason. This novel has definitely lived up to its "hype."

Kate Sandford just lost her dream job working for a music magazine by showing up to the interview drunk from her 30th birthday celebration. Her behavior at the interview has instead made her the perfect candidate to follow the latest "It Girl" to rehab and report to a gossip magazine with an insider's viewpoint. If she is successful, she'll be able to get the music magazine job she wanted originally. However, Kate doesn't bank on the effect rehab will have on her own life, as well as what her dream opportunity will do to the friendships she has fostered, especially with this "It Girl."

The last good book I read about rehab, prior to this one, was "Rachel's Holiday" by Marian Keyes. I think that if you liked that book, you will definitely like "Spin." The first thing that stuck out for me was all the pop culture references. I'm a huge pop culture "geek," so it was fun to see what Ms. McKenzie would come up with next. I love that she quoted one of my favorite lines from "The Princess Bride" and also talked about some Christopher Guest mockumentary films (oddly enough, he was also in TPB). At the end, she includes a playlist based on the songs mentioned in each chapter. Next was the realistic dialogue and a main character with whom it was extremely easy to relate and connect. The supporting characters were all unique and a lot of fun to read about. Saundra, the counselor at rehab, especially stuck out with her dog obsession. I also liked the romantic sub-plot and how the tension built up throughout the story. Come to think of it, there wasn't anything I didn't like!

I highly suggest checking out "Spin" and making it a best seller, the way Ms. McKenzie strives to help other books become best sellers.

In the meantime, thanks to Ms. McKenzie, I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader in the US or Canada.

How to win "Spin":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page if you can receive messages there.)

1. Please tell us: What is the craziest thing you've ever done to get the job you wanted?
2. Please tell us: What is your favorite line from "The Princess Bride."
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Monday, February 7th at midnight EST.