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Life of the Party
In just two more months, seventeen-year-old Mackenzie will reach sweet freedom. About to graduate from high school, Mac is not sure what happened to the good girl she used to be, but it does not matter. Without a second thought, Mac hurls herself into the dark world of rebellion and does not look back.
Mac's best friend, Riley, is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who can score drugs anytime, anywhere. As Riley introduces her to a lifestyle that includes wild nights, drugs, and questionable men, Mac struggles to overcome her personal demons. Cast in the shadow of her "perfect" sister, Mac must endure the disapproval of her parents every time she returns home. But just as Mac takes a job to support her growing drug addiction, Riley begins questioning all his bad choices. Suddenly Mac, who wants complete, reckless amusement at any cost, is alone.
The world can be a dangerous place. Mac is about to drown in an abyss of her own creation, and only one person can save her.
500 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2010
86 people are currently reading
2710 people want to read
About the author
C. Erin Anderson
2 books90 followersI grew up a daydreamer on the farm, Everclear in my tape deck, happily writing stories in my head—everything from twin girls solving mysteries to a horror about vampire badgers lurking in the coulee behind my house.
Then things changed. I grew up, met a boy…and replaced my writing with a blur of wild nights. Memories so vivid they still crackle with electricity.
My novels, Life of the Party and Dark Parts of Pretty, were inspired by those years—by the things I saw, the things I lived, and the things I’m still figuring out.
Writing is my addiction of choice these days. And this one? I’m not giving up.
.
Then things changed. I grew up, met a boy…and replaced my writing with a blur of wild nights. Memories so vivid they still crackle with electricity.
My novels, Life of the Party and Dark Parts of Pretty, were inspired by those years—by the things I saw, the things I lived, and the things I’m still figuring out.
Writing is my addiction of choice these days. And this one? I’m not giving up.
.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 29, 2014
Addiction, Love, Loss and Spiritual Rebirth
Warning: This is a hard but so real of a read. Tears will be shed!
The prospect of turning eighteen only means one word to Mackenzie...freedom.
”I was seventeen, and invincible, and ready for a good time, eager and willing to experience everything life had to offer.”
”This was freedom. Sheer, complete, irresponsibility.”
Mackenzie isn’t prepared for life. Well she’s young and partying is just easier than trying or coping. Drugs are her only coping mechanism. All of her hurts and disappointments have been immediately numbed by drugs and the more drugs she does the more she needs.
Riley is Mackenzie’s best friend since middle school. When Riley’s partying stops their friendship suffers under a sea of anger and resentment. She may hate his decisions but there always out of good intentions. Riley chose a better path for himself and for her in the long run.
Her world explodes when she falls for Grey… a gorgeous lead singer of the band Serpentine. He is a functioning drug addict with a harsh past. Grey is just a beautiful soul!! Their love for one another is both beautiful and sad. You can’t help but fall in love with their relationship and the sacrifices Grey makes for her.
This is a very well written story with an unexpected religious message.
Warning: This is a hard but so real of a read. Tears will be shed!
The prospect of turning eighteen only means one word to Mackenzie...freedom.
”I was seventeen, and invincible, and ready for a good time, eager and willing to experience everything life had to offer.”
”This was freedom. Sheer, complete, irresponsibility.”
Mackenzie isn’t prepared for life. Well she’s young and partying is just easier than trying or coping. Drugs are her only coping mechanism. All of her hurts and disappointments have been immediately numbed by drugs and the more drugs she does the more she needs.
Riley is Mackenzie’s best friend since middle school. When Riley’s partying stops their friendship suffers under a sea of anger and resentment. She may hate his decisions but there always out of good intentions. Riley chose a better path for himself and for her in the long run.
Her world explodes when she falls for Grey… a gorgeous lead singer of the band Serpentine. He is a functioning drug addict with a harsh past. Grey is just a beautiful soul!! Their love for one another is both beautiful and sad. You can’t help but fall in love with their relationship and the sacrifices Grey makes for her.
This is a very well written story with an unexpected religious message.
September 10, 2012
With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I say this book was amazing. No disrespect, but this book was like a drug and I was hopelessly addicted. I read through the night. Over 700 iBook pages and I read just to get my next fix of each and every word. There were highs and lows, and none of it mattered as long as there was another page to read. I dont know what more to say but thank you to the author for this amazing read. I'll be thinking about it for days to come. GREY!
Review to come.....
UPDATE
Quick review:
Cover: Not Sure
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 5
Overall: A story I will think about for a long time.
Characters: Solid
Plot: When you think life is messed up but yet you haven’t reach bottom
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Grey
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
This story is a more messed up version of Beautiful Disaster. It is just wrong on so many levels. Yet I was sucked into loving Grey and never looking back. This story may be long but at the same time it wasn’t. I didn’t want it to end. GREY.
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Review to come.....
UPDATE
Quick review:
Cover: Not Sure
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 5
Overall: A story I will think about for a long time.
Characters: Solid
Plot: When you think life is messed up but yet you haven’t reach bottom
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Grey
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
This story is a more messed up version of Beautiful Disaster. It is just wrong on so many levels. Yet I was sucked into loving Grey and never looking back. This story may be long but at the same time it wasn’t. I didn’t want it to end. GREY.
To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
October 16, 2012
WOW... LOVED THIS! ...tissues at the ready if you're going to read this. It just plain old hurts...but still amazing!
Didn't expect to love this book as much as I did, when I read about it I wasn't sure it was the kind of thing I'd like so I sampled it first and as soon as I did I bought it straight away and continued to read because I was hooked!
Such a deep and dark read, you see Mackenzie going further and further and down a dark path, sometimes being lead down that path by those you feel should be protecting her from all these bad things.
Riley is lovable and fun and he breaks my heart at certain points as well as pisses me off! Best friends should be there for each other, but the actions he takes are completely understandable, sometimes you need to be selfish to protect those you love.
Grey , you cant help but fall in love with him, he's 21 years old but to me he read as much older, I had to keep reminding myself he was only 4 years older than Mac. The relationship he and Mac have is completely and utterly beautiful yet destructive and heartbreaking at the same time.
Even though they aid each other in the road of drug abuse you can't help but love them, this story isn't all roses, I didn't even judge any of the characters for the choices that they made regarding the drugs, it was normal to me because the book started off that way, and you almost feel like it isn't a big deal just like Mac does. Although there is a point in the book where I was so angry with Grey, he should have known better and chose a different path for both himself and Mac.
If you become as attached to the story and characters as I did, then you will no doubt cry your heart out and not be able to stop. The most unselfish act of courage to save a person you love, can be the hardest choice to make. Utter devastation is what I felt and I cried myself to sleep thinking about this book. I had to remind myself that it wasn't real but I can also imagine things like this happen in real life and that makes it even more heartbreaking. Through all the tears though came a smile. I love the way this story ended, you will not forget about this book in a hurry. Definitely left a lasting impression on me, the author is such a great writer, I have no faults to pick. Cannot wait to read more from her.. 5 emotional yet brilliant stars!
This book is super long and for that I loved it even more! I recommend this book so highly, whatever books you have on your to be read list, push them back a little bit and move this up as next on your list, because this is one impressive read.
Didn't expect to love this book as much as I did, when I read about it I wasn't sure it was the kind of thing I'd like so I sampled it first and as soon as I did I bought it straight away and continued to read because I was hooked!
Such a deep and dark read, you see Mackenzie going further and further and down a dark path, sometimes being lead down that path by those you feel should be protecting her from all these bad things.
Riley is lovable and fun and he breaks my heart at certain points as well as pisses me off! Best friends should be there for each other, but the actions he takes are completely understandable, sometimes you need to be selfish to protect those you love.
Grey , you cant help but fall in love with him, he's 21 years old but to me he read as much older, I had to keep reminding myself he was only 4 years older than Mac. The relationship he and Mac have is completely and utterly beautiful yet destructive and heartbreaking at the same time.
Even though they aid each other in the road of drug abuse you can't help but love them, this story isn't all roses, I didn't even judge any of the characters for the choices that they made regarding the drugs, it was normal to me because the book started off that way, and you almost feel like it isn't a big deal just like Mac does. Although there is a point in the book where I was so angry with Grey, he should have known better and chose a different path for both himself and Mac.
If you become as attached to the story and characters as I did, then you will no doubt cry your heart out and not be able to stop. The most unselfish act of courage to save a person you love, can be the hardest choice to make. Utter devastation is what I felt and I cried myself to sleep thinking about this book. I had to remind myself that it wasn't real but I can also imagine things like this happen in real life and that makes it even more heartbreaking. Through all the tears though came a smile. I love the way this story ended, you will not forget about this book in a hurry. Definitely left a lasting impression on me, the author is such a great writer, I have no faults to pick. Cannot wait to read more from her.. 5 emotional yet brilliant stars!
This book is super long and for that I loved it even more! I recommend this book so highly, whatever books you have on your to be read list, push them back a little bit and move this up as next on your list, because this is one impressive read.
November 1, 2012
Life of the Party is one of those books. You know the type…it makes you think, and I mean really think; it sticks with you long after you have finished because you have become invested in the characters; it makes you cry. I hate it when books make me cry.
Mac and Riley are best friends. Their favorite pastime is to get drunk and high. Hey, they're young, why not? Everything is great until Riley decided he needs to get clean. Mac, feeling abandoned by her best friend, delves deeper into the world of drugs, trying to forget Riley and everything that is wrong with her life.
I loved, loved, loved the characters in this book (which I guess is why I felt so much for them that I was bawling my eyes out by the end). The author let us get into Mac's head and really enjoy being there. Mac, though young and stupid and obviously making mistake after mistake, was real. She had real problems and real choices and real feelings. And Grey…I so love Grey. It is obvious from the way he treats her that he loves Mac, but he is young and free and has the world ahead of him, so of course he makes mistakes, too. When he realizes, however, that things have gone too far he does the only thing he can think of to fix it, even if it is the wrong thing. We do not see much of Riley for most of the story and mostly get to know him through Mac's feelings and memories of him. Though Mac feels he abandoned her, he had always been there just waiting for the right time.
I think the thing I really loved about this story was about how realistic it is. From Mac's mom and dad (just ignore the problem, it will go away) to her sister and Mac's feelings of inferiority around her (which I can relate to having two perfect older sisters myself) to the drug use. The author did an exceptional job (in my humble opinion) of detailing and describing Mac's drug use and feelings. I did find myself thinking a few times, can someone really use that much cocaine and still be alive/walking/standing/coherent? But, I have absolutely no first-hand knowledge of the subject so it could be true. Even if it's not accurate, the author did a great job faking it and making me believe it was real.
I sincerely hope this author writes more books in the future. I loved everything about this story from the characters to the story to the writing style. She is an amazing storyteller and I thank her for sharing her story with us.
Mac and Riley are best friends. Their favorite pastime is to get drunk and high. Hey, they're young, why not? Everything is great until Riley decided he needs to get clean. Mac, feeling abandoned by her best friend, delves deeper into the world of drugs, trying to forget Riley and everything that is wrong with her life.
I loved, loved, loved the characters in this book (which I guess is why I felt so much for them that I was bawling my eyes out by the end). The author let us get into Mac's head and really enjoy being there. Mac, though young and stupid and obviously making mistake after mistake, was real. She had real problems and real choices and real feelings. And Grey…I so love Grey. It is obvious from the way he treats her that he loves Mac, but he is young and free and has the world ahead of him, so of course he makes mistakes, too. When he realizes, however, that things have gone too far he does the only thing he can think of to fix it, even if it is the wrong thing. We do not see much of Riley for most of the story and mostly get to know him through Mac's feelings and memories of him. Though Mac feels he abandoned her, he had always been there just waiting for the right time.
I think the thing I really loved about this story was about how realistic it is. From Mac's mom and dad (just ignore the problem, it will go away) to her sister and Mac's feelings of inferiority around her (which I can relate to having two perfect older sisters myself) to the drug use. The author did an exceptional job (in my humble opinion) of detailing and describing Mac's drug use and feelings. I did find myself thinking a few times, can someone really use that much cocaine and still be alive/walking/standing/coherent? But, I have absolutely no first-hand knowledge of the subject so it could be true. Even if it's not accurate, the author did a great job faking it and making me believe it was real.
I sincerely hope this author writes more books in the future. I loved everything about this story from the characters to the story to the writing style. She is an amazing storyteller and I thank her for sharing her story with us.
November 28, 2017
I feel blessed to have read it.
It's such a powerful story.
So beautifully written.
For 2 days, it was my drug…
...and I loved it.
This author has somehow put me deeply in the characters shoes as if I was struggling with addiction myself. It's amazing, the power her words have over you. I'm getting jittery just thinking about finishing it and nervous about the end. I can honestly say this book feels like my drug. It's sadly beautiful.
It's such a powerful story.
So beautifully written.
For 2 days, it was my drug…
...and I loved it.
This author has somehow put me deeply in the characters shoes as if I was struggling with addiction myself. It's amazing, the power her words have over you. I'm getting jittery just thinking about finishing it and nervous about the end. I can honestly say this book feels like my drug. It's sadly beautiful.
September 12, 2012
OK, deep breath. Otherwise I’m gonna just gush all over and make completely no sense at all. That sounded gross and I never do anyway…. Anywho, OMG! I LOVE this frickin’ book!!! It had to be done, sorry. Seriously, now….
Have you ever read a book where it was so good, you got so caught up in it you couldn’t put it down? You hit a part that leaves an ache in your chest? (And it’s not gas, despite what Granny-ma said.) You know what’s coming, but have to read as furiously fast as you can. You just have to see it in printing to believe it’s gonna actually occur. This is one of those books for me. After I read the book I was just ramped up. I didn’t want to read anything else and couldn’t stop thinking about the whole story. A-mazing!
So usually I give myself a breather between books. Just so it doesn’t all run together. My thing lately has been embroidering. Working away on those Christmas gifts! I finished it relatively early in the day, so I grabbed my embroidery and sat and thought about it while I did the embroidering and watching as the spawn of my womb ran rampant around the block playing (and causing chaos). We ate dinner and went back out. I just couldn’t start another book. This one was still pinging around in the old grape. Finally I had to sit down and write down some notes or something, before I went completely mental. I normally don’t do that, unless I enjoyed it immensely. So I’m gonna give you a taste of the 3 “main” characters in the book. None of the characters in the book are really small in anyway, they all seem so important to the whole story.
First off we will start with Grey (I just love him!)…
Grew up “on the wrong side of the tracks”.
Never knew his father and his mother abandoned him.
Lived with his grandmother until she passed away.
Has a hard time letting anyone in and is afraid to be dependent on anyone.
Hot lead singer of a band.
Would do anything to make Mackenzie happy.
Then Mackenzie…
Migrated to wealthy neighborhood.
Feels abandoned by parents and Riley, when he gets clean.
Feels like she comes in second to her sister Marcy.
At one time is inseperable from Riley.
Best friend is Charlie, that she moves on with.
And lastly Riley (He’s a peach.)
Been in love with Mackenzie for most of his life.
After bad trip on mushrooms gets clean.
Finds God.
Returns and saves Mackenzie from herself.
Mackenzie is getting ready to graduate from high school. Her parents are disappointed in her, she has gone from an honors student to just getting by in school. She hasn’t made any plans for college and her parents want her to get a job and take some responsibility. She gets Riley to get her a job at the restraunt that he works at and that’s where she makes good friends with Charlie and gets to know Grey better. One night when they go and see Grey preform for the first time, Riley has a horrible trip from his ‘shrooms. Which sets in motion for Riley, his journey in getting clean and filling the lonlieness he feels with God. Needing this for himself and eventually Mackenzie, they have to go their seperate ways. Which just leaves Mackenzie feeling more lonely and abandoned even more then before.
When Mackenzie’s parents kick her out of the house she moves in with Charlie. They become inseperable, but also destructive to them selves. They both like to party and only fuel eachother instead of leveling eachother out. I do believe that Charlie has a big heart and tries to be there for Mackenzie whenever she can. She’s on the same erratic ride though, so there is no seeming hope for her either.
At first Grey is very stand off-ish and down right mean with Mackenzie. He likes her but doesn’t think he is good enough for her and doesn’t want to depend on anyone. However, after a scare during a grad party he is finally forced to realize his feelings for her and they start to become an item. He is also a user and introduces her to cocaine one night after a set. Which just sets the ball in motion for their drug use to get progressively worse. Their relationship is completely co-dependent, but achingly sweet. Grey loves Mackenzie so much that he doesn’t see the change to her physical appearance right away. When it finally hits him he makes the biggest sacrifice to try and get Mackenzie well again.
When it comes right down to it, I can never do the book justice without giving all of the goodies away. It just has to be read. Hence why I’m not a writter and just a voracious reader. I give this hidden little
Have you ever read a book where it was so good, you got so caught up in it you couldn’t put it down? You hit a part that leaves an ache in your chest? (And it’s not gas, despite what Granny-ma said.) You know what’s coming, but have to read as furiously fast as you can. You just have to see it in printing to believe it’s gonna actually occur. This is one of those books for me. After I read the book I was just ramped up. I didn’t want to read anything else and couldn’t stop thinking about the whole story. A-mazing!
So usually I give myself a breather between books. Just so it doesn’t all run together. My thing lately has been embroidering. Working away on those Christmas gifts! I finished it relatively early in the day, so I grabbed my embroidery and sat and thought about it while I did the embroidering and watching as the spawn of my womb ran rampant around the block playing (and causing chaos). We ate dinner and went back out. I just couldn’t start another book. This one was still pinging around in the old grape. Finally I had to sit down and write down some notes or something, before I went completely mental. I normally don’t do that, unless I enjoyed it immensely. So I’m gonna give you a taste of the 3 “main” characters in the book. None of the characters in the book are really small in anyway, they all seem so important to the whole story.
First off we will start with Grey (I just love him!)…
Grew up “on the wrong side of the tracks”.
Never knew his father and his mother abandoned him.
Lived with his grandmother until she passed away.
Has a hard time letting anyone in and is afraid to be dependent on anyone.
Hot lead singer of a band.
Would do anything to make Mackenzie happy.
Then Mackenzie…
Migrated to wealthy neighborhood.
Feels abandoned by parents and Riley, when he gets clean.
Feels like she comes in second to her sister Marcy.
At one time is inseperable from Riley.
Best friend is Charlie, that she moves on with.
And lastly Riley (He’s a peach.)
Been in love with Mackenzie for most of his life.
After bad trip on mushrooms gets clean.
Finds God.
Returns and saves Mackenzie from herself.
Mackenzie is getting ready to graduate from high school. Her parents are disappointed in her, she has gone from an honors student to just getting by in school. She hasn’t made any plans for college and her parents want her to get a job and take some responsibility. She gets Riley to get her a job at the restraunt that he works at and that’s where she makes good friends with Charlie and gets to know Grey better. One night when they go and see Grey preform for the first time, Riley has a horrible trip from his ‘shrooms. Which sets in motion for Riley, his journey in getting clean and filling the lonlieness he feels with God. Needing this for himself and eventually Mackenzie, they have to go their seperate ways. Which just leaves Mackenzie feeling more lonely and abandoned even more then before.
When Mackenzie’s parents kick her out of the house she moves in with Charlie. They become inseperable, but also destructive to them selves. They both like to party and only fuel eachother instead of leveling eachother out. I do believe that Charlie has a big heart and tries to be there for Mackenzie whenever she can. She’s on the same erratic ride though, so there is no seeming hope for her either.
At first Grey is very stand off-ish and down right mean with Mackenzie. He likes her but doesn’t think he is good enough for her and doesn’t want to depend on anyone. However, after a scare during a grad party he is finally forced to realize his feelings for her and they start to become an item. He is also a user and introduces her to cocaine one night after a set. Which just sets the ball in motion for their drug use to get progressively worse. Their relationship is completely co-dependent, but achingly sweet. Grey loves Mackenzie so much that he doesn’t see the change to her physical appearance right away. When it finally hits him he makes the biggest sacrifice to try and get Mackenzie well again.
When it comes right down to it, I can never do the book justice without giving all of the goodies away. It just has to be read. Hence why I’m not a writter and just a voracious reader. I give this hidden little
September 10, 2012
I received this book for free from The Nexus ARR (Authors Requesting Reviews) program in exchange for a free review.
Wow. I almost gave it 5♥'s, but there were times in the middle that dragged a little for me. I found myself rooting for Mac to finally hit her rock bottom (I was getting sick of her being the life of the party.) I nearly reached a point of just wanting to smack her and physically prevent her from her downward spiral and just hurry up and get it over with. But then she reach that low point... once that happened I was an absolute mess. Bawling my eyes out, wanting to say, "No, not like this! Not like this!"
It's an emotional roller coaster that reveals the dark road of many forms of addiction. It really touched me and will stay with me for a long time. Light and fluffy, this is not. It's a long, dark path filled with (Not-so-much)Sex, Drugs, and Rock-N-Roll. I appreciated the 90's references and how they really struck a cord with how my life was in high school. I'm not sure if it was my past, or just the story itself that caused it to really strike a nerve within me. To give you an idea, it's almost like the book Beautiful Disaster meets the movie Trainspotting. And I have to admit I hate, nay loathe, that movie. This book was gut wrenching, pull your heart out, eyes spill with tears, and throat burn pilgrimage.
The characters seemed well rounded enough to suck me in and touch my heart. Grey... oh, Grey. Oh, to be young again- young and free to make the stupidest life choices. I can remember some of my own, teenage thoughts mirroring Mac's. You have to see that dark to appreciate the light at the end of the tunnel.
The ending... I can see it being the point of making or breaking the story for some. It was OK... but I really wish the epilogue had been about Mac's future. Specifics about the future. I know in life there are not guarantees, but in my books I'd really like to know after Mac's journey... that there was not just hope and faith, that she finally did reach and stick with her goals. I was left with an overall impression that she was, but would have loved to hear about it, rather than what the epilogue contained. That was also part of 4 rather than a 5 star rating. This is a slice of life that is more than worth the read but should not be taken casually.
Wow. I almost gave it 5♥'s, but there were times in the middle that dragged a little for me. I found myself rooting for Mac to finally hit her rock bottom (I was getting sick of her being the life of the party.) I nearly reached a point of just wanting to smack her and physically prevent her from her downward spiral and just hurry up and get it over with. But then she reach that low point... once that happened I was an absolute mess. Bawling my eyes out, wanting to say, "No, not like this! Not like this!"
It's an emotional roller coaster that reveals the dark road of many forms of addiction. It really touched me and will stay with me for a long time. Light and fluffy, this is not. It's a long, dark path filled with (Not-so-much)Sex, Drugs, and Rock-N-Roll. I appreciated the 90's references and how they really struck a cord with how my life was in high school. I'm not sure if it was my past, or just the story itself that caused it to really strike a nerve within me. To give you an idea, it's almost like the book Beautiful Disaster meets the movie Trainspotting. And I have to admit I hate, nay loathe, that movie. This book was gut wrenching, pull your heart out, eyes spill with tears, and throat burn pilgrimage.
The characters seemed well rounded enough to suck me in and touch my heart. Grey... oh, Grey. Oh, to be young again- young and free to make the stupidest life choices. I can remember some of my own, teenage thoughts mirroring Mac's. You have to see that dark to appreciate the light at the end of the tunnel.
The ending... I can see it being the point of making or breaking the story for some. It was OK... but I really wish the epilogue had been about Mac's future. Specifics about the future. I know in life there are not guarantees, but in my books I'd really like to know after Mac's journey... that there was not just hope and faith, that she finally did reach and stick with her goals. I was left with an overall impression that she was, but would have loved to hear about it, rather than what the epilogue contained. That was also part of 4 rather than a 5 star rating. This is a slice of life that is more than worth the read but should not be taken casually.
November 23, 2015
4.5 stars!! This was such an emotional read. It was not pretty and covers some intense subjects but it was a book that I couldn't put down. With music and the drug culture prevalent throughout this book is extremely hard hitting, it holds no punches and will hit you in the gut and the heart. With a romance in a drug induced background the author captures love and insecurities, addiction and recovery. (full review to come)
March 25, 2015
***2.5 tragic Stars***
November 14, 2012
Sex Drugs and Rock N Roll, what's not to like?
I really enjoyed this book that was until the last few chapters. The amounting suspense built up and built up and then in my opinion fizzled out. I felt as If the author was trying to be inspirational but I was left feeling as if the religious aspect to the story was to forced and overbearing. I was expecting the ending to just complete the book and yet I was really annoyed at the 'fakeness' to it. I feel as if the author could have been inspirational without making me as a reader feel like I was being preached at. I really wasn't expecting the ending at all as I felt as if the theme throughout the whole book was quite explicit.
WHY WHY WHY did this book have to end that way :( ! I am glad to have read this book though as it has given me an awareness to the addictiveness and the corruption in which drugs can cause.
I really enjoyed this book that was until the last few chapters. The amounting suspense built up and built up and then in my opinion fizzled out. I felt as If the author was trying to be inspirational but I was left feeling as if the religious aspect to the story was to forced and overbearing. I was expecting the ending to just complete the book and yet I was really annoyed at the 'fakeness' to it. I feel as if the author could have been inspirational without making me as a reader feel like I was being preached at. I really wasn't expecting the ending at all as I felt as if the theme throughout the whole book was quite explicit.
WHY WHY WHY did this book have to end that way :( ! I am glad to have read this book though as it has given me an awareness to the addictiveness and the corruption in which drugs can cause.
December 13, 2012
I should warn you -- this book is NOT by any means a light YA read. And this isn't your average teen angst novel. This one is so well written -- beautifully dark and emotionally intense. I loved it!
As most of you already know, I don't rave about books which couldn't even hold my attention for the first 100 pages or so. Well, this book is quite long.. but please don't get intimidated. It had me captivated at the very beginning, and ended up being a winner. IMHO, what this book needs is a devoted reader.
Now, I'm just thinking of how to review this book without giving so much away.
Hmm. What first caught my attention was the title -- Life of the Party. That wasn't extraordinary but it's everything I'm not. I enjoy parties, but I don't like the attention. I'm one of those people contented enough to really laugh at another person's jokes, but couldn't bring up a single, original joke to save myself.
I'm a wallflower. Yes, and I'm actually glad to be one. Feels more comforting, I think.
Meet Mackenzie --- the 17-year-old girl with an easy-go-lucky attitude. She's the black sheep of the family. A total bad-ass.. and a virgin. She craves danger and drama like a passion.
I was an all-around good girl during my highschool years that Mac was the perfect person I imagined to be, if I did want to suck up and throw my life away during those years.
Mac smokes and parties a lot. Oh, she loves being high too, courtesy of her bestfriend Riley. Though in fairness to the latter, he takes care of Mac even though he's the one providing her with drugs. Even from the start, I could tell Riley has feelings for Mac. Although it was hinted that they made out, Mac was too high to even remember. Dang Riley! I feel you man.
Then we meet Grey (Of all the sexy names in this world, why author, why??), the singer of the Serpentine band and Mac's instant dream guy. He also works with Riley at some restaurant. He's like Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless, only a bit hotter.
And this, my friends, is NOT an instalove story, which I'm totally grateful for. Nothing else screams ho-hum like two people making out at the first few chapters. Mac has to grovel for Grey's attention. It's awkward but really fun to read. I was hooked.
I chuckled mostly at the beginning. I especially liked the mushroom part where Mac prayed for Riley. It was hilarious.
Then it stopped being funny, and started being heartbreaking instead. Life changed for Riley and Mac, and from then on, I felt a bit empty. Of course, I'm rooting for Grey and Mac, but I don't want Riley out of the picture. I know, I'm such a selfish person.
Ring a bell? I suddenly couldn't help but think that it's really easy to get carried away with a new guy.
And to think that Grey isn't your usual womanizer. He just doesn't do relationships. Period. And with Mac, everything seemed hot and cold. I was frustrated most of the time, as evidenced by the updates below. But somehow I understood and actually craved for that flaw in their relationship. Gah, at first, I don't even know what to call with what's going on between them. There are a lot of ups and downs, but they are really captivating that you almost wouldn't notice you just went through a hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Then a BIG twist happened; and I was sobbing like crazy. WOW. This book was so intense to the core. It pulled a myriad of emotions out of me that I felt utterly depleted the moment I'm done reading.
I'm giving this book 4.5 STARS! Which is actually a first for me.
Now I understand why people sometimes give a half-star rating. This book sends a powerful message about drug addiction, but I didn't like some events that transpired after the said twist. They were realistic and some people may like it, but I honestly don't. I know it's Mac's journey to positivity but it's just too full of everyday whatnots that I thought the book might be better off without the detailed aftermath.
Please don't get me wrong though, because I don't regret picking up this book ever. I've been absolutely floored by the epilogue. Life of the Party is a gripping tale about friendship, love, loss, self-destruction and the beauty of second chances; and one of the most emotional reads I've had recently.
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As most of you already know, I don't rave about books which couldn't even hold my attention for the first 100 pages or so. Well, this book is quite long.. but please don't get intimidated. It had me captivated at the very beginning, and ended up being a winner. IMHO, what this book needs is a devoted reader.
Now, I'm just thinking of how to review this book without giving so much away.
Hmm. What first caught my attention was the title -- Life of the Party. That wasn't extraordinary but it's everything I'm not. I enjoy parties, but I don't like the attention. I'm one of those people contented enough to really laugh at another person's jokes, but couldn't bring up a single, original joke to save myself.
I'm a wallflower. Yes, and I'm actually glad to be one. Feels more comforting, I think.
I'm not sure what happened to me. There's no defining moment in my life that separates the good girl I used to be from what I've become. It was like a gradual transformation, and one day I realized that I just didn't care anymore. I started living to please myself instead of everybody else, and realized there's more to life than school and studying and going to college to get a good job and make the most money possible. There's fun, friends... life outside of how we're told to live. Basically, I just started rebelling.
And I've loved every minute of it.
Meet Mackenzie --- the 17-year-old girl with an easy-go-lucky attitude. She's the black sheep of the family. A total bad-ass.. and a virgin. She craves danger and drama like a passion.
I was an all-around good girl during my highschool years that Mac was the perfect person I imagined to be, if I did want to suck up and throw my life away during those years.
Mac smokes and parties a lot. Oh, she loves being high too, courtesy of her bestfriend Riley. Though in fairness to the latter, he takes care of Mac even though he's the one providing her with drugs. Even from the start, I could tell Riley has feelings for Mac. Although it was hinted that they made out, Mac was too high to even remember. Dang Riley! I feel you man.
Then we meet Grey (Of all the sexy names in this world, why author, why??), the singer of the Serpentine band and Mac's instant dream guy. He also works with Riley at some restaurant. He's like Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless, only a bit hotter.
And this, my friends, is NOT an instalove story, which I'm totally grateful for. Nothing else screams ho-hum like two people making out at the first few chapters. Mac has to grovel for Grey's attention. It's awkward but really fun to read. I was hooked.
I chuckled mostly at the beginning. I especially liked the mushroom part where Mac prayed for Riley. It was hilarious.
Then it stopped being funny, and started being heartbreaking instead. Life changed for Riley and Mac, and from then on, I felt a bit empty. Of course, I'm rooting for Grey and Mac, but I don't want Riley out of the picture. I know, I'm such a selfish person.
It was pretty hard not to wallow in self-pity. In the matter of a few short weeks I had managed to lose all my friends and get a broken heart in the process.
Ring a bell? I suddenly couldn't help but think that it's really easy to get carried away with a new guy.
And to think that Grey isn't your usual womanizer. He just doesn't do relationships. Period. And with Mac, everything seemed hot and cold. I was frustrated most of the time, as evidenced by the updates below. But somehow I understood and actually craved for that flaw in their relationship. Gah, at first, I don't even know what to call with what's going on between them. There are a lot of ups and downs, but they are really captivating that you almost wouldn't notice you just went through a hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Then a BIG twist happened; and I was sobbing like crazy. WOW. This book was so intense to the core. It pulled a myriad of emotions out of me that I felt utterly depleted the moment I'm done reading.
I'm giving this book 4.5 STARS! Which is actually a first for me.
Now I understand why people sometimes give a half-star rating. This book sends a powerful message about drug addiction, but I didn't like some events that transpired after the said twist. They were realistic and some people may like it, but I honestly don't. I know it's Mac's journey to positivity but it's just too full of everyday whatnots that I thought the book might be better off without the detailed aftermath.
Please don't get me wrong though, because I don't regret picking up this book ever. I've been absolutely floored by the epilogue. Life of the Party is a gripping tale about friendship, love, loss, self-destruction and the beauty of second chances; and one of the most emotional reads I've had recently.
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If I have the strength to leave,
It'd be the greatest gift that I could give.
The greatest gift that I can give,
I want you to truly live.
-as seen on Mac's diary
November 14, 2013
*****5 Stars*****
Life of The Party is very intense book about friendship, self discovery and faith. This is one of those novels that while it's heart wrenching it delivers a very important message that will make you feel renewed and appreciative for the love in your life.
Mackenzie is a seventeen year old girl who's lost and is desperately searching for something to make her feel complete. She loves her family but they are always busy and have been very absent from her life giving her too much freedom. Mac and her best friend Riley spend their days partying and getting high on whatever drugs they can find, but after a really bad trip Riley decides he can't continue his life on that path and quits all his bad habits; this new change makes Mackenzie feel abandoned and even more lost, she can't fathom life without the boy she's loved and relayed for everything, but unlike Riley she's not ready to stop the party. One night while clubbing she meets the very hot and mysterious Grey; he is the lead singer of a rock band and is now giving Mac all the attention she needs to fulfill Riley's absence. Grey and Mackenzie fall in love, but their relationship is too intense and incredibly addictive, they embark on a path of hard drugs and excessive partying that will get so out of hand and will buried them so deep into this dark world of self destruction that only something as powerful as faith and devotion can save them.
This novel is beautifully written and I became invested in the story and its characters immediately. It was very hard to read in a way because my heart broke for Mackenzie and Grey so many times, the drug use is very descriptive and you go through the journey with them of discovering love and drugs as the same time, the more hard core drugs they did they more intense the love became, the relationship was so unhealthy but so beautiful at the same time and my stomach was in knots the entire time.
Faith and religion are a big part of this story but is not all, the author did a great job incorporating this aspect in a very subtle yet powerful way and that just made the story better. The message warmed my heart and gave me so much perspective and for that this novel will always have a special place in my heart.
"Live. Be Happy." "His Love Never Runs Out."
Do yourself a favor and read this book; be ready to cry but also to feel empowered by a beautiful story that you won't ever forget.
Life of The Party is very intense book about friendship, self discovery and faith. This is one of those novels that while it's heart wrenching it delivers a very important message that will make you feel renewed and appreciative for the love in your life.
Mackenzie is a seventeen year old girl who's lost and is desperately searching for something to make her feel complete. She loves her family but they are always busy and have been very absent from her life giving her too much freedom. Mac and her best friend Riley spend their days partying and getting high on whatever drugs they can find, but after a really bad trip Riley decides he can't continue his life on that path and quits all his bad habits; this new change makes Mackenzie feel abandoned and even more lost, she can't fathom life without the boy she's loved and relayed for everything, but unlike Riley she's not ready to stop the party. One night while clubbing she meets the very hot and mysterious Grey; he is the lead singer of a rock band and is now giving Mac all the attention she needs to fulfill Riley's absence. Grey and Mackenzie fall in love, but their relationship is too intense and incredibly addictive, they embark on a path of hard drugs and excessive partying that will get so out of hand and will buried them so deep into this dark world of self destruction that only something as powerful as faith and devotion can save them.
This novel is beautifully written and I became invested in the story and its characters immediately. It was very hard to read in a way because my heart broke for Mackenzie and Grey so many times, the drug use is very descriptive and you go through the journey with them of discovering love and drugs as the same time, the more hard core drugs they did they more intense the love became, the relationship was so unhealthy but so beautiful at the same time and my stomach was in knots the entire time.
Faith and religion are a big part of this story but is not all, the author did a great job incorporating this aspect in a very subtle yet powerful way and that just made the story better. The message warmed my heart and gave me so much perspective and for that this novel will always have a special place in my heart.
"Live. Be Happy." "His Love Never Runs Out."
Do yourself a favor and read this book; be ready to cry but also to feel empowered by a beautiful story that you won't ever forget.
August 6, 2012
Have you ever read a book that made you feel like you had a knot in your stomach? Have you ever read a book that each time you put it down you had to take some time to ease the ache and tension out of your shoulders? Have you ever read a book, barely able to see the words through your tears? That is exactly how I was with Life of the Party. Be warned, this is not a quick, light and fluffy read. This is intense and gripping and hard hitting and powerful and heartbreaking and real!!!
Mackenzie Taylor is 17 years old. She spends most of her free time with her best friend Riley chasing artificial happiness via the use of drugs. After a night of partying where Riley has an incredibly bad experience, he decides that his life needs to change and gives up the partying that him and Mackenzie have been indulging. That is also the night that Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis and falls head over heels in love. Rock star Grey, lives the partying life that Mackenzie craves. The endless supply of alcohol and drugs. But the partying becomes harder as do the drugs and Mackenzie grabs it with both hands. And in the process she tries to fill the void of no longer having the constant presence of Riley.
Christine Anderson writes so well. So amazingly well. These days drugs are so easily and readily available in our society, and the author shows us how easy it is to fall into the depths of addiction whilst trying to numb whatever it is that pains you. I rode so many emotions while I read this book. The mothering instinct had me wanting to protect and do everything I could to help Mackenzie & Grey. Then there was another part that as they sank deeper into their addictions, I just wanted to shake some much needed sense into them. Christine Anderson has written these characters with deep flaws, but they are characters that you love and root for and are so invested in what happens to them.
This book is so incredibly good and I know it will stay with me for a long, long time.
A Huge Intense, Gripping, Amazing 5/5 Stars!!
Mackenzie Taylor is 17 years old. She spends most of her free time with her best friend Riley chasing artificial happiness via the use of drugs. After a night of partying where Riley has an incredibly bad experience, he decides that his life needs to change and gives up the partying that him and Mackenzie have been indulging. That is also the night that Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis and falls head over heels in love. Rock star Grey, lives the partying life that Mackenzie craves. The endless supply of alcohol and drugs. But the partying becomes harder as do the drugs and Mackenzie grabs it with both hands. And in the process she tries to fill the void of no longer having the constant presence of Riley.
Christine Anderson writes so well. So amazingly well. These days drugs are so easily and readily available in our society, and the author shows us how easy it is to fall into the depths of addiction whilst trying to numb whatever it is that pains you. I rode so many emotions while I read this book. The mothering instinct had me wanting to protect and do everything I could to help Mackenzie & Grey. Then there was another part that as they sank deeper into their addictions, I just wanted to shake some much needed sense into them. Christine Anderson has written these characters with deep flaws, but they are characters that you love and root for and are so invested in what happens to them.
This book is so incredibly good and I know it will stay with me for a long, long time.
A Huge Intense, Gripping, Amazing 5/5 Stars!!
November 3, 2012
This book was given to me by the author for in exchange for an honest review.
This book hit me HARD because I have loved ones in my life who have been and one who still is involved in the use of illicit drugs. It destroys lives, which this book illustrates so well.
The read is not an easy one in that it's a very emotional ride. I didn't think this book would hit me like that for some reason, but I cried buckets of tears! Of course, this book took me to places it might not take reader who hasn't or isn't losing a loved one to drugs/alcohol. This book brings up all of those fears, doubts, nightmares, etc. that go along with this "lifestyle."
I would recommend this book to everyone who is a mature teen on up to old age. If you are like me and have someone you love (or possibly even yourself) who is messed up going through a dark time in his/her life, read this book but you'll need a box of tissues even if you are the coldest of cold hearts.
This book hit me HARD because I have loved ones in my life who have been and one who still is involved in the use of illicit drugs. It destroys lives, which this book illustrates so well.
The read is not an easy one in that it's a very emotional ride. I didn't think this book would hit me like that for some reason, but I cried buckets of tears! Of course, this book took me to places it might not take reader who hasn't or isn't losing a loved one to drugs/alcohol. This book brings up all of those fears, doubts, nightmares, etc. that go along with this "lifestyle."
I would recommend this book to everyone who is a mature teen on up to old age. If you are like me and have someone you love (or possibly even yourself) who is messed up going through a dark time in his/her life, read this book but you'll need a box of tissues even if you are the coldest of cold hearts.
May 22, 2013
I will have something to say about this one, I just cannot find the words right now. I am a bit heartbroken :(
Mackenzie and Grey...Their love is both beautiful and tragic. The dangerous path they embark on is heartbreaking and the sacrifices Grey makes for her...
"I'm going to make this right"
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live. I love you, Forgive Me"
How quickly life can change and we can spiral out of control. I will always remember this story.
”I was seventeen, and invincible, and ready for a good time, eager and willing to experience everything life had to offer.”
Mackenzie and Grey...Their love is both beautiful and tragic. The dangerous path they embark on is heartbreaking and the sacrifices Grey makes for her...
"I'm going to make this right"
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live. I love you, Forgive Me"
How quickly life can change and we can spiral out of control. I will always remember this story.
”I was seventeen, and invincible, and ready for a good time, eager and willing to experience everything life had to offer.”
December 25, 2012
WOW! JUST WOW!!! This book was not an easy read. It gives you an in-depth look into the life of an addict. How that life can quickly and painfully spiral out of control. Even though this story is heartbreaking, it is also inspirational. There is always hope if we are willing to acknowledge we need help and willing to receive it. God is always there even in our darkest moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with addiction in their own life or have family members that are.
August 17, 2015
Spoilers...
First of all, how cool that this book can currently be read on Goodreads!
Oh my goodness! This book was so well written. I was definitely in Mackenzie's head (only my head was saying "Don't do it" when she snorted her first line of coke, and again when she moved on to even harder stuff than cocaine).
I loved how it all started out party time all the time, then once the addictions grew, everything became so much work, and boy did things get ugly.
I can totally understand why Mac chose her friends over her family. I wish her family would've admitted more that they could've done better by her. They off and on did nice things for her, but just weren't around much at all. They could say she wasn't a peach to be around, but when you have kids in their teens, parents have to make effort and keep the line of communication open. It really made me mad that there was no family at her band concert when she was a lot younger. That was inexcusable! They just never giving Mac much time. Mac said when she still lived with them, they started caring a little too late. All of those ridiculous rules just pushed her out the door, so she could party full time.
We got that she was close with Riley, but we spent most of the book with Grey in the picture. Those two getting together made for some good book angst. Then he was such a great book boyfriend in every way, except for the drug stuff, which turned out to be too big of a deal for those two to be able to handle. His overdose BROKE MY HEART! Her parents redeemed themselves a little during that time, it was nice for Riley to be there for Mac too. She definitely needed others to step in. I was totally understanding why she was wanting to just be with Grey. What was left for her??
So, recovering from her drug addiction, she found the message from Grey in her diary in treatment. Oh my goodness, needing tissues again. Why, why, why did he purposely OD? It's so sad that he didn't even give a more sober life for those two a chance. I am glad that she chose it make something of her treatment if nothing else, for Grey and his sacrifice for Mac. It's just so unfair that Grey had a crap life, and then looks like just another druggie loser to those who don't know his reasons for removing himself permanently from this world to save Mac, because he saw there was a problem he didn't think they could overcome together, but wanted to make sure she quit so she could be the too good person he thought she was. So tragic!
Okay, then Riley same back. Good for the rehab place to care enough to notice that Mac wouldn't have made it through rehab and probably wouldn't have lived much longer if they didn't call him in for her. This whole part is the only reason why I didn't rate the book five stars. I really really wasn't into all the bible stuff that Riley was selling. It was very detailed and very lengthy. I felt like I spent a few chapters in church with all the bible versus, and references. I understand that some do find their religion in Rehab, but it was a very hard contrast to the first 3/4 of the book, and I almost felt like I was reading a book from the religious section. This is the author's story, she chose to include it, it just wasn't a direction of the story that I was fond of.
The book had a nice ending. I am glad Mac went back to her friend's house and got to see it maybe how her parents saw it when Mac lived there (the craphole that it probably was). Mac realizing how important Riley really was to her was pretty cool. It was good that she thought of Grey's leaving her and was unselfishly telling Riley to do the same. That he was better off resuming his life at school. It was sweet that they got together, and that she admitted she still loved Grey as much, it was just different. Grey deserved that. I hope one day Mac tells Riley what Grey really did for her, so he also sees the good in him that Mac (and us readers) got to see.
First of all, how cool that this book can currently be read on Goodreads!
Oh my goodness! This book was so well written. I was definitely in Mackenzie's head (only my head was saying "Don't do it" when she snorted her first line of coke, and again when she moved on to even harder stuff than cocaine).
I loved how it all started out party time all the time, then once the addictions grew, everything became so much work, and boy did things get ugly.
I can totally understand why Mac chose her friends over her family. I wish her family would've admitted more that they could've done better by her. They off and on did nice things for her, but just weren't around much at all. They could say she wasn't a peach to be around, but when you have kids in their teens, parents have to make effort and keep the line of communication open. It really made me mad that there was no family at her band concert when she was a lot younger. That was inexcusable! They just never giving Mac much time. Mac said when she still lived with them, they started caring a little too late. All of those ridiculous rules just pushed her out the door, so she could party full time.
We got that she was close with Riley, but we spent most of the book with Grey in the picture. Those two getting together made for some good book angst. Then he was such a great book boyfriend in every way, except for the drug stuff, which turned out to be too big of a deal for those two to be able to handle. His overdose BROKE MY HEART! Her parents redeemed themselves a little during that time, it was nice for Riley to be there for Mac too. She definitely needed others to step in. I was totally understanding why she was wanting to just be with Grey. What was left for her??
So, recovering from her drug addiction, she found the message from Grey in her diary in treatment. Oh my goodness, needing tissues again. Why, why, why did he purposely OD? It's so sad that he didn't even give a more sober life for those two a chance. I am glad that she chose it make something of her treatment if nothing else, for Grey and his sacrifice for Mac. It's just so unfair that Grey had a crap life, and then looks like just another druggie loser to those who don't know his reasons for removing himself permanently from this world to save Mac, because he saw there was a problem he didn't think they could overcome together, but wanted to make sure she quit so she could be the too good person he thought she was. So tragic!
Okay, then Riley same back. Good for the rehab place to care enough to notice that Mac wouldn't have made it through rehab and probably wouldn't have lived much longer if they didn't call him in for her. This whole part is the only reason why I didn't rate the book five stars. I really really wasn't into all the bible stuff that Riley was selling. It was very detailed and very lengthy. I felt like I spent a few chapters in church with all the bible versus, and references. I understand that some do find their religion in Rehab, but it was a very hard contrast to the first 3/4 of the book, and I almost felt like I was reading a book from the religious section. This is the author's story, she chose to include it, it just wasn't a direction of the story that I was fond of.
The book had a nice ending. I am glad Mac went back to her friend's house and got to see it maybe how her parents saw it when Mac lived there (the craphole that it probably was). Mac realizing how important Riley really was to her was pretty cool. It was good that she thought of Grey's leaving her and was unselfishly telling Riley to do the same. That he was better off resuming his life at school. It was sweet that they got together, and that she admitted she still loved Grey as much, it was just different. Grey deserved that. I hope one day Mac tells Riley what Grey really did for her, so he also sees the good in him that Mac (and us readers) got to see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
A Write to Review
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor is eagerly anticipating her liberation from high school, her overbearing parents, and the pervasive shadow of her seemingly perfect older sister. Mackenzie and her best friend, Riley, are rebellious party enthusiasts, indulging in a world of revelry and recklessness. Their friendship thrives on their shared love for parties and living on the edge, and they are practically inseparable.
However, their lives take a dramatic and unforeseen turn when Riley, deeply affected by the party lifestyle, makes a sudden decision to abandon it all. This leaves Mackenzie feeling lost and adrift. In the midst of her confusion, Mackenzie crosses paths with Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented and stunningly handsome older man. She is immediately captivated by him and falls headlong in love, even though Riley strongly advises her to stay away from him. Grey, an aspiring rock star, exerts an irresistible pull on Mackenzie, leading her to venture into his enigmatic world.
As Riley and Mackenzie part ways, Mackenzie embarks on a summer filled with new friendships and a fresh apartment as a means to escape the void left by Riley's absence. Grey becomes a central figure in her life, and their passionate connection is undeniable. Yet, Grey's enigmatic and unpredictable nature keeps Mackenzie constantly questioning whether he is truly a good person, or if Riley's warnings were accurate all along. Consumed by her feelings for Grey, Mackenzie no longer cares about these doubts. She forgets about Riley, abandons her old life, and becomes wholly consumed by her love for Grey.
Unbeknownst to Mackenzie, Riley has never forgotten about her, setting the stage for a story filled with passion, uncertainty, and lingering connections.
I thought I would like this book with all of the other fab reviews. I was also intrigued by the summary description but it just wasn't for me. The cover just did nothing for me.
Mackenzie got to me right away, she seemed extremely spoiled and self-absorbed. She never got better for me throughout the whole entire story, I just really didn't like her. Grey seemed horrible, I didn't get the appeal at all. I do have to say that the interaction between the characters was great. Riley was my favorite character out of all of them. He seemed to be the most sincere and most humane, always protecting and trying to do the right thing.
Overall, the story was well written even though I had a hard time finishing it to the end.
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor is eagerly anticipating her liberation from high school, her overbearing parents, and the pervasive shadow of her seemingly perfect older sister. Mackenzie and her best friend, Riley, are rebellious party enthusiasts, indulging in a world of revelry and recklessness. Their friendship thrives on their shared love for parties and living on the edge, and they are practically inseparable.
However, their lives take a dramatic and unforeseen turn when Riley, deeply affected by the party lifestyle, makes a sudden decision to abandon it all. This leaves Mackenzie feeling lost and adrift. In the midst of her confusion, Mackenzie crosses paths with Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented and stunningly handsome older man. She is immediately captivated by him and falls headlong in love, even though Riley strongly advises her to stay away from him. Grey, an aspiring rock star, exerts an irresistible pull on Mackenzie, leading her to venture into his enigmatic world.
As Riley and Mackenzie part ways, Mackenzie embarks on a summer filled with new friendships and a fresh apartment as a means to escape the void left by Riley's absence. Grey becomes a central figure in her life, and their passionate connection is undeniable. Yet, Grey's enigmatic and unpredictable nature keeps Mackenzie constantly questioning whether he is truly a good person, or if Riley's warnings were accurate all along. Consumed by her feelings for Grey, Mackenzie no longer cares about these doubts. She forgets about Riley, abandons her old life, and becomes wholly consumed by her love for Grey.
Unbeknownst to Mackenzie, Riley has never forgotten about her, setting the stage for a story filled with passion, uncertainty, and lingering connections.
I thought I would like this book with all of the other fab reviews. I was also intrigued by the summary description but it just wasn't for me. The cover just did nothing for me.
Mackenzie got to me right away, she seemed extremely spoiled and self-absorbed. She never got better for me throughout the whole entire story, I just really didn't like her. Grey seemed horrible, I didn't get the appeal at all. I do have to say that the interaction between the characters was great. Riley was my favorite character out of all of them. He seemed to be the most sincere and most humane, always protecting and trying to do the right thing.
Overall, the story was well written even though I had a hard time finishing it to the end.
October 26, 2012
This book is a must read. It will break your heart, shatter your heart into a million pieces and you will be sad right till the end, but is totally worth it. You will love all the characters in the book and fall in love w/some of them.
This book was beautifully written and I thank you Christine Anderson for writing this amazing book.
Quotes that just stopped me from breathing
"What have you done to her"
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live." "I love you, Forgive Me""
"I'm going to make this right"
Grey xoxo
This book was beautifully written and I thank you Christine Anderson for writing this amazing book.
Quotes that just stopped me from breathing
"What have you done to her"
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live." "I love you, Forgive Me""
"I'm going to make this right"
Grey xoxo
September 23, 2025
I dont know what I expected with this, as my first Contemporary Fiction read, to have my heart split and distributed across the country was not it 😂 My heart hurts, my head is spinning, I am happy, sad, angry & frustrated.
If you read any book this year. It has to be this.
If you read any book this year. It has to be this.
March 17, 2013
This is not a story for the light at heart. It was amazing, and hard to read. I felt so many emotions that I never thought possible in a book, anguish, anger, hurt, rage, happy, sad, love and disappoint to just name a few.
The story is about Mackenzie, she is about to graduate high school and is seventeen years old, in her prime party age. She wants to go out and have fun and she does it with her best friend and right hand man Riley. Riley and Mac are inseparable. They have been best friends for years. They do everything together from going out and getting totally wasted to getting completely high together. Mackenzie is looking for anything she can get her hands on to get high and live the good life and Riley provides that for her. One night Riley suggests they go out to a club and try some different drugs to get high, Mackenzie takes ecstasy and Riley takes mushrooms. They go to the club to watch Riley's co-worker Grey perform with his band. Once Mac sees Grey, she falls instantly and totally in love. She wants to get to know him and hang with him.. Riley decides its time to go but Mac decides to stay and hang with Grey. Riley ends up needing her because he is having a bad trip from the mush. She tries to comfort him in his despair but nothing is getting thru to Riley.
"It's evil. All of it is evil, and I see it now. I see it clearly now and I wish I'd have known the truth before. I wish I had the chance go choose again. I'd choose differently."....."Help me Mac. Help me."...."Please Mackenzie. Pray. Pray for me."
After that Mackenzie is unfazed and wants to keep partying but Riley knows he just can't go back. They begin to drift and separate, Riley turning to God to try to find his way, and Mackenzie turning to Grey and drugs as her outlet. Grey gets Mac to try cocaine which she easily gets hooked too. She gets a job and moves out of her parents house with her friend (druggie) Charlie to support her drug habit. Her and Grey start their turbulent and devastating relationship. They complete become dependent on each other, she is his money and he is her supplier. Mackenzie has known for a while that she was in love with Grey but he eventually realizes he has real feelings for her too. There relationship is put to the test when Grey's band gets signed and has to go record an album. He realizes he misses her desperately so he sends for her so he can celebrate her birthday with him. He gets her heroin for her birthday and eventually gets her and himself just as hooked on that as they are on cocaine. Grey and Mackenzie just continue on this downward spiral. They have an all consuming love for each other which if they drugs weren't involved, would be beautiful. Mac hits an all time low and Riley comes back to check on her. He instantly blames Grey for what Mac has become. Grey swears to Mackenzie that he will make it better. He will fix it. The unbelievable and most heart breaking thing happens.
Mackenzie begins her recovery with the man who loves her by her side. She has to suffer from the consequences of her actions that have harmed her and those she cares mostly about. It's not an easy ride but she has to learn to pick herself up and become the person she needs to be and wants to be for the love of her life.
Addiction is not something to be messed with. I have witnessed first hand how a drug addiction can tear someone and the ones they love most down. I have watch those drugs take a life and watched as they people who lost them try to piece back together the life they have without that person they lost in it. The book had me feeling emotions I thought I had buried deep down. It answered questions that I still feel like I wish I could have gotten the answer from from the person I lost. It is truly an amazing story about addiction and the road to recovery. It is not by any means a YA read. It is gripping, and sad. It is emotional and disturbing. It is a love story. And it a story about self discovery. Bravo Christine Anderson. This truly is a story there are not enough words to describe..
I leave you with this....
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live. I love you. Forgive me."
The story is about Mackenzie, she is about to graduate high school and is seventeen years old, in her prime party age. She wants to go out and have fun and she does it with her best friend and right hand man Riley. Riley and Mac are inseparable. They have been best friends for years. They do everything together from going out and getting totally wasted to getting completely high together. Mackenzie is looking for anything she can get her hands on to get high and live the good life and Riley provides that for her. One night Riley suggests they go out to a club and try some different drugs to get high, Mackenzie takes ecstasy and Riley takes mushrooms. They go to the club to watch Riley's co-worker Grey perform with his band. Once Mac sees Grey, she falls instantly and totally in love. She wants to get to know him and hang with him.. Riley decides its time to go but Mac decides to stay and hang with Grey. Riley ends up needing her because he is having a bad trip from the mush. She tries to comfort him in his despair but nothing is getting thru to Riley.
"It's evil. All of it is evil, and I see it now. I see it clearly now and I wish I'd have known the truth before. I wish I had the chance go choose again. I'd choose differently."....."Help me Mac. Help me."...."Please Mackenzie. Pray. Pray for me."
After that Mackenzie is unfazed and wants to keep partying but Riley knows he just can't go back. They begin to drift and separate, Riley turning to God to try to find his way, and Mackenzie turning to Grey and drugs as her outlet. Grey gets Mac to try cocaine which she easily gets hooked too. She gets a job and moves out of her parents house with her friend (druggie) Charlie to support her drug habit. Her and Grey start their turbulent and devastating relationship. They complete become dependent on each other, she is his money and he is her supplier. Mackenzie has known for a while that she was in love with Grey but he eventually realizes he has real feelings for her too. There relationship is put to the test when Grey's band gets signed and has to go record an album. He realizes he misses her desperately so he sends for her so he can celebrate her birthday with him. He gets her heroin for her birthday and eventually gets her and himself just as hooked on that as they are on cocaine. Grey and Mackenzie just continue on this downward spiral. They have an all consuming love for each other which if they drugs weren't involved, would be beautiful. Mac hits an all time low and Riley comes back to check on her. He instantly blames Grey for what Mac has become. Grey swears to Mackenzie that he will make it better. He will fix it. The unbelievable and most heart breaking thing happens.
Mackenzie begins her recovery with the man who loves her by her side. She has to suffer from the consequences of her actions that have harmed her and those she cares mostly about. It's not an easy ride but she has to learn to pick herself up and become the person she needs to be and wants to be for the love of her life.
Addiction is not something to be messed with. I have witnessed first hand how a drug addiction can tear someone and the ones they love most down. I have watch those drugs take a life and watched as they people who lost them try to piece back together the life they have without that person they lost in it. The book had me feeling emotions I thought I had buried deep down. It answered questions that I still feel like I wish I could have gotten the answer from from the person I lost. It is truly an amazing story about addiction and the road to recovery. It is not by any means a YA read. It is gripping, and sad. It is emotional and disturbing. It is a love story. And it a story about self discovery. Bravo Christine Anderson. This truly is a story there are not enough words to describe..
I leave you with this....
"If I have the strength to leave, It'd be the greatest gift that I could give. The greatest gift that I can give, I want you to truly live. I love you. Forgive me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2012
I feel like I just got sneak attached by religion. This is probably my own fault. The synopsis sounded so incredible to me that I had to hunt this book down. I even paid far more for it than I usually would for any e-book. That's how badly I needed to read it.
At first I was really into it. Mackenzie is a self described party girl. Her and Riley were joined at the hip. Riley happened to be from the wrong side of town and supplied Mack's growing list of habits, until one night Riley has a bad trip. When he comes out of it his whole life changes. He's going straight, and he's going without Mack.
Mack & Riley's relationship was very evidently perceived differently for both of them. There was never a question about Riley's feelings toward Mack. However, Mack was beyond blind and just about the most selfish girl that ever existed. When Riley turns all of his attention to another girl and his new found relationship with God Mack is forced to flounder in loneliness. She has other friends, but Riley is her rock. Now without him she turns to the only thing she knows of to make her feel better, parties, liquor, and drugs.
This is where the story gets interesting. The author did such a good job of describing the highs as Mack moved on to harder and harder drugs that as a reader I really felt like I was there. The relationships between characters, no matter how small, really made the entire story come together. I loved watching Mack fall farther and father into her world of self destruction.
Based on the synopsis I was expecting Riley to make an appearance at any moment and save Mack. That's what a best friend who's in love with you should do, right? Instead I found myself wanting Grey to stay in her life. Everything starts going downhill for Mack when she meets Grey, but at the same time he's her anchor. He keeps her holding on. He keeps her sane. While I had a very hard time believing her to be soooo in love with him as soon as she was, I understand why she felt that way. As someone with an addictive personality she really became addicted to Grey. I do believe in the end she loved him, and I think he loved her more than he has anyone else in his life. So with someone like Grey, how could I be compelled to root for Riley? I just couldn't.
In the end Mack needed to save herself or she would end up dead. There was no question about that. The scenes where she's going through withdrawal were so amazingly descriptive I think they would turn anyone away from trying such heavy drugs. What I didn't like is how much Mack turned to religion in the end to save herself. I have no doubt that several people go that route in similar circumstances. It's incredibly common and that's okay. My problem is it just felt like another of Mack's addictions. A good character should be able to accept help, but ultimately they need to save themselves.
Mack has such and addictive personality that relying on God to get her through just came across as her new crutch. I loved everything about this book except the religious twist. At points it was so shoved down my throat I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish the book. Life of the Party would hands down get 5 stars if Mack had found away to save herself. As written I can't give it more than 3 stars. I was so disappointed with where the story went I wish I'd stopped reading before she gets clean. Suicide would have been a much better ending.
March 12, 2015
I won this book from a Goodreads contest at least a couple of years ago. I started it once I got it in the mail, but only got through a few chapters before shelving it. I recently picked up where I left off.
The overall story was pretty good, it offered vivid descriptions of Mac's experiences and emotions. It drove me insane however, how poorly written it was! The author's vocabulary was limited, repeating the same words over and over. I honestly considered highlighting each time the mention of a "curved mouth" came up, just to count at the end. There were plenty of misspelled words and typos, which made me wonder how the editor hadn't caught the mistakes. It was so bad, I nearly stopped reading the book for good. This however does speak to the storyline. Despite all of that, I still felt that I just had to know how it all ended. It was captivating.
I don't want to give any spoilers, but I can say I did cry closer to the end. So heartbreaking.
I was extremely annoyed by the surprise bible thumping the book contained though! Had I known this would be a Christian attempt to save readers and bring them to God, I wouldn't have been so irritated by it. It's the deceit that bugs me. If a Jehovah's Witness knocks on my door, I at least know why they're there, and have the right to choose whether to hear them preach to me or not. If they knocked on my door and didn't mention a single thing about their intent, until hours later once I've invited them to stay for a BBQ or something, and THEN began to preach, I would feel just as betrayed and pissed as this book has made me feel. Funny enough, it's the very sort of thing that turns me off from religion, so hoping to inspire readers to find God, is not likely to happen using this tactic. There really needs to be something that indicates it's a religious book. Like I said, had I known, I wouldn't have minded.
I wouldn't recommend this book, but I didn't hate it either.
The overall story was pretty good, it offered vivid descriptions of Mac's experiences and emotions. It drove me insane however, how poorly written it was! The author's vocabulary was limited, repeating the same words over and over. I honestly considered highlighting each time the mention of a "curved mouth" came up, just to count at the end. There were plenty of misspelled words and typos, which made me wonder how the editor hadn't caught the mistakes. It was so bad, I nearly stopped reading the book for good. This however does speak to the storyline. Despite all of that, I still felt that I just had to know how it all ended. It was captivating.
I don't want to give any spoilers, but I can say I did cry closer to the end. So heartbreaking.
I was extremely annoyed by the surprise bible thumping the book contained though! Had I known this would be a Christian attempt to save readers and bring them to God, I wouldn't have been so irritated by it. It's the deceit that bugs me. If a Jehovah's Witness knocks on my door, I at least know why they're there, and have the right to choose whether to hear them preach to me or not. If they knocked on my door and didn't mention a single thing about their intent, until hours later once I've invited them to stay for a BBQ or something, and THEN began to preach, I would feel just as betrayed and pissed as this book has made me feel. Funny enough, it's the very sort of thing that turns me off from religion, so hoping to inspire readers to find God, is not likely to happen using this tactic. There really needs to be something that indicates it's a religious book. Like I said, had I known, I wouldn't have minded.
I wouldn't recommend this book, but I didn't hate it either.
April 16, 2017
The rating is not for all the drugs and abuse that I read about (I empathise with Mac and her messed up life, but I don't relate to it).
It isn't for Mackenzie and Gray's sappy romance arc (too stereotypical, and again, can't relate).
It also isn't for the parties and trash talks that teenagers seem to love to do these days (I'm talking about Mac and Charlie's friendship, eek!).
Also, sorry, I don't buy the religious redemption rant that Ms. Anderson is on about, so the stars aren't for that either.
It isn't for Mackenzie and Gray's sappy romance arc (too stereotypical, and again, can't relate).
It also isn't for the parties and trash talks that teenagers seem to love to do these days (I'm talking about Mac and Charlie's friendship, eek!).
Also, sorry, I don't buy the religious redemption rant that Ms. Anderson is on about, so the stars aren't for that either.
November 15, 2012
Was really, really good until it got to the whole cliched, preachy, 12 step, Jesus BS. Would have given it a 5 if not for that. Couldn't Riley have straightened himself out without becoming a Bible thumper? That totally ruined him for me. Loved Grey, tho.
November 12, 2024
Read this 24 hours ago and I have done nothing but think about it all day. Expessially Grey and his turmoil. Heartbreaking stuff. My heart hurts when I think of him. Whew. You know its a good book when you think about it for hours after and feel it so deeply.
Very intense and emotional.
Very intense and emotional.
February 3, 2013
let me start this off by saying, READ THIS FUCKING AMAZING,absolutely remarkable, heart wrenching,gut wrenching book!This book deserves every goddamn star I gave it!
September 16, 2012
Life of the Party is a YA Drama written by Christine Anderson. I read this as a R2R with The Nexus! As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.
4.5 stars!!
A Powerful, Tragic, Emotionally Driven Read!!!
The Review:
This was an amazing read but I think this book has left me traumatized! And not in a bad, “oh my, I need to take a valium and forget the world” kind of way, but in a “I will never forget Mac’s story no matter how much time passes!” way.
This story follows Mackenzie’s slow and painful progression into drug addiction. Along the way she loses friends, family and even a sense of life itself as she skids down the path of destruction in a blind, euphoric, drug induced haze. The author does an incredible job of telling this disturbing story, from her vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling, you get lost in the miasma right alongside Mac and Grey, leaving you shuttering as if you yourself were the addict. I was trapped in this harrowing tale, possessed to get to the end because I had to know how it ended. The writing was flawless, the story was gut wrenching and riveting all at the same time and the characters were compelling!
Im not a cryer. I might feel the pain and live it while Im entranced in a book but I don’t shed tears over it. Well, not until this one. I literally broke down twice during this read. Mac’s loss of relationships with both Riley and later Grey left me reeling through this emotional tragedy. But the downward spiral doesn’t end there. Just when you think Mac’s life can’t sink any lower, the author pulls both the reader and Mac into the depths of despair and I felt like I was drowning right alongside Mac. It proved to be too much for me and I think that credit needs to be voiced to the author. Well done!!!
So why not 5 stars if the book was so great….
And then…. BAM! The last few chapters…A complete 180 in story telling. The author takes this intense and emotionally charged story to a new level, introducing a heavily laid religious message. Riley has found God and he’s showing Mac the way. I have no problem with religious stories. I have no problem with religion of any kind. I have my faith and to each their own. But the last few chapters were riddled with in-your-face scripture passages, religious undertones and preaching. I can see why the ending wouldn’t appeal to all readers. It didn’t really deter me from the book, but it did get a bit preachy and I felt it took me away from the path of where the story originally was coming from.
Also, I was disappointed with the Epilogue. I felt it was the author’s way of cementing the sermon to the reader through Mac’s voice. That would have been fine if I had also gotten a glimpse into what Mac’s future looked like. There was nothing in the Epilogue of what happened between the characters, where they ended up or how life turned out for them. The message of faith and hope was great but I would have loved to have seen Mac, Riley and maybe the others living that faith and hope message. I guess you’re left to draw your own conclusions and have faith that Mac kept up with her sobriety and accomplished the goals she set for herself in life. Im just not a big fan of open ended endings that aren’t a part of a series.
The Wrap Up:
This was an amazing book, no question. Mackenzie’s story was spellbinding and wonderfully written. Though this book was longer than most YA books, it kept a constant pace and never left me bored. I would definitely recommend it to others and especially to those looking for a message of faith concurring hopelessness.
4.5 stars!!
A Powerful, Tragic, Emotionally Driven Read!!!
The Review:
This was an amazing read but I think this book has left me traumatized! And not in a bad, “oh my, I need to take a valium and forget the world” kind of way, but in a “I will never forget Mac’s story no matter how much time passes!” way.
This story follows Mackenzie’s slow and painful progression into drug addiction. Along the way she loses friends, family and even a sense of life itself as she skids down the path of destruction in a blind, euphoric, drug induced haze. The author does an incredible job of telling this disturbing story, from her vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling, you get lost in the miasma right alongside Mac and Grey, leaving you shuttering as if you yourself were the addict. I was trapped in this harrowing tale, possessed to get to the end because I had to know how it ended. The writing was flawless, the story was gut wrenching and riveting all at the same time and the characters were compelling!
Im not a cryer. I might feel the pain and live it while Im entranced in a book but I don’t shed tears over it. Well, not until this one. I literally broke down twice during this read. Mac’s loss of relationships with both Riley and later Grey left me reeling through this emotional tragedy. But the downward spiral doesn’t end there. Just when you think Mac’s life can’t sink any lower, the author pulls both the reader and Mac into the depths of despair and I felt like I was drowning right alongside Mac. It proved to be too much for me and I think that credit needs to be voiced to the author. Well done!!!
So why not 5 stars if the book was so great….
And then…. BAM! The last few chapters…A complete 180 in story telling. The author takes this intense and emotionally charged story to a new level, introducing a heavily laid religious message. Riley has found God and he’s showing Mac the way. I have no problem with religious stories. I have no problem with religion of any kind. I have my faith and to each their own. But the last few chapters were riddled with in-your-face scripture passages, religious undertones and preaching. I can see why the ending wouldn’t appeal to all readers. It didn’t really deter me from the book, but it did get a bit preachy and I felt it took me away from the path of where the story originally was coming from.
Also, I was disappointed with the Epilogue. I felt it was the author’s way of cementing the sermon to the reader through Mac’s voice. That would have been fine if I had also gotten a glimpse into what Mac’s future looked like. There was nothing in the Epilogue of what happened between the characters, where they ended up or how life turned out for them. The message of faith and hope was great but I would have loved to have seen Mac, Riley and maybe the others living that faith and hope message. I guess you’re left to draw your own conclusions and have faith that Mac kept up with her sobriety and accomplished the goals she set for herself in life. Im just not a big fan of open ended endings that aren’t a part of a series.
The Wrap Up:
This was an amazing book, no question. Mackenzie’s story was spellbinding and wonderfully written. Though this book was longer than most YA books, it kept a constant pace and never left me bored. I would definitely recommend it to others and especially to those looking for a message of faith concurring hopelessness.
September 1, 2012
This was my first time reading a book like this. A story about a young girl named Mackenzie who has always been a partier, but in her senior year of school she finds herself in an out of control downward spiral of drugs and alcohol. And she is enjoying every minute of it.
I found this story was different due to the fact that we were getting a different insight into the world of drug addiction. We experience it all first hand, from the perspective of a mind that can't see how fast they're declining. She doesn't even acknowledge her addiction until it's severe. Even when she does, she isn't disturbed by the realization. She's happy, she loves the places drugs take her, the sensations they give her, and the escape they provide from life and all it's complications. So even though it's obvious to us how much trouble Mackenzie is in, she is oblivious and literally living in a carefree dreamland.
Mackenzie has a definite inferiority complex. She grew up with an oh so perfect bigger sister. Her parents doted on her, applauded her many accomplishments, and expected the same things of Mackenzie. Growing up with this pressure and lack of acknowledgement from her parents I think played a huge factor in her becoming who she did. That and the fact that her parents have been mostly absent her whole life with very busy jobs. Leaving her mostly unattended and cared for. Free to do as she pleases almost all of the time. It's all perfect ingredients for a recipe of heart break and trouble.
This story really gripped me. The emotional planes it took me to were extreme. I had painful knots in my stomach. I had that heartbreak were your throat tightens up and you can't keep yourself from crying, and cry I did. Through most of the story, I was so anxiously and painfully waiting for the climax. For Mackenzie's breaking point when she hit rock bottom. When it happened, it was much more intense than I was expecting. My heart literally broke for her, over and over. I was surprised by the length of the story, but I'm also glad it was as long as it was. There seemed to be so much happening all the time, and I just couldn't get enough. I was picking this up at every single opportunity I had. I really loved this book. And I would without a doubt recommend it to just about everyone I know. It's not a story I will soon forget.
The only part that turned me off was the in your face religion towards the end of the book. It was something I was not expecting. And all the talk about god and and divine power and bible quotes and such really affected my liking and rating of the book. It's not that I'm anti-christian or anything like that, don't get me wrong. To each their own and I definitely don't judge. But it just seemed a bit much to me, it almost ruined the ending for me. Without the preachy-ness towards the end, I definitely would have given this a 5/5 because it was really a wonderfully written, incredibly compelling story. And even still I think everyone should read it. But because it did turn me off so much I am going to give it a 4/5.
I found this story was different due to the fact that we were getting a different insight into the world of drug addiction. We experience it all first hand, from the perspective of a mind that can't see how fast they're declining. She doesn't even acknowledge her addiction until it's severe. Even when she does, she isn't disturbed by the realization. She's happy, she loves the places drugs take her, the sensations they give her, and the escape they provide from life and all it's complications. So even though it's obvious to us how much trouble Mackenzie is in, she is oblivious and literally living in a carefree dreamland.
Mackenzie has a definite inferiority complex. She grew up with an oh so perfect bigger sister. Her parents doted on her, applauded her many accomplishments, and expected the same things of Mackenzie. Growing up with this pressure and lack of acknowledgement from her parents I think played a huge factor in her becoming who she did. That and the fact that her parents have been mostly absent her whole life with very busy jobs. Leaving her mostly unattended and cared for. Free to do as she pleases almost all of the time. It's all perfect ingredients for a recipe of heart break and trouble.
This story really gripped me. The emotional planes it took me to were extreme. I had painful knots in my stomach. I had that heartbreak were your throat tightens up and you can't keep yourself from crying, and cry I did. Through most of the story, I was so anxiously and painfully waiting for the climax. For Mackenzie's breaking point when she hit rock bottom. When it happened, it was much more intense than I was expecting. My heart literally broke for her, over and over. I was surprised by the length of the story, but I'm also glad it was as long as it was. There seemed to be so much happening all the time, and I just couldn't get enough. I was picking this up at every single opportunity I had. I really loved this book. And I would without a doubt recommend it to just about everyone I know. It's not a story I will soon forget.
The only part that turned me off was the in your face religion towards the end of the book. It was something I was not expecting. And all the talk about god and and divine power and bible quotes and such really affected my liking and rating of the book. It's not that I'm anti-christian or anything like that, don't get me wrong. To each their own and I definitely don't judge. But it just seemed a bit much to me, it almost ruined the ending for me. Without the preachy-ness towards the end, I definitely would have given this a 5/5 because it was really a wonderfully written, incredibly compelling story. And even still I think everyone should read it. But because it did turn me off so much I am going to give it a 4/5.
October 5, 2012
First off, all I can think of to say is this book takes you for a ride! It started at a medium pace, and then it picked up, and didn't really stop right until the end.
It is filled with a lot of mature content as far as drug use, so just as a caution for someone younger reading this blog post, or if it is something that you are not interested in reading about, you may want to pass this one by.
This book follows a girl named Mackenzie, and it starts with her close to her last year of high school, and follows her and her friends that live in a small town. Mac (Mackenzie) is not the most social of characters, and really sticks to the small group of friends that she has, until one night that they go to a club and she meets the singer of the band that is playing Grey.
From that point on, she starts on a journey that will bring her to a place that some may describe as hell on earth. You can tell from the beginning of the book that she does have the addictive personality, and she is really not afraid of trying any new kind of drug, which is not a good thing.
At the beginning of the book her friends and Mac are involved with things like weed, mushrooms, and some of the basic kinds of drugs, which in some social circles is considered normal. Then the night she meets Grey, her best friend Riley has a really bad trip on mushrooms, and has hallucinations, and feels as though he is going to die, and she has to sit with him all night and try to assure him that it is all going to turn out ok. From that point on Riley has decided that he is not going to be doing anymore drugs, and also decides to quit smoking as he sees what it is doing to him. It puts a significant strain on their relationship as he will no longer go to the places that he would before as he knew what was going to be taking place, and knew that if he went he would cave and start doing drugs again.
From that moment forward Mac puts herself in to situations where all different kinds of drugs are available, and it is not just the basics anymore. The author has found a way to show how easy it can really be for someone to follow down that road, and is able to portray a level of denial that a true addict will have that everything is ok, they have it managed, and they can quit whenever they want. I don't really want to give anymore of the story away as I truly believe that it is something that you must read and experience for yourself. This is quite a heavy topic, but I think that anyone who is interested in reading about different real life situations would truly appreciate it. For sure a 5/5 for me!
It is filled with a lot of mature content as far as drug use, so just as a caution for someone younger reading this blog post, or if it is something that you are not interested in reading about, you may want to pass this one by.
This book follows a girl named Mackenzie, and it starts with her close to her last year of high school, and follows her and her friends that live in a small town. Mac (Mackenzie) is not the most social of characters, and really sticks to the small group of friends that she has, until one night that they go to a club and she meets the singer of the band that is playing Grey.
From that point on, she starts on a journey that will bring her to a place that some may describe as hell on earth. You can tell from the beginning of the book that she does have the addictive personality, and she is really not afraid of trying any new kind of drug, which is not a good thing.
At the beginning of the book her friends and Mac are involved with things like weed, mushrooms, and some of the basic kinds of drugs, which in some social circles is considered normal. Then the night she meets Grey, her best friend Riley has a really bad trip on mushrooms, and has hallucinations, and feels as though he is going to die, and she has to sit with him all night and try to assure him that it is all going to turn out ok. From that point on Riley has decided that he is not going to be doing anymore drugs, and also decides to quit smoking as he sees what it is doing to him. It puts a significant strain on their relationship as he will no longer go to the places that he would before as he knew what was going to be taking place, and knew that if he went he would cave and start doing drugs again.
From that moment forward Mac puts herself in to situations where all different kinds of drugs are available, and it is not just the basics anymore. The author has found a way to show how easy it can really be for someone to follow down that road, and is able to portray a level of denial that a true addict will have that everything is ok, they have it managed, and they can quit whenever they want. I don't really want to give anymore of the story away as I truly believe that it is something that you must read and experience for yourself. This is quite a heavy topic, but I think that anyone who is interested in reading about different real life situations would truly appreciate it. For sure a 5/5 for me!
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