bookedbyruqs's review
4.0
I knew from the very beginning that I would like this book. It is as challenging to read as it is compelling. It hits so many hard topics right at the core, but works through them, exploring the good and the bad. I could not put it down.
While I’m neither a drug addict I found myself identifying with all the characters. It was a fast, compelling read, and it seemed true to life. It’s very well written.
The story revolves around Lexi, a Russian born hotel heiress and her time in a treatment facility for addiction. I really enjoyed this gritty novel about a privileged teenage girl forced to go to rehab. Lexi is a likeable character because she knows just how lucky she is that she doesn’t have to worry about money.
Plot:
The book begins with Lexi’s brother Nikolai bringing her to an exclusive rehab centre. Coming off heroin is brutally described. Lexi throws quite the temper tantrum, but Dr. Goldstein has seen this many, many times before. It’s all in a day’s work for him. When she’s detoxed from the drugs, Lexi meets the cast of damaged, wealthy characters (all under the age of 24) who are also trying to get well from their addictions. Anorexia, overeating, sex addiction, and, of course, the various substances they take to avoid dealing with life.
Review:
During the first couple of pages I did question if I was going to enjoy a book with a privileged lead character who didn't think that she had a drug problem, however, within the first 10 pages I found that I really liked this complex character and was rooting for her. She is astutely aware of the fact that she lives a privileged life and the benefits that come from having to never worry about money, even down the luxurious rehab that she had access to, and this is written in such a way that it feels honest in her awareness and her limited ability to fully comprehend this. Throughout the book, you begin to understand how she ended up addicted to drugs and you feel her struggles as if they are happening to you. The way the detox is described is both harrowing and beautiful in its honesty, there is nothing that is glamourized about detoxing from drugs.
This book is luxurious. Lexi lives a life of privilege, Clarity is an expensive and exclusive treatment facility. It's like Gossip Girl goes to rehab, complete with fashion, pop culture, drama, and basic bitches.
The story is split into the recovery steps from the Clarity program, and they very cleverly add to the story and make it all the more powerful. As I read the final pages, all at once I wanted more and I wanted it to end. The story circles back in on itself as you read in the most wonderful ways, and I loved the choppy narrative and the slow reveal of past events
The author's style of writing is engaging and flows with such ease that you can get lost in the world that she has created. Not only is the writing beautiful but the characters created feel so real and tangible that I couldn't help but really get behind them. Finally, by the time that I put the book down I felt like I had been through therapy myself in the best possible way, there are so many moments of insight that took my breath away and caused me to stop and think about the human experience and the factors that can lead to drug addiction, sex addiction, anorexia or obesity.
Clean is raw and thought provoking. It shows the real steps of recovery; the good, the bad, and the ugly. It shows inpatient relationships in a realistic light, which I adored, and it doesn’t shame therapy.
The other thing that struck me about the book is that I do not follow celebrity culture at all. And so much of it felt like name dropping - people, brands, places, it felt like the reader was supposed to care and I just didn’t. Having said that, it was very British in places. Some of the locations and discussions on London nightlife made me laugh, and Lexi’s early comment about a cup of tea was brilliant.
This book not only deserved the hype but exceeded my expectations at the same time
Characters:
Lexi:
Lexi is a fantastic protagonist. She changes and grows, and her journey is incredible. She is no-nonsense and sharp, and I think I regarded her with more than a little awe by the end. She is entangled in so many toxic relationships and bad situations. I love her determination; not to change, to change. I love her conviction in herself; not having a problem, having a problem. Once she is sure, she is sure, and it takes a heck of a lot to challenge that.
The additional cast of characters are also incredible, which is what I think made this book so good, there is not one character that I didn't want to read about. They all had their part play. Whether it was showing the toxicity of some relations, how co-dependency can be risky or the importance of true friends who know your weakness yet still support and love you with no pretence.
What I liked:
a. the writing. It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Lexi's descriptions of taking drugs, being high and then the rapid decline of withdrawal was a very vivid rollercoaster of emotion. The intensity shocked me. As did some of the chosen metaphors (definitely using 'eyes glazed like a Krispy Kreme doughnut' from now on) and the Tic-Tac prank scene.
b. this is so small, but really made the book for me: the sentiment that when you no longer feel safe, you're an adult. That definition of adulthood made me not only think but actual say aloud '...damn.'
c. the characters. Lexi is definitely wild, biting and desperate, but I loved her. I was routing for her, as well as the great cast of secondary characters. I've read a few 'rehab' books and the community/family vibe of that scenario never gets old.
d. the pacing. It honestly felt like I was reading at least three books about Lexi's life, as her backstory at her posh girl's school was unravelled, along with her spoiled yet rocky childhood. Then there was the rehab, but also the explanation of how she got there...along with a romance thread and Lexi generally becoming a better person.
e. Juno did a really good job of showing how, being in such a bubble doesn’t have to be a bad thing. When you’re in that situation, you make the most of it, and that’s what Lexi and the rest of the patients do. They rely and support one another, even after discharge. I also loved the way discharge was feared, because so many people think it’s just black and white and that discharge must be incredibly happy - and it is, but it’s also fucking terrifying. You go from being in a bubble, closed off from the temptations and dangers of real life, to right out in the thick of it, all the while trying to pick your life back up because everyone and everything else has changed.
Clean is bloody brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that I'm going to use the ten-step program as inspiration and list ten reasons that I think this is the greatest novel Juno Dawson has written so far:
1) It's a masterclass in character development. When we meet Lexi she's an absolute bitch. She's aggressive, verbally attacking anyone that crosses her path, dropping more c-bombs than you can count. However, by the end of the novel she's matured exponentially, but the shift is completely natural and believable.
2) Every character is three-dimensional. There's a fairly large cast of patients in the rehabilitation centre, and they're all written with care. There's Ruby, the binge-eater and Kendall, a transgender anorexic. Guy, who suffers from OCD, and Brady, the mysterious Hollywood hunk who immediately catches Lexi's eye. None of them are unnecessary, and all of them will reassure and inspire readers in different ways.
3) That does mean that it's far too easy to get attached and root for the characters to get better. You'll find yourself getting overly invested in their lives within a couple of pages of meeting them, and that makes reading Clean an emotional rollercoaster. Everyone has ups and downs, and I found myself sobbing at multiple points.
4) However, the story ends on a hopeful note. I'm not going to give any spoilers as to where the characters end up, but I finished reading Clean with a smile on my face. It's worth the emotional upheaval that you experience throughout.
5) Addiction isn't romanticised. Whereas some YA novels make addiction look glamorous - part of the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, something to aspire towards - Dawson rejects that dangerous portrayal. One of the greatest quotes in Clean has to be 'Why can't we be honest and say 'drugs are boss until you almost snuff it, your brother abducts you and you start shitting the bed'?'. There's nothing desirable about shitting the bed.
6) On that note, Lexi is funny. I laughed more than I thought possible while reading a book on such a serious topic. 'Little birds twitter just outside the window and I wish they'd shut up. What have they got to be so cheerful about? Beaky little twats.'
7) For a book called Clean, the language is remarkably profane.
8) Rehab isn't treated as a miracle cure. Lexi doesn't come out of Clarity with an unshakeable will, never to be tempted again, because that's not how addiction works. In fact, there's a character called Sasha who's a regular at Clarity. There's no magical fix that makes everything better, recovery is treated as an ongoing process. It's obvious that...
9) ...Dawson has researched the topic carefully. Clean treats each of the conditions featured with sensitivity, and nothing is included for shock value. When attempting to write a book about something so serious it's important to get it right, and it's immediately apparent that Dawson has talked to people who really know their stuff.
10) At the end of the novel there's a support page, recommending helplines and websites that you can use if you relate to any of the problems featured in Clean. It's vital to feature these kind of resources when writing a book which includes such sensitive issues, so I was very glad to see that included.
Honestly, I could go on. There are SO MANY brilliant things about Clean. It's one of the best YA contemporaries I've ever read, and unquestionably one of the most unique: I can't think of another YA novel set on a rehabilitation island!
While I’m neither a drug addict I found myself identifying with all the characters. It was a fast, compelling read, and it seemed true to life. It’s very well written.
The story revolves around Lexi, a Russian born hotel heiress and her time in a treatment facility for addiction. I really enjoyed this gritty novel about a privileged teenage girl forced to go to rehab. Lexi is a likeable character because she knows just how lucky she is that she doesn’t have to worry about money.
Plot:
The book begins with Lexi’s brother Nikolai bringing her to an exclusive rehab centre. Coming off heroin is brutally described. Lexi throws quite the temper tantrum, but Dr. Goldstein has seen this many, many times before. It’s all in a day’s work for him. When she’s detoxed from the drugs, Lexi meets the cast of damaged, wealthy characters (all under the age of 24) who are also trying to get well from their addictions. Anorexia, overeating, sex addiction, and, of course, the various substances they take to avoid dealing with life.
Review:
During the first couple of pages I did question if I was going to enjoy a book with a privileged lead character who didn't think that she had a drug problem, however, within the first 10 pages I found that I really liked this complex character and was rooting for her. She is astutely aware of the fact that she lives a privileged life and the benefits that come from having to never worry about money, even down the luxurious rehab that she had access to, and this is written in such a way that it feels honest in her awareness and her limited ability to fully comprehend this. Throughout the book, you begin to understand how she ended up addicted to drugs and you feel her struggles as if they are happening to you. The way the detox is described is both harrowing and beautiful in its honesty, there is nothing that is glamourized about detoxing from drugs.
This book is luxurious. Lexi lives a life of privilege, Clarity is an expensive and exclusive treatment facility. It's like Gossip Girl goes to rehab, complete with fashion, pop culture, drama, and basic bitches.
The story is split into the recovery steps from the Clarity program, and they very cleverly add to the story and make it all the more powerful. As I read the final pages, all at once I wanted more and I wanted it to end. The story circles back in on itself as you read in the most wonderful ways, and I loved the choppy narrative and the slow reveal of past events
The author's style of writing is engaging and flows with such ease that you can get lost in the world that she has created. Not only is the writing beautiful but the characters created feel so real and tangible that I couldn't help but really get behind them. Finally, by the time that I put the book down I felt like I had been through therapy myself in the best possible way, there are so many moments of insight that took my breath away and caused me to stop and think about the human experience and the factors that can lead to drug addiction, sex addiction, anorexia or obesity.
Clean is raw and thought provoking. It shows the real steps of recovery; the good, the bad, and the ugly. It shows inpatient relationships in a realistic light, which I adored, and it doesn’t shame therapy.
The other thing that struck me about the book is that I do not follow celebrity culture at all. And so much of it felt like name dropping - people, brands, places, it felt like the reader was supposed to care and I just didn’t. Having said that, it was very British in places. Some of the locations and discussions on London nightlife made me laugh, and Lexi’s early comment about a cup of tea was brilliant.
This book not only deserved the hype but exceeded my expectations at the same time
Characters:
Lexi:
Lexi is a fantastic protagonist. She changes and grows, and her journey is incredible. She is no-nonsense and sharp, and I think I regarded her with more than a little awe by the end. She is entangled in so many toxic relationships and bad situations. I love her determination; not to change, to change. I love her conviction in herself; not having a problem, having a problem. Once she is sure, she is sure, and it takes a heck of a lot to challenge that.
The additional cast of characters are also incredible, which is what I think made this book so good, there is not one character that I didn't want to read about. They all had their part play. Whether it was showing the toxicity of some relations, how co-dependency can be risky or the importance of true friends who know your weakness yet still support and love you with no pretence.
What I liked:
a. the writing. It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Lexi's descriptions of taking drugs, being high and then the rapid decline of withdrawal was a very vivid rollercoaster of emotion. The intensity shocked me. As did some of the chosen metaphors (definitely using 'eyes glazed like a Krispy Kreme doughnut' from now on) and the Tic-Tac prank scene.
b. this is so small, but really made the book for me: the sentiment that when you no longer feel safe, you're an adult. That definition of adulthood made me not only think but actual say aloud '...damn.'
c. the characters. Lexi is definitely wild, biting and desperate, but I loved her. I was routing for her, as well as the great cast of secondary characters. I've read a few 'rehab' books and the community/family vibe of that scenario never gets old.
d. the pacing. It honestly felt like I was reading at least three books about Lexi's life, as her backstory at her posh girl's school was unravelled, along with her spoiled yet rocky childhood. Then there was the rehab, but also the explanation of how she got there...along with a romance thread and Lexi generally becoming a better person.
e. Juno did a really good job of showing how, being in such a bubble doesn’t have to be a bad thing. When you’re in that situation, you make the most of it, and that’s what Lexi and the rest of the patients do. They rely and support one another, even after discharge. I also loved the way discharge was feared, because so many people think it’s just black and white and that discharge must be incredibly happy - and it is, but it’s also fucking terrifying. You go from being in a bubble, closed off from the temptations and dangers of real life, to right out in the thick of it, all the while trying to pick your life back up because everyone and everything else has changed.
Clean is bloody brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that I'm going to use the ten-step program as inspiration and list ten reasons that I think this is the greatest novel Juno Dawson has written so far:
1) It's a masterclass in character development. When we meet Lexi she's an absolute bitch. She's aggressive, verbally attacking anyone that crosses her path, dropping more c-bombs than you can count. However, by the end of the novel she's matured exponentially, but the shift is completely natural and believable.
2) Every character is three-dimensional. There's a fairly large cast of patients in the rehabilitation centre, and they're all written with care. There's Ruby, the binge-eater and Kendall, a transgender anorexic. Guy, who suffers from OCD, and Brady, the mysterious Hollywood hunk who immediately catches Lexi's eye. None of them are unnecessary, and all of them will reassure and inspire readers in different ways.
3) That does mean that it's far too easy to get attached and root for the characters to get better. You'll find yourself getting overly invested in their lives within a couple of pages of meeting them, and that makes reading Clean an emotional rollercoaster. Everyone has ups and downs, and I found myself sobbing at multiple points.
4) However, the story ends on a hopeful note. I'm not going to give any spoilers as to where the characters end up, but I finished reading Clean with a smile on my face. It's worth the emotional upheaval that you experience throughout.
5) Addiction isn't romanticised. Whereas some YA novels make addiction look glamorous - part of the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, something to aspire towards - Dawson rejects that dangerous portrayal. One of the greatest quotes in Clean has to be 'Why can't we be honest and say 'drugs are boss until you almost snuff it, your brother abducts you and you start shitting the bed'?'. There's nothing desirable about shitting the bed.
6) On that note, Lexi is funny. I laughed more than I thought possible while reading a book on such a serious topic. 'Little birds twitter just outside the window and I wish they'd shut up. What have they got to be so cheerful about? Beaky little twats.'
7) For a book called Clean, the language is remarkably profane.
8) Rehab isn't treated as a miracle cure. Lexi doesn't come out of Clarity with an unshakeable will, never to be tempted again, because that's not how addiction works. In fact, there's a character called Sasha who's a regular at Clarity. There's no magical fix that makes everything better, recovery is treated as an ongoing process. It's obvious that...
9) ...Dawson has researched the topic carefully. Clean treats each of the conditions featured with sensitivity, and nothing is included for shock value. When attempting to write a book about something so serious it's important to get it right, and it's immediately apparent that Dawson has talked to people who really know their stuff.
10) At the end of the novel there's a support page, recommending helplines and websites that you can use if you relate to any of the problems featured in Clean. It's vital to feature these kind of resources when writing a book which includes such sensitive issues, so I was very glad to see that included.
Honestly, I could go on. There are SO MANY brilliant things about Clean. It's one of the best YA contemporaries I've ever read, and unquestionably one of the most unique: I can't think of another YA novel set on a rehabilitation island!
alexpookleary's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
arabellasbooks's review
4.0
A realistic and gut wrenching book surrounding addiction among the youth, in various types, with relatable characters and absolutely incredible and immersive writing.
creepysantos's review against another edition
4.0
Foi a minha estreia numa narrativa cujo tema central é a adição. É engraçado como a Juno Dawson, inverte a ideia social de que este tipo de "problemas" afetam maioritariamente as classes mais baixas e nos mostra um conjunto de jovens, provenientes da elite, reunidos numa clínica de reabilitação. Apesar de não parecer, e em parte acredito que a culpa é do designer da capa, LIMPA é um livro YA (young adult) ou jovem adulto como se costuma dizer em português, mas o que o diferencia de todos os outros livros do género é a sua crueza e honestidade. A Juno Dawson, não poupa o leitor e, se tiver o ferir fá-lo sem qualquer piedade. Na realidade LIMPA é um choque de realizade, uma chamada de atenção, um alerta. Para os adolescentes que, na idade sem limites, se esquecem completamente das consequências e do facto de que as escolhas que tomam estão a influenciar o seu futuro, e para os pais que, envolvidos pelos compromissos profissionais esquecem-se dos filhos e quando se relembram deles já a "bomba explodiu".
Desde os tempos da escola em que era completamente bombardeado com palestras sobre as consequências do uso de drogas e/ou do uso excessivo de álcool que me pergunto o que é que pode motivar alguém a necessitar de algo externo para se desinibir, para apagar um dor... e como é que, depois de serem submetidas as um tratamento tão violento, as pessoas conseguem reintegrar-se socialmente e ultrapassar a sua adição. Este livro trouxe-me algumas respostas, não só porque a autora optou por desenvolver personagens fragilizadas, mas também porque nos revela as motivações e os pensamentos que originam as recaídas, ou seja, repetindo-me, alia personagens fortes a uma escrita extremamente honesta e singela.
Recomendo esta leitura, não só a todos aqueles que procuram saber mais sobre este tema, mas também àqueles que precisam de ajuda mas têm receio de a procurar.
Desde os tempos da escola em que era completamente bombardeado com palestras sobre as consequências do uso de drogas e/ou do uso excessivo de álcool que me pergunto o que é que pode motivar alguém a necessitar de algo externo para se desinibir, para apagar um dor... e como é que, depois de serem submetidas as um tratamento tão violento, as pessoas conseguem reintegrar-se socialmente e ultrapassar a sua adição. Este livro trouxe-me algumas respostas, não só porque a autora optou por desenvolver personagens fragilizadas, mas também porque nos revela as motivações e os pensamentos que originam as recaídas, ou seja, repetindo-me, alia personagens fortes a uma escrita extremamente honesta e singela.
Recomendo esta leitura, não só a todos aqueles que procuram saber mais sobre este tema, mas também àqueles que precisam de ajuda mas têm receio de a procurar.
mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
Het tweede Vivianne voetbalt boek, ditmaal weer wat mysterie als Viviannes beste vriendin/buurvrouw een dierenopvang opent en bedreigingen krijgt. Het was best leuk om te lezen, al vond ik het wel sneu hoe de twee broers zich gedroegen, dan ben je een volwassen vent en gedraag je je als een puber. :| Ik snap dat Louise/Louisa er dus wat jonger uitziet, maar sorry, ik denk toch echt niet dat ze lijkt op een twintiger of zelfs jonger. Dat is namelijk hoe ze wordt getekend. Ik had in het vorige boek ook al dat ik zocht naar deze vrouw, en toen erachter kwam dat ze dus die jonge vrouw was.
Wie de bedreigingen stuurde? Erg leuk om dat uit te vinden. De selectie? Ook leuk voor ons trio, al was ik het met ze eens dat iedereen wel erg te ver ging met dingen. Ja, die selectie is belangrijk, maar kom op zeg. Die kinderen hebben al genoeg stress.
Wie de bedreigingen stuurde? Erg leuk om dat uit te vinden. De selectie? Ook leuk voor ons trio, al was ik het met ze eens dat iedereen wel erg te ver ging met dingen. Ja, die selectie is belangrijk, maar kom op zeg. Die kinderen hebben al genoeg stress.
thesebookdelights's review
5.0
When I first read this book I rated it a 4/5. Now that I've re-read it, I'm rating it 5/5. Why? The first time I read it was when it came out in 2018. I'd never read a book like it before. Since reading it for the first time, I've read many books that handle the topics that this one does. And let me tell you, Juno handles these topics better than a lot of the other books I've read.
allie010's review
4.0
A really great story about the ups and downs of addiction. Nothing massively original (rich girl is a drug addict, goes to rehab etc) but that doesn't matter - Dawson has created some great characters. The book focuses on Lexi who is a rich it girl socialite hotel heiress who I never completely felt sorry for, sometimes she frustrated me and annoyed me but ultimately I was rooting for her. I really enjoyed reading this book despite it being somewhat predictable.
arabellasbookshelves's review
4.0
A realistic and gut wrenching book surrounding addiction among the youth, in various types, with relatable characters and absolutely incredible and immersive writing.
freyakeegan's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
evachibi's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5