Review: Rockaholic by C.J. Skuse

Jody loves Jackson Gatlin. At his only UK rock concert, she’s right at the front. But when she's caught in the crush and carried back stage she has more than concussion to contend with. Throw in a menacing manager, a super-wired super-star, and a curly-wurly, and she finds herself taking home more than just a poster. It’s the accidental kidnapping of the decade. But what happens if you’ve a rock-god in your garage who doesn’t want to leave? Jody’s stuck between a rock-idol and a hard place! 

After reading both of her books, I'm beginning to wonder what goes on in C.J. Skuse's head... whatever it is, it's pretty random!
I recieved this book from Chicken House because I saw a really good review for it on another blog, but for some reason, i've put it off for quite a while. 

This book is fantastic, random, crazy and totally original, it's a really fun read, mainly because although Skuse deals with some sensitive subjects, she deals with them really delicately. What I really enjoyed is that even though the main story is pretty unbelievable the underlying themes are all very realistic and deep and cover issues that are relateble to so many teenage readers out there, even adding a little humour and delicacy to the topics.


I also really liked the characters. Jody is eccentric very out there and very familiar with the (excuse my stereotyping) 'emo and indie' audience, I remember obsessing over Pete Wentz the way that Jody did over Jackson Gatlin (yes, embarrasing, I know). Her best friend Mac is the light in this book though, his quite camp personality leads Jody to think he's gay, which served as a very light comic relief through the book. I loved the interactions between the characters as well, they seemed realistic as well as entertaining.


The pacing is great, there were a few moments where I was thinking 'okay, now get on with the story' but that was mainly at the beginning, for the most part, the plot is very exciting and fresh and while it doesn't keep you on your toes, it has you laughing along with the story line.


My only issue, and it's a very picky issue! Is that I wanted something fast and girly, which is how it was marketed and there were some deeper underlying issues and the book was quite thick so while I really enjoyed it and it didn't seem too long. I don't think the blurb does justice to the more serious parts of the book


I would advise everybody to go out and buy Rockaholic, it's fun, exciting, refreshing and totally unique. Perfectly capturing the mind of an eccentric teenage girl! I could read this book a hundred times and not get bored!


Overall rating: A


Stand alone/series: Stand alone
Released: March 7th 2011 (Paperback)
Publisher: Chicken House
Book obtained via: Received from the publisher for review purposes

1 comment

  1. I have this on my to-read pile, it came in the mail this week :) I was surprised how thick it was so I'm glad to hear that it has some more serious topics, too :) You really make it sound like a good read!

    Nickey

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