The Rundown
Intoxic introduces the somewhat tragic character of Alison Hayes, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in a trailer with her alcohol addicted mother. I believe there are two more books in this series, which follows the journey of Alison, and I very much look forward to reading them. This was a book I could really get my teeth into. Although at times, a little long-winded, I didn’t mind because I felt as though Alison was retelling her story in her own words, in her own way. For me, the author therefore completely got inside the head of this young, troubled teen and made me feel like she was talking directly to me. I often felt like comforting her as her tragic existence unfolded. It felt very much like a diary form, Alison regurgitating her thoughts, feelings and frustrations onto the page. This made for a very real, raw and gritty read. Alison has no idea who her father was. Her mother’s current boyfriend Mitch seems to be on the way out, and her mother has a habit of lurching from one disaster to the next, with very little thought about her daughter. Another poignant side to this story was Alison’s attraction to her best friend Dylan. She feels too trashy and dirty for him, and the story left me wondering and hoping that things might one day work out between them. The story heads to a climactic ending which offers tragedy and relief to Alison. I will certainly be reading the next two books to find out what happens to her. I liked her a lot as a character and I think anyone who likes a gritty and emotional read, full of teen drama, will enjoy this book.
The Recommendation
This was a book I could really get my teeth into. For me, the author completely got inside the head of troubled teen Alison. I often felt like comforting her as her tragic existence unfolded. It felt very much like a diary form, Alison regurgitating her thoughts, feelings and frustrations onto the page. This made for a very real, raw and gritty read. Anyone who likes a gritty and emotional read, full of teen drama, will enjoy this book.
The Rating
5 Stars (out of 5): Highly recommended. This book did exactly what it set out to do, with originality, style, and maybe even a twist. It stands out next to popular, traditionally published novels in its genre.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Characterization, Dialogue, Emotional, Strong World-Building, Unique StyleCons: Slow in Places
