Exactly what you want in a novella -- to figure out whether you'd like to spend time with the full-length portions of the story. Now, I know I must read Spin, even as this novella comes after Spin.

I received this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for a review. When I volunteered, I hadn't connected that this author also penned Hidden, a book already on my to-read list, nor had I heard of her other books, in particular, Spin, which Spun is related to -- the novella seemed appealing without any other influence. Apparently, it is now the tip of my iceburg! I'll be searching out all other Catherine McKenzie books! No hesitation!

A child-star, Amber, in her new-adult years looks back and looks around to what she has become and what has become of her, in the wake of the unexpected accidental death of the love of her life. Though I can't tell you how old Amber is supposed to be, now two-years sober after a stay in rehab who became the "it" girl at the age of 15, Amber gives her side of a story begun in Catherine McKenzie's novel Spin.

The audiobook is narrated by Lea Gulino and is just under three hours in length. Lea does a fantastic job keeping her voice and attitude youthful and new adult-like. Her voice seems well-suited to the new adult age group.

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The Good Stuff

Enjoyed the scenes between Amber and Kate. They have a complicated but intriguing relationship
The speech Henry gives at Connor's funeral was beautiful and honest
Fabulous insights about the paparazzi and the famous and wanting the rich and famous to fall hard
I am so glad Catherine wrote this novella, as I wanted to know more about Amber
Realistic character development. I was intrigued by Amber in Spin, but I fell in love with her in Spun
Wickedly funny, yet heartfelt and honest
Didn't want it to end. Read it in one setting while curled up in a warm blanket with a lovely Pinot Noir
I sort of see Amber as a more in touch Lindsay Lohan - just a little bit, you can see hope for Amber's future, unlike Ms Lohan however. (That girl needs some tough love and to be around people that actually give a damn for her)
Once again Ms McKenzie entertains, while at the same time making you think
McKenzie is a born storyteller and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next
For those who have not yet had a chance to read anything by this author, what the hell are you waiting for, get yourself to a bookstore (I suggest Chapters Shawnessy in Calgary, where a delightful CER named JR works - yes that is me) and pick up everything, you will not be disappointed

The Not So Good Stuff

Too bloody short, wanted more. Amber is a delightfully fresh and fun character.
Would have liked more of the wickedly funny
Yup so both points here are just saying that it was fabulous, I just wanted more (I know, I know I am such a selfish little git)

Favorite Quotes/Passages

"I suspect this stance actually has more to do with Kanye leaving me off a guest list or two in the last year, but I leave Olivia to her moral ground."

"Didn't keep you from taking the assignment, though did it? Again."
"True. My name is Kate. I'm an alcoholic and an awful person."
"You have to really mean it when you say that."

"None of my new clothes fit me properly and I've gained three pounds. I'm starting to look healthy, which had better stop pretty soon if i ever want to get cast in anything again."

4.5/5 Dewey's

I received an e-book copy from the author in exchange for an honest review ( )

I've been a fan of Catherine McKenzie's from her first book - Spin.

Spin tells the tale of Katie, a woman desperate to get a job at the music magazine - The Line. What will she do to get that job? Sacrifice her own principles? Lie? Go to rehab to spy on celebrity 'it' girl Amber Sheppard and spill the details to the public? She does indeed head to rehab.....(my review)

Spin is Katie's story, but McKenzie has just released Spun - a novella that catches up with Amber - and what happened after rehab...

Two years on, Amber has managed to stay clean, but no one believes her. The paparazzi still hound her but casting agents aren't calling. One person, though, is still pursuing her. Connor, the love of her life. And he's a lot of the reason she ended up in rehab.

McKenzie has an easy, breezy style of writing that is fun to read. Spun gives us a completely different take on the Amber that appeared in Spin. Other characters from Spin also make cameos and let us catch up with their lives. But Spun belongs to Amber. She's matured and is trying to move on but has yet to convince her friends, family and fans. McKenzie does a great job at imagining what a celeb's life might be like. Amber's story is heartfelt, heartbreaking and life affirming. Catherine manages to fit a big story into a sweet little one sitting read.

For those that haven't read Spin, there's an excerpt (and one for Hidden as well) at the back of the book.

Nothing is better than finishing reading a great book and then getting to immediately revisit them again in another book or novella, as it is in this case! I finished reading Spin in nearly one sitting and then was able to grab Spun and get right back there with the characters I loved! What a great follow up. Sometimes follow ups can be a disappointment, but in this case it was a huge HIT!!! McKenzie has a way of forcing the reader to become invested and attached to her characters because she fleshes them out with flaws, idiosyncrasies and humor. She, in a word, creates characters that are REAL. I adored McKenzie when I first read Forgotten and I have continued to love and read everything that followed. 5 stars. ( )

Review

This is a short sequel to the novel Spin. Spin was the first book by Catherine Mckenzie I ever read. I loved it!! Spun is just as fabulous. Except it is too SHORT!!
I love how the characters react to life’s inconsistencies. The emotions are so true to life. The reader just wants to help guide them along and keep them on the straight and narrow. ( )