23 February 2011

Review: Twelve by Nick McDonell


Title: Twelve
Author: Nick McDonell
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Published: May 15th 2003
Source: Own Copy

Nick McDonell's electrifying novel tells the story of a fictional drug called Twelve and its devastating effects on the beautiful rich and desperate poor of New York City. A bleak Manhattan midwinter and a group of wealthy teenagers, left to their own devices by disregarding parents, delve into the excesses of drugs, sex and the most chilling acts of violence imaginable. Hunter ----- falsely accused of murder after a fight on the basketball courts; White Mike - a straight-A student who makes a fortune selling illegal substances; Laura - gorgeous but obsessed with a fabulous new designer drug called 'twelve'; and Claude - whose trips into the shadier corners of Chinatown have fuelled a macabre fascination with deadly weapons...From page one, this novel pulsates towards its apocalyptic climax.

I was drawn into picking up this book. A book written by an 17 year old about a 17 year old drug dealer. I mean I am a little jealous that Nick McDonell had the dedication to write his novel during one summer, I have been working on mine for 6 months and I have managed a chapter so far!! I also really enjoyed the film adaptation and wanted to read the book. Bearing all of this in mind I had high expectations.

I was surprised at how easy this was to read. The subject matter, 3 days in the life of White Mike, is not an easy one to make enjoyable and easy to read. I didn't particularly like White Mike, but I don't think you are supposed to like him. The majority of the characters in this book are deeply flawed, but you keep reading to see how all of the little plot lines tie together in an unforgettable ending. I think at some point in the future I will pick this up again and reread it and I know that I will definitely pick up any other Nick McDonell books which cross my path in the future.

2 comments:

  1. Ha! How much did Grove/Atlantic P A Y you to write this glowing review? People are not stupid: we know you've been paid. Ha!

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    1. I almost deleted your comment for a couple of reasons but decided to reply instead. First off, I don't get paid for any of my reviews, I read for pleasure and then share my thoughts with the internet. I wish I did get paid to do this, that would be amazing!! Secondly these are my thoughts and opinions, I realise that others will disagree with what I think, I don't presume to think anyone is stupid.

      Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and comment.

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