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Spin #2
Spun
In this funny and touching novella, bestselling author Catherine McKenzie returns to the story of Amber Sheppard, It Girl and celebrity train wreck from McKenzie’s reader-favourite novel, Spin.
Life has been rough for starlet Amber since leaving rehab. She’s been two years sober, but no one seems to believe her -- not the gossip media, not casting agents, and most certainly not her spotlight-loving parents. With her friendships ruined by betrayal and her career at a standstill, Amber’s just trying to get her life back on track. It doesn’t help that her former love, movie star Connor Parks, keeps trying to draw Amber back in, not just to their relationship but to his hard-partying ways. One fateful night, Amber breaks down and agrees to join him on board his private jet as it readies for take-off -- a decision that will change her life forever and expose her to a whole new level of scrutiny and heartbreak.
Life has been rough for starlet Amber since leaving rehab. She’s been two years sober, but no one seems to believe her -- not the gossip media, not casting agents, and most certainly not her spotlight-loving parents. With her friendships ruined by betrayal and her career at a standstill, Amber’s just trying to get her life back on track. It doesn’t help that her former love, movie star Connor Parks, keeps trying to draw Amber back in, not just to their relationship but to his hard-partying ways. One fateful night, Amber breaks down and agrees to join him on board his private jet as it readies for take-off -- a decision that will change her life forever and expose her to a whole new level of scrutiny and heartbreak.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2014
64 people are currently reading
2889 people want to read
About the author
Catherine McKenzie
34 books4,859 followersCatherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practiced law in Montreal for twenty years before retiring to write full time. An avid runner and skier, she's the author of numerous bestsellers including HIDDEN, FRACTURED, THE and the GOOD LIAR. I'LL NEVER TELL was a #1 Amazon Bestseller, a Globe & Mail and Toronto Star Bestseller, shortlisted for the Hugh McLennan Prize for Fiction.
On April 30, 2024 Catherine will publish the first in a new funny mystery series named EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES as Catherine Mack.
On April 30, 2024 Catherine will publish the first in a new funny mystery series named EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES as Catherine Mack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
February 3, 2014
Super excited to announce this novella follow-up to Spin coming in April!
October 20, 2016
4 1/2 Stars
Spun is a novella, 2 hrs 47 mins (or 140 pgs), and is a spin-off of a previous book called “Spin”. I haven’t read Spin yet (but plan to now) and had no problem following this story. I wish all attached stories could manage to do this.
Amber is a former child star struggling to get her life together. She is the classic tale of child star turned wastrel. She fell in love with a bad boy, has been in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol addiction, has a strained relationship with her parents, ruined all but the lamest of career opportunities with her on-set bad behavior and instability and is now hounded by the paparazzi who want nothing more than to see her continued downfall.
Amber has made a complete mess of her life and she knows it. She doesn’t deny it, she doesn’t get all “poor me” and she doesn’t lay the blame on anyone but herself. She’s trying to do what’s right even though it’s probably the most difficult thing she’s ever faced. This is why I liked Amber right away. She has managed to stay sober for two years and has avoided the former love of her life for over six months because he is her kryptonite. But then she’s dealt a devastating blow to the heart, forced to face betrayal after betrayal and has a family who doesn’t have any faith that she is actually “sober”. This story is about the roughest patch of Amber’s young life.
Amber is never unlikable, she’s just a mess. At this point in her life, she’s vulnerable and facing so many betrayals that you hope she’s able to come out of it with her sobriety and her sanity intact. I really felt for her, even teared up once or twice, if you can believe that. Told from Amber’s POV you see the entire devastating mess from Amber’s POV and you really feel her pain. She even managed to maintain a self-deprecating sense of humor about herself and her life that always kept the book from being completely dreary as Amber struggles to deal with becoming a stable adult.
I enjoyed this story and the breezy (but not immature) writing style. If you’re into audiobooks and this sort of dramatic story, this is a great choice. The narrator drew me in and kept me. Her voice sounds world weary but still young enough and I never felt jolted or lost when other characters spoke.
Spun is a novella, 2 hrs 47 mins (or 140 pgs), and is a spin-off of a previous book called “Spin”. I haven’t read Spin yet (but plan to now) and had no problem following this story. I wish all attached stories could manage to do this.
Amber is a former child star struggling to get her life together. She is the classic tale of child star turned wastrel. She fell in love with a bad boy, has been in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol addiction, has a strained relationship with her parents, ruined all but the lamest of career opportunities with her on-set bad behavior and instability and is now hounded by the paparazzi who want nothing more than to see her continued downfall.
Amber has made a complete mess of her life and she knows it. She doesn’t deny it, she doesn’t get all “poor me” and she doesn’t lay the blame on anyone but herself. She’s trying to do what’s right even though it’s probably the most difficult thing she’s ever faced. This is why I liked Amber right away. She has managed to stay sober for two years and has avoided the former love of her life for over six months because he is her kryptonite. But then she’s dealt a devastating blow to the heart, forced to face betrayal after betrayal and has a family who doesn’t have any faith that she is actually “sober”. This story is about the roughest patch of Amber’s young life.
Amber is never unlikable, she’s just a mess. At this point in her life, she’s vulnerable and facing so many betrayals that you hope she’s able to come out of it with her sobriety and her sanity intact. I really felt for her, even teared up once or twice, if you can believe that. Told from Amber’s POV you see the entire devastating mess from Amber’s POV and you really feel her pain. She even managed to maintain a self-deprecating sense of humor about herself and her life that always kept the book from being completely dreary as Amber struggles to deal with becoming a stable adult.
I enjoyed this story and the breezy (but not immature) writing style. If you’re into audiobooks and this sort of dramatic story, this is a great choice. The narrator drew me in and kept me. Her voice sounds world weary but still young enough and I never felt jolted or lost when other characters spoke.
April 29, 2014
Opening Line: “This is how it starts. It’s the end of a long day, one of those craptastic ones you wish you could fast-forward past the bad parts…”
Holy hell this was good! Not what I was expecting and full of surprises; it's a love story and a tragedy. Its little girl lost and I wish it had been longer. Spun is (unfortunately) only a novella but jeez what a story Catherine Mackenzie weaves in the pages provided.
As a huge fan of Spin I was super excited to read this sequel which focuses on celebrity train wreck Amber Sheppard -who we first met in rehab there. This is her story 2 years later as she tries to put the mess of her life back together and OMG it's good. The tone is different from the original, missing some of the snark and humour that made that book such a fun read, but this is also a very different story.
I don't want to give away any spoilers (and Wow in that respect) but I think New Adult fans will love this. Peppered with social media references Amber reads a bit like Lindsey Lohan; a tough, confused, girl who's made some bad decisions and you can't look away from what she's doing next. Her love affair with Conner is ...epic and the final chapter "three minutes past the hour" just killed me, in an ugly cry sort of way. The chapter by chapter playlist included at the end didn't help either.
Amber Sheppard has been sober for two years. Not that you’d believe it if you read anything on social media or picked up a gossip magazine these days. The Paparazzi still always managed to catch her at her worst, and make a front page story out of it. This former It Girl has been trying to get her life back on track, trying to land a decent role but casting agents won’t touch her anymore and today she’s been coerced into being the face of some crappy new perfume called “Fabulous”. Amber is anything but fabulous these days. But it pays the bills and her career is at a standstill.
So for the past twelve hours she’s been running through an abandoned warehouse trying to look scared or devastated or pretentious or psychotic or whatever the hell vision the director had in mind for the ad campaign. During all those hours she’s been trying not to answer her phone, it’s buzzing with yet another message from him. Of course it’s him. It’s always him.
They haven’t spoken for six months and she’s never returned any of his texts but that doesn’t matter. Today is different, today he’s been using their secret language and all his texts say the same thing “meet me baby.” All twelve of them.
Conner Parks, movie star bad boy and the love of her life. Her first crush, first kiss, her reason to breathe. Her family, her everything. Her toxic ruin, her downfall. How can she resist?
“No one said no to Conner when he asked for something. He was like kryptonite to reason.”
The tabloids will of course call this the reunion of the decade if they see her getting on his private jet or anywhere near the airport.
“You’re here.” He says
“I’m here.”
“I knew you’d come.”
I drop my bag on the floor and follow him.
Like I always do.
Like I’ve been doing my whole life."
“He takes a step towards me. He smells like chemicals and Crystal and the worst idea I’ve had in a long time.”
410jb5
Holy hell this was good! Not what I was expecting and full of surprises; it's a love story and a tragedy. Its little girl lost and I wish it had been longer. Spun is (unfortunately) only a novella but jeez what a story Catherine Mackenzie weaves in the pages provided.
As a huge fan of Spin I was super excited to read this sequel which focuses on celebrity train wreck Amber Sheppard -who we first met in rehab there. This is her story 2 years later as she tries to put the mess of her life back together and OMG it's good. The tone is different from the original, missing some of the snark and humour that made that book such a fun read, but this is also a very different story.
I don't want to give away any spoilers (and Wow in that respect) but I think New Adult fans will love this. Peppered with social media references Amber reads a bit like Lindsey Lohan; a tough, confused, girl who's made some bad decisions and you can't look away from what she's doing next. Her love affair with Conner is ...epic and the final chapter "three minutes past the hour" just killed me, in an ugly cry sort of way. The chapter by chapter playlist included at the end didn't help either.
Amber Sheppard has been sober for two years. Not that you’d believe it if you read anything on social media or picked up a gossip magazine these days. The Paparazzi still always managed to catch her at her worst, and make a front page story out of it. This former It Girl has been trying to get her life back on track, trying to land a decent role but casting agents won’t touch her anymore and today she’s been coerced into being the face of some crappy new perfume called “Fabulous”. Amber is anything but fabulous these days. But it pays the bills and her career is at a standstill.
So for the past twelve hours she’s been running through an abandoned warehouse trying to look scared or devastated or pretentious or psychotic or whatever the hell vision the director had in mind for the ad campaign. During all those hours she’s been trying not to answer her phone, it’s buzzing with yet another message from him. Of course it’s him. It’s always him.
They haven’t spoken for six months and she’s never returned any of his texts but that doesn’t matter. Today is different, today he’s been using their secret language and all his texts say the same thing “meet me baby.” All twelve of them.
Conner Parks, movie star bad boy and the love of her life. Her first crush, first kiss, her reason to breathe. Her family, her everything. Her toxic ruin, her downfall. How can she resist?
“No one said no to Conner when he asked for something. He was like kryptonite to reason.”
The tabloids will of course call this the reunion of the decade if they see her getting on his private jet or anywhere near the airport.
“You’re here.” He says
“I’m here.”
“I knew you’d come.”
I drop my bag on the floor and follow him.
Like I always do.
Like I’ve been doing my whole life."
“He takes a step towards me. He smells like chemicals and Crystal and the worst idea I’ve had in a long time.”
410jb5
April 6, 2014
There will be a paperback edition of SPUN too!
April 26, 2014
In the many months since her stint in rehab, actress Amber Sheppard has not had things easy. She's kept clean but none of that seems to matter. The paparazzi are always watching, waiting for her to fall back into her old ways. Even the casting agents doubt her. And then there's Connor Parks. After all they've been through - all the ups and downs, the fights, the breakups, the make ups - Amber just can't let him go. And so, after months of pleading via email and text, Amber breaks down and agrees to meet him. In just one instant everything changes for Amber... and Connor, making the former Girl Next Door again the center of attention as everyone waits to see what will happen next.
SPUN packs a wallop for such a short read! While it's easy to sympathize with Amber in SPIN, SPUN offers up a chance to see things from her perspective. Kate and Henry do make appearances but this time Amber is the real star of the show. And oh did I love her! Gone is the petulant young actress dead set on being difficult. In her place is a new, more mature Amber who has already started to learn the error of her ways and still longs for more. More stability, more trust from those around her, more respect in the industry.
And without giving too much away to you, potential reader, McKenzie doesn't make it easy on her.
SPUN packs a wallop for such a short read! While it's easy to sympathize with Amber in SPIN, SPUN offers up a chance to see things from her perspective. Kate and Henry do make appearances but this time Amber is the real star of the show. And oh did I love her! Gone is the petulant young actress dead set on being difficult. In her place is a new, more mature Amber who has already started to learn the error of her ways and still longs for more. More stability, more trust from those around her, more respect in the industry.
And without giving too much away to you, potential reader, McKenzie doesn't make it easy on her.
April 27, 2014
I just love Catherine McKenzie! I have enjoyed all of her books!
This is a short sequel to the novel Spin. Spin was the first book by Catherine Mckenzie I ever read. I loved it!! Spun is just as fabulous. Except it is too SHORT!!
I love how the characters react to life’s inconsistencies. The emotions are so true to life. The reader just wants to help guide them along and keep them on the straight and narrow.
Five out of five stars
This is a short sequel to the novel Spin. Spin was the first book by Catherine Mckenzie I ever read. I loved it!! Spun is just as fabulous. Except it is too SHORT!!
I love how the characters react to life’s inconsistencies. The emotions are so true to life. The reader just wants to help guide them along and keep them on the straight and narrow.
Five out of five stars
October 19, 2018
I enjoyed Spin, but this felt rushed and I didn’t get much from it. It was just okay.
June 3, 2014
When Catherine McKenzie sent me an email asking if I would like to review her new novella Spun – a sorta-sequel to her smash-hit novel Spin (really, if you haven’t read it, I recommend you do ASAP because it is a very special novel) there was no answer but yes. Of course! The idea of being back in the Spin/Spun universe sounded fantastic! And I was quite intrigued to hear from Amber, who we met in Spin. It’s been a while since I read Spin, so my memories were a bit hazy, though I have since purchased myself the paperback for a well-needed re-read at some point, and I was super excited to read Amber’s story.
Amber is very much a spoilt brat. I didn’t remember much of her from Spin, but I imagine she was perhaps 100 times worse in Spin because she was in rehab, which probably wasn’t awesome for her. Sobriety also isn’t awesome for her. She’s screwed up so many times, that the studios aren’t interested any more and her film career is on the line. The only thing she has got going for her is a godawful perfume commercial and her friendship with her best friend, Olivia. But when she gets a text from her ex, Connor, using their own secret language, she heads off for a rendezvous on his plane, with fateful consequences and if Amber thought staying sober was tough before, it’s a whole new ball game now.
Spun surprised me. I really, really enjoyed it, but Amber is definitely a Marmite kind of heroine. You’ll either love her or hate her. I loved her, but I’m fickle like that and I appreciated her unfailing honesty. Let’s be honest, she’s basically a spoilt brat – that much is true from the off – she has everything you could possibly wish for, and went down the route so many starlets go down that ends in rehab. But she came out of the other end, and I enjoyed her struggle to stay sober. It must be tough, it’s easy to say she was only addicted because she chose it, but to then get clean and stay sober? I can appreciate that. Her life is like one big whirlwind and when the thing with Connor happens, it becomes even more of a whirlwind and I just wasn’t sure if Amber was strong enough to come out of it unscathed.
Spun was a very enjoyable novella. It had the frantic fast-paced narrative that made Spin so good, you almost got whiplash with Amber’s frantic narrative, but it was great. I want that when reading a novel or novella. I want to be hooked immediately and I want it to grab me and never let me go. I would have perhaps liked a better ending – it kinda just ends, and I would have liked to have seen Amber settled more, although the ending does bring much-needed closure, so I can’t complain too much. Catherine McKenzie is an immensely talented writer, and I can’t wait to see what she brings out next!
Amber is very much a spoilt brat. I didn’t remember much of her from Spin, but I imagine she was perhaps 100 times worse in Spin because she was in rehab, which probably wasn’t awesome for her. Sobriety also isn’t awesome for her. She’s screwed up so many times, that the studios aren’t interested any more and her film career is on the line. The only thing she has got going for her is a godawful perfume commercial and her friendship with her best friend, Olivia. But when she gets a text from her ex, Connor, using their own secret language, she heads off for a rendezvous on his plane, with fateful consequences and if Amber thought staying sober was tough before, it’s a whole new ball game now.
Spun surprised me. I really, really enjoyed it, but Amber is definitely a Marmite kind of heroine. You’ll either love her or hate her. I loved her, but I’m fickle like that and I appreciated her unfailing honesty. Let’s be honest, she’s basically a spoilt brat – that much is true from the off – she has everything you could possibly wish for, and went down the route so many starlets go down that ends in rehab. But she came out of the other end, and I enjoyed her struggle to stay sober. It must be tough, it’s easy to say she was only addicted because she chose it, but to then get clean and stay sober? I can appreciate that. Her life is like one big whirlwind and when the thing with Connor happens, it becomes even more of a whirlwind and I just wasn’t sure if Amber was strong enough to come out of it unscathed.
Spun was a very enjoyable novella. It had the frantic fast-paced narrative that made Spin so good, you almost got whiplash with Amber’s frantic narrative, but it was great. I want that when reading a novel or novella. I want to be hooked immediately and I want it to grab me and never let me go. I would have perhaps liked a better ending – it kinda just ends, and I would have liked to have seen Amber settled more, although the ending does bring much-needed closure, so I can’t complain too much. Catherine McKenzie is an immensely talented writer, and I can’t wait to see what she brings out next!
April 28, 2014
Amber Sheppard has lived her life in the public eye since she became the "It Girl" following her smash television show The Girl Next Door when she was only fifteen years old. She became emancipated at age sixteen and involved with her co-star, Connor Parks. It didn't help that Conner was eight years older than Amber or that they had a toxic and enabling relationship. They were in love. For a while Amber was able to move on after her television show and made several movies. She was even nominated for an Academy Award…but all that is in past, along with Connor. And to think it only took three tries at sobriety and rehab before she realized her life was quickly circling the drain. Unfortunately no one in the business is willing to give Amber another try and it seems like every stumble she makes is blamed on drugs or alcohol. Just when Amber doesn't think she can survive another blow, she is dealt the hardest blow of all. Is it possible to move forward when the media and even your parents don't believe in you or your sobriety? This is something Amber will have to discover an answer for in Catherine McKenzie's follow-up to SPIN, the novella SPUN.
First, if you haven't read SPIN grab a copy today. Although it isn't necessary to enjoy SPUN, it does help to provide some background on Amber and her relationship with the media, friends, and family. I found SPUN to be a very fast-paced and touching read. Ms. McKenzie does an excellent job of portraying the difficulties of remaining sober, as well as the attempt to rebuild broken relationships. In this day and age when it seems like we're hearing about some celebrity mishap and rehab failure every day, the character of Amber Sheppard was all too realistic. It was easy to empathize with Amber although it was apparent that her pre-sobriety behavior was beyond outrageous. I even cheered her on as she continued to fight for her continued sobriety and to earn back the respect of friends, family, and peers. Although SPUN is a quick read, it isn't a lighthearted story as it deals with the struggles of sobriety, addiction, and even grief in a realistic yet respectable manner. I've read most of Ms. McKenzie's writings and enjoyed them all. If you're looking for a quick read with a little bit of grit and realism, then you'll definitely want to grab a copy of SPUN to read.
First, if you haven't read SPIN grab a copy today. Although it isn't necessary to enjoy SPUN, it does help to provide some background on Amber and her relationship with the media, friends, and family. I found SPUN to be a very fast-paced and touching read. Ms. McKenzie does an excellent job of portraying the difficulties of remaining sober, as well as the attempt to rebuild broken relationships. In this day and age when it seems like we're hearing about some celebrity mishap and rehab failure every day, the character of Amber Sheppard was all too realistic. It was easy to empathize with Amber although it was apparent that her pre-sobriety behavior was beyond outrageous. I even cheered her on as she continued to fight for her continued sobriety and to earn back the respect of friends, family, and peers. Although SPUN is a quick read, it isn't a lighthearted story as it deals with the struggles of sobriety, addiction, and even grief in a realistic yet respectable manner. I've read most of Ms. McKenzie's writings and enjoyed them all. If you're looking for a quick read with a little bit of grit and realism, then you'll definitely want to grab a copy of SPUN to read.
May 5, 2014
The Good Stuff
Enjoyed the scenes between Amber and Kate. They have a complicated but intriguing relationship
The speech Henry gives at Connor's funeral was beautiful and honest
Fabulous insights about the paparazzi and the famous and wanting the rich and famous to fall hard
I am so glad Catherine wrote this novella, as I wanted to know more about Amber
Realistic character development. I was intrigued by Amber in Spin, but I fell in love with her in Spun
Wickedly funny, yet heartfelt and honest
Didn't want it to end. Read it in one setting while curled up in a warm blanket with a lovely Pinot Noir
I sort of see Amber as a more in touch Lindsay Lohan - just a little bit, you can see hope for Amber's future, unlike Ms Lohan however. (That girl needs some tough love and to be around people that actually give a damn for her)
Once again Ms McKenzie entertains, while at the same time making you think
McKenzie is a born storyteller and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next
For those who have not yet had a chance to read anything by this author, what the hell are you waiting for, get yourself to a bookstore (I suggest Chapters Shawnessy in Calgary, where a delightful CER named JR works - yes that is me) and pick up everything, you will not be disappointed
The Not So Good Stuff
Too bloody short, wanted more. Amber is a delightfully fresh and fun character.
Would have liked more of the wickedly funny
Yup so both points here are just saying that it was fabulous, I just wanted more (I know, I know I am such a selfish little git)
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I suspect this stance actually has more to do with Kanye leaving me off a guest list or two in the last year, but I leave Olivia to her moral ground."
"Didn't keep you from taking the assignment, though did it? Again."
"True. My name is Kate. I'm an alcoholic and an awful person."
"You have to really mean it when you say that."
"None of my new clothes fit me properly and I've gained three pounds. I'm starting to look healthy, which had better stop pretty soon if i ever want to get cast in anything again."
4.5/5 Dewey's
I received an e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Enjoyed the scenes between Amber and Kate. They have a complicated but intriguing relationship
The speech Henry gives at Connor's funeral was beautiful and honest
Fabulous insights about the paparazzi and the famous and wanting the rich and famous to fall hard
I am so glad Catherine wrote this novella, as I wanted to know more about Amber
Realistic character development. I was intrigued by Amber in Spin, but I fell in love with her in Spun
Wickedly funny, yet heartfelt and honest
Didn't want it to end. Read it in one setting while curled up in a warm blanket with a lovely Pinot Noir
I sort of see Amber as a more in touch Lindsay Lohan - just a little bit, you can see hope for Amber's future, unlike Ms Lohan however. (That girl needs some tough love and to be around people that actually give a damn for her)
Once again Ms McKenzie entertains, while at the same time making you think
McKenzie is a born storyteller and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next
For those who have not yet had a chance to read anything by this author, what the hell are you waiting for, get yourself to a bookstore (I suggest Chapters Shawnessy in Calgary, where a delightful CER named JR works - yes that is me) and pick up everything, you will not be disappointed
The Not So Good Stuff
Too bloody short, wanted more. Amber is a delightfully fresh and fun character.
Would have liked more of the wickedly funny
Yup so both points here are just saying that it was fabulous, I just wanted more (I know, I know I am such a selfish little git)
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I suspect this stance actually has more to do with Kanye leaving me off a guest list or two in the last year, but I leave Olivia to her moral ground."
"Didn't keep you from taking the assignment, though did it? Again."
"True. My name is Kate. I'm an alcoholic and an awful person."
"You have to really mean it when you say that."
"None of my new clothes fit me properly and I've gained three pounds. I'm starting to look healthy, which had better stop pretty soon if i ever want to get cast in anything again."
4.5/5 Dewey's
I received an e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
May 28, 2014
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Spun traces the backstory of Amber Sheppard who appeared in McKenzie’s novel Spin. I read Spin a couple of years ago so I confess that I started reading Spun with very little in way of pre-conceived story line. Spun is a quick paced novella with more action and dialogue than one could normally expect from a hundred odd pages and I love McKenzie’s writing so I was pleased that she could also pack so much into such a short format.
Spun is both heart-breaking and hilarious and Amber’s narrative is realistic, I would presume, for a starlet under scrutiny. Not being a 20 something actress just out of rehab myself though, I could still relate to her confusion with regards to her feelings about the love of her life (who, by the way, isn’t good for her- at all). Our impression of this past love is suspicious from the outset but I think we were given enough detail of their good times to absorb that Amber wasn’t completely delusional to want him. As for the other people in Amber’s world, I was particularly concerned when her close friend (and publicist) Olivia gives up a secret that should have turned Amber’s life into total destruction mode- but it turns out that the starlet could really have her act together (despite the media pushing otherwise)? I was so disappointed for her distance from her parents, though McKenzie doesn’t write them as entirely unsympathetic there wasn’t enough warmth there for me to think that their future relationship would be suddenly a bed of roses.
McKenzie skillfully wrote a main character that is relatable across many age groups and I would challenge people to not find empathy for her situation. Without giving much away this novella is full of intrigue, life and truths and I whisked through it happily.
Thank you to the author for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Spun traces the backstory of Amber Sheppard who appeared in McKenzie’s novel Spin. I read Spin a couple of years ago so I confess that I started reading Spun with very little in way of pre-conceived story line. Spun is a quick paced novella with more action and dialogue than one could normally expect from a hundred odd pages and I love McKenzie’s writing so I was pleased that she could also pack so much into such a short format.
Spun is both heart-breaking and hilarious and Amber’s narrative is realistic, I would presume, for a starlet under scrutiny. Not being a 20 something actress just out of rehab myself though, I could still relate to her confusion with regards to her feelings about the love of her life (who, by the way, isn’t good for her- at all). Our impression of this past love is suspicious from the outset but I think we were given enough detail of their good times to absorb that Amber wasn’t completely delusional to want him. As for the other people in Amber’s world, I was particularly concerned when her close friend (and publicist) Olivia gives up a secret that should have turned Amber’s life into total destruction mode- but it turns out that the starlet could really have her act together (despite the media pushing otherwise)? I was so disappointed for her distance from her parents, though McKenzie doesn’t write them as entirely unsympathetic there wasn’t enough warmth there for me to think that their future relationship would be suddenly a bed of roses.
McKenzie skillfully wrote a main character that is relatable across many age groups and I would challenge people to not find empathy for her situation. Without giving much away this novella is full of intrigue, life and truths and I whisked through it happily.
Thank you to the author for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
January 15, 2015
I was sent this audiobook for free on behalf of the author, Catherine McKenzie, in return for an honest review. I’m actually very glad I had the opportunity to check this book out as it’s something I would never have discovered otherwise. I tend to be more of a horror fan or science/history geek, so this book was way outside of my usual genre.
I found this book to be very entertaining and well-written. Since Spun is classified as a novella, it was a very quick listen. However, I really got the feeling that I knew each of the characters as they were described and developed so completely. I did not read the prequel to this book (Spin) prior to listening to Spun, but I certainly never felt like I was lost or missing out on anything from having not read it.
The narrator, Lea Gulino, was a joy to listen to. Her range of voices and flawless transition from one character to another was quite impressive. Lea’s voices contained just the right amount of sarcasm, attitude and ‘snarkyness’ to bring the characters to life but not so much as to be annoying. I’ve listened to way too many audiobook narrators who use the same voice for every character, rarely changing their reading speed or inflection, and that can totally ruin what would otherwise be a very good book. Lea Gulino, however, was top-notch.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of Chick Lit or Romance fiction, or for anyone wanting a refreshing change from the genre they typically read. If you’re not sure whether or not you’d enjoy this genre, this is a great book to try since it is a novella and requires only a few hours of your time. I would also strongly recommend the audio version because of Lea Gulino’s enjoyable narration.
I found this book to be very entertaining and well-written. Since Spun is classified as a novella, it was a very quick listen. However, I really got the feeling that I knew each of the characters as they were described and developed so completely. I did not read the prequel to this book (Spin) prior to listening to Spun, but I certainly never felt like I was lost or missing out on anything from having not read it.
The narrator, Lea Gulino, was a joy to listen to. Her range of voices and flawless transition from one character to another was quite impressive. Lea’s voices contained just the right amount of sarcasm, attitude and ‘snarkyness’ to bring the characters to life but not so much as to be annoying. I’ve listened to way too many audiobook narrators who use the same voice for every character, rarely changing their reading speed or inflection, and that can totally ruin what would otherwise be a very good book. Lea Gulino, however, was top-notch.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of Chick Lit or Romance fiction, or for anyone wanting a refreshing change from the genre they typically read. If you’re not sure whether or not you’d enjoy this genre, this is a great book to try since it is a novella and requires only a few hours of your time. I would also strongly recommend the audio version because of Lea Gulino’s enjoyable narration.
April 30, 2014
Catherine McKenzie does it again! She had me not wanting to put this novella down. I read it pretty much in one sitting. I have been a fan of Catherine's work since her first novel came out, which I read in the spring of 2010, a few short months after it was released. I've read all of Catherine's work, and thoroughly enjoyed every single novel & now novella, that Catherine has written. I was thrilled when I received an advanced reader's copy of Spun to read & review.
Spun is a sequel to Catherine's first novel, Spin. While Spin is Kate Sandford's story, Spun is Amber Sheppard's. While you don't need to read Spin to enjoy Spun, it does provide you with background on the characters. And if you haven't read Spin, I advise you to go pick up a copy today and read both. (And all of Catherine's other novels, you will not be disappointed).
Amber's character is extremely realistic, and I could picture her story on the covers of US Weekly or any other tabloid magazine. Amber stays clean after her stint in rehab and tries to get her life back on track. The story starts off with Amber going to see the love of her life, Connor, on the night he dies, and decides to get off his plane and with that decision, manages to save her life. So much happens in the 100-something page novella and the way Catherine writes makes you want to know more. And you have to keep reading to know the full story, as bits of the story and of what is going on are dropped along the way.
Spun is a sequel to Catherine's first novel, Spin. While Spin is Kate Sandford's story, Spun is Amber Sheppard's. While you don't need to read Spin to enjoy Spun, it does provide you with background on the characters. And if you haven't read Spin, I advise you to go pick up a copy today and read both. (And all of Catherine's other novels, you will not be disappointed).
Amber's character is extremely realistic, and I could picture her story on the covers of US Weekly or any other tabloid magazine. Amber stays clean after her stint in rehab and tries to get her life back on track. The story starts off with Amber going to see the love of her life, Connor, on the night he dies, and decides to get off his plane and with that decision, manages to save her life. So much happens in the 100-something page novella and the way Catherine writes makes you want to know more. And you have to keep reading to know the full story, as bits of the story and of what is going on are dropped along the way.
Read
May 2, 2014I've been a fan of Catherine McKenzie's from her first book - Spin.
Spin tells the tale of Katie, a woman desperate to get a job at the music magazine - The Line. What will she do to get that job? Sacrifice her own principles? Lie? Go to rehab to spy on celebrity 'it' girl Amber Sheppard and spill the details to the public? She does indeed head to rehab.....(my review)
Spin is Katie's story, but McKenzie has just released Spun - a novella that catches up with Amber - and what happened after rehab...
Two years on, Amber has managed to stay clean, but no one believes her. The paparazzi still hound her but casting agents aren't calling. One person, though, is still pursuing her. Connor, the love of her life. And he's a lot of the reason she ended up in rehab.
McKenzie has an easy, breezy style of writing that is fun to read. Spun gives us a completely different take on the Amber that appeared in Spin. Other characters from Spin also make cameos and let us catch up with their lives. But Spun belongs to Amber. She's matured and is trying to move on but has yet to convince her friends, family and fans. McKenzie does a great job at imagining what a celeb's life might be like. Amber's story is heartfelt, heartbreaking and life affirming. Catherine manages to fit a big story into a sweet little one sitting read.
For those that haven't read Spin, there's an excerpt (and one for Hidden as well) at the back of the book.
Spin tells the tale of Katie, a woman desperate to get a job at the music magazine - The Line. What will she do to get that job? Sacrifice her own principles? Lie? Go to rehab to spy on celebrity 'it' girl Amber Sheppard and spill the details to the public? She does indeed head to rehab.....(my review)
Spin is Katie's story, but McKenzie has just released Spun - a novella that catches up with Amber - and what happened after rehab...
Two years on, Amber has managed to stay clean, but no one believes her. The paparazzi still hound her but casting agents aren't calling. One person, though, is still pursuing her. Connor, the love of her life. And he's a lot of the reason she ended up in rehab.
McKenzie has an easy, breezy style of writing that is fun to read. Spun gives us a completely different take on the Amber that appeared in Spin. Other characters from Spin also make cameos and let us catch up with their lives. But Spun belongs to Amber. She's matured and is trying to move on but has yet to convince her friends, family and fans. McKenzie does a great job at imagining what a celeb's life might be like. Amber's story is heartfelt, heartbreaking and life affirming. Catherine manages to fit a big story into a sweet little one sitting read.
For those that haven't read Spin, there's an excerpt (and one for Hidden as well) at the back of the book.
May 14, 2014
"Spun" is the novella sequel to Catherine McKenzie's "Spin." This book focuses on Amber, the starlet that Katie meets in rehab in "Spin" and is told from Amber's perspective. This is definitely a book that you will appreciate more if you read the first book first. In the first book, you really get to know the characters whereas this book just jumps right in. I really enjoyed the first book so I was excited to read this book. I was definitely not disappointed.
The first book was told from Katie's perspective so I was really excited to see Amber's side of things. Amber is a person who on the outside looks very vain and flaky but on the inside, a lot of it seems like a show so that she can get her way. She is smart and this book shows how she copes with some missteps (both her own and those of her friends and lovers). I don't want to give too much away so excuse me for being vague.
One thing that I really enjoyed about both this book and "Spin" is that McKenzie was able to come up with characters that really felt real to me. In "Spin," Amber sort of seems untouchable because that is how Katie really sees her at first. In this book, we get to see what Amber is like under all of that glossy veneer. The writing of this book is nicely paced and the story left me wanting more of Amber and her sparkly life.
This book would be a great pick when you want a fun read with a fascinating character that you will want to get to know better!
The first book was told from Katie's perspective so I was really excited to see Amber's side of things. Amber is a person who on the outside looks very vain and flaky but on the inside, a lot of it seems like a show so that she can get her way. She is smart and this book shows how she copes with some missteps (both her own and those of her friends and lovers). I don't want to give too much away so excuse me for being vague.
One thing that I really enjoyed about both this book and "Spin" is that McKenzie was able to come up with characters that really felt real to me. In "Spin," Amber sort of seems untouchable because that is how Katie really sees her at first. In this book, we get to see what Amber is like under all of that glossy veneer. The writing of this book is nicely paced and the story left me wanting more of Amber and her sparkly life.
This book would be a great pick when you want a fun read with a fascinating character that you will want to get to know better!
April 14, 2014
Spun by Catherine McKenzie is a fabulous novella that packs the same punch as a full length novel. It’s a sequel of sorts, to the novel Spin, but the point of view switches from Katie to Amber.
Several years have passed and Amber has managed, for the most part, to stay clean. But she’s been reduced to starring in perfume commercials and working with pretentious directors who don’t realize that she’s actually smarter than they are. Meanwhile, the paparazzi are still after Amber and her parents only communicate with her through televised “interventions.” Her best friend is still her publicist, and even Katie seems to have betrayed her.
So it’s no wonder that Amber is still drawn to her first love, the self-destructive Connor, and she can’t resist coming to him when he sends her a text in their coded language. But what follows is both unexpected and devastating.
Catherine McKenzie’s writing style is so polished and clever, but she also manages to make me laugh and cry. Spun is perfect for a plane ride or an evening or two of pleasant diversion. The pop culture references are flawless and the characterization is well done. Spun is just heavy enough not to feel fluffy and it’s also quite entertaining. A great read!
Several years have passed and Amber has managed, for the most part, to stay clean. But she’s been reduced to starring in perfume commercials and working with pretentious directors who don’t realize that she’s actually smarter than they are. Meanwhile, the paparazzi are still after Amber and her parents only communicate with her through televised “interventions.” Her best friend is still her publicist, and even Katie seems to have betrayed her.
So it’s no wonder that Amber is still drawn to her first love, the self-destructive Connor, and she can’t resist coming to him when he sends her a text in their coded language. But what follows is both unexpected and devastating.
Catherine McKenzie’s writing style is so polished and clever, but she also manages to make me laugh and cry. Spun is perfect for a plane ride or an evening or two of pleasant diversion. The pop culture references are flawless and the characterization is well done. Spun is just heavy enough not to feel fluffy and it’s also quite entertaining. A great read!
May 21, 2014
let me start off by saying, I'm moving in 3 days and I had no business blowing an entire day (that I could have been packing everything I own) reading this book, but but but -- I couldn't put it down, it was too good! So, yeah, I read this book over the course of 1 day (couldn't put it down) Start to finish the fastest book I've ever read. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the shortest book Catherine McKenzie's ever published (but I'm not complaining - I just always want more)
This book is very VERY exciting, with lots of drama and twists and emotion, life and death: all the good shit that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
This book takes place 2 years after the end of Catherine McKenzie's Spin. It chronicles the current goings-on of Amber, Connor, Katie, Olivia, Harry and a few new characters are introduced.
In the effort of not giving any spoilers away I'll just say this - if you liked Spin, YOU'LL LOVE SPUN!!
I promise :)
now.... i wait... for Catherine McKenzie's next masterpiece.....
*taps foot*
;-)
This book is very VERY exciting, with lots of drama and twists and emotion, life and death: all the good shit that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
This book takes place 2 years after the end of Catherine McKenzie's Spin. It chronicles the current goings-on of Amber, Connor, Katie, Olivia, Harry and a few new characters are introduced.
In the effort of not giving any spoilers away I'll just say this - if you liked Spin, YOU'LL LOVE SPUN!!
I promise :)
now.... i wait... for Catherine McKenzie's next masterpiece.....
*taps foot*
;-)
April 30, 2014
4.5 Stars!
Oh this is just the kind of book I like - full of snark and sarcasm! This is a short Novella sequel to "Spin". I did not get a chance to read that one- BUT NOW I HAVE TO! I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It was very chick-lit-ish, which I love. It didn't take me long to devour this little gem.
This story very much reminded me of the "LA Candy series" by Lauren Conrad - and I loved that series! I love reading about rich girls that act like brats, LOL. So unlike my own life.
This story is fun fun fun, but it is also kind of sad and does make you feel sorry for Amber as she struggles with her recovery from drugs and alcohol. She seemed very real to me. I love the way she takes control of her own life and really does want to get her act together. And I love how she stayed strong through the whole story - Oh heck I just loved Amber, period!
Excellent character development!
Great job Catherine for another book well done!
Oh this is just the kind of book I like - full of snark and sarcasm! This is a short Novella sequel to "Spin". I did not get a chance to read that one- BUT NOW I HAVE TO! I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It was very chick-lit-ish, which I love. It didn't take me long to devour this little gem.
This story very much reminded me of the "LA Candy series" by Lauren Conrad - and I loved that series! I love reading about rich girls that act like brats, LOL. So unlike my own life.
This story is fun fun fun, but it is also kind of sad and does make you feel sorry for Amber as she struggles with her recovery from drugs and alcohol. She seemed very real to me. I love the way she takes control of her own life and really does want to get her act together. And I love how she stayed strong through the whole story - Oh heck I just loved Amber, period!
Excellent character development!
Great job Catherine for another book well done!
May 5, 2014
In this follow-up novella to McKenzie’s sensational 2012 hit Spin, IT girl Amber Sheppard is two years sober and trying her best to get her life together. No one is buying her sobriety story despite it being for real this time. Even the gossip magazines are sabotaging her recovery by publishing damaging photos taken at the most inopportune times. When the love of her life, Connor Parks, tempts her to dip back into the partying pool, Amber must decide what price she is willing to pay to risk it all.
Spun is an addictive, short read with plenty of drama and witty dialogue. Amber’s emotional tale is told through a mature voice that expertly depicts what life must be like for a celebrity in search of a new beginning. With Kate and Henry making a welcomed appearance, it feels quite similar to a brief homecoming for the reader. Breezy and light, the story takes hold and spins quickly out of control with ups and downs for one helluva ride. Too bad it had to come to an end.
Spun is an addictive, short read with plenty of drama and witty dialogue. Amber’s emotional tale is told through a mature voice that expertly depicts what life must be like for a celebrity in search of a new beginning. With Kate and Henry making a welcomed appearance, it feels quite similar to a brief homecoming for the reader. Breezy and light, the story takes hold and spins quickly out of control with ups and downs for one helluva ride. Too bad it had to come to an end.
April 20, 2014
I couldn't love this more! This story doesn't take place right after Spin left off, so there is a bit more story to tell other than the previous book from another perspective. Things change and life goes on, but does history repeat itself for Amber? How does she do outside of rehab? What happens to Camber (the cutesty name for her relationship with Connor Parks) and where does her career lead to? I am not usually a fan of novellas because I feel like if they are good, I want more in terms of story. And if they are not that great, I wish they could be added as an epilogue somewhere else. Spun is a great stand alone story as well as a sequel to the first. There are so many shocking moments, its a fun read, but addicting as well. Be prepared to read it all in one sitting. You won't want to put it down.
April 30, 2014
Nothing is better than finishing reading a great book and then getting to immediately revisit them again in another book or novella, as it is in this case! I finished reading Spin in nearly one sitting and then was able to grab Spun and get right back there with the characters I loved! What a great follow up. Sometimes follow ups can be a disappointment, but in this case it was a huge HIT!!! McKenzie has a way of forcing the reader to become invested and attached to her characters because she fleshes them out with flaws, idiosyncrasies and humor. She, in a word, creates characters that are REAL. I adored McKenzie when I first read Forgotten and I have continued to love and read everything that followed. 5 stars.
April 29, 2014
I really liked Spin. In fact, I couldn't wait to read more. The Spun comes out, this lil novella. I thought it would be about Kate, but it wasn't. This time you got a glimpse into the life of a celebrity. And not just any celebrity either. One that has lots to prove and the world to prove it to. Kudos to Amber for getting the point across and to Catherine for the short, yet, powerful story.
The only sad part for me was the ending. I really hope another story comes from this. Give us more about Olivia and the baby now, pretty please?
Great writing! It feels so real to read it. You can actually imagine this stuff happening. BAH! It probably is!
If you haven't read any of Catherine's books, I really don't know what you are waiting for.
The only sad part for me was the ending. I really hope another story comes from this. Give us more about Olivia and the baby now, pretty please?
Great writing! It feels so real to read it. You can actually imagine this stuff happening. BAH! It probably is!
If you haven't read any of Catherine's books, I really don't know what you are waiting for.
August 5, 2014
I really like Spin and immediately followed it up with Spun. This is told from Amber’s POV. She’s a young starlet that took the wrong path as an adult. She finally has a better grip on life and is trying to move on and keep her career going. She’s been sober for a couple of years but no one believes her.
I like that they Spun off to tell Amber’s story. I wish it wasn’t just a novella. Her story felt incomplete and definitely felt a little rushed compared to Katie story in Spin. I enjoyed but definitely wished it was a bit longer and a little more in-depth.
I like that they Spun off to tell Amber’s story. I wish it wasn’t just a novella. Her story felt incomplete and definitely felt a little rushed compared to Katie story in Spin. I enjoyed but definitely wished it was a bit longer and a little more in-depth.
April 19, 2016
Spun, a touching novella, is the sequel to the novel, Spin. In Spin, we meet Amber, a famous actress, when she's in rehab, after a long downward spiral of drugs and alcohol. Spun follows up with Amber 2 years later, still sober, and still trying to get her personal and professional life on track. When a tragedy occurs, Amber once again finds herself in an unwanted spotlight of paparazzi and rumors. This story is told with humor as well as heart. A very satisfying follow-up to the full-length novel.
June 2, 2015
I received Spun through first reads in exchange for an honest review. This is just the kind of book I love! It is full of snark and sarcasm but it's just too short. This is a short Novell sequel to pain which I didn't read but absolutely have to read now. I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would and it was a super quick read. I really love the story line and the characters. It's fun and sad at the same time but has amazing character development.
March 26, 2015
I read the book too quickly because it was a "Goodread". Seriously though, I loved the fact that part two was all about Amber. In Spin we just knew her as the out of control celebrity and nothing more. Spun gave you a reason as to why she was who she was and of course Connor played an important roll. I'm hoping that there might be a trilogy? Perhaps a story based on Connors life?
November 25, 2014
I got this book as a First Read. I enjoyed this book and revisiting the characters from Spin. I thought it was a really good story, however I felt that it ended rather abruptly. Would have liked more resolution...
May 5, 2014
Loved it. super fun page turner. Amber is recovering and life isn't all that grand at the moment ... I especially enjoyed the ending. recommended read if you like Catherine's other books. Any "Spin" fans will not be disappointed. We even get to meet up with Kate and Henry again :0)
May 18, 2016
A fabulous follow-up to SPIN that also works as a stand-alone. The storyline was gloriously unexpected with a huge twist at the end of the first chapter. I loved rooting for Amber in her struggle to balance celebrity and sobriety with life. And the ending is perfect.
May 12, 2014
This is a short sequel/novella to "Spin".. CM did a great job letting readers see the real Amber.. it was quick, funny & just a good follow-up!
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