Clean by Amy Reed

Clean by Amy Reed

(Goodreads profile)

Source: S&S Galley Grab
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: July 19, 2011 (Already out)
Format: Hardcover 
Pages: 288

You’re probably wondering how I ended up here. I’m still wondering the same thing.
 
Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They're addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. And they certainly don’t want to share their darkest secrets and most desperate fears with a room of strangers. But they'll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there's nowhere to go but down, down, down.

Clean is a hard book for me to review. It deals with dark subject matter and is really just an emotional ride.

I've read a fair number of stories that focus on abuse, addiction, eating disorders, etc. but I've never read one quite like Clean. This is due to the fact that there are five different perspectives to take into account: Kelly, Olivia, Jason, Christopher and Eva. The reasons for them being in rehab are all different and we get a glimpse into all of their lives, past and present. I was worried that with so many characters, they would turn into stereotypes, and at first look, it might appear that way. Believe me though when I say that this is not the case here. All of the characters felt so real and were so well-developped. None of their stories seemed too unbelievable and I needed to know that they were going to be okay when I was reading.

Stories like this one kind of rip you open from the inside, but I love that about them. They are raw, powerful, intense and moving. You feel so many emotions and want to help these characters because what they're going through is scary. It really hit me while reading this book how easy it would be for someone to get to this point given the right combination of circumstances. How hard is it to climb back up once you've hit rock bottom?

I loved the ending of this book. It is hopeful and sweet but also leaves a lot up in the air, which I think makes it a lot more realistic. All in all, a powerful, well-written novel.

Cover Comments: It's really interesting! I love the white - definitely makes me think of a rehab centre - and the pose/expression of the model (Kelly? Olivia? Eva?) is great. Is she meant to be trapped in a box? That's what it looks like to me, but it may just be a regular room. Either way, great cover.