Doooooope
Sex. Drugs. Hookers. Murder. Junkies. Surprise. That about sums this book up, it is quite interesting.
Why I picked this book
The novel is titled Dope and the author is Sara Gran. I hadn't ever heard of her before, and I was at the bookshop in the airport looking for something to read on my flight to LA, and this book caught my eye. The title was captivating from the start and so was the cover art. Now, I know you aren't suppose to judge books by their covers.. but I did, and it worked out well.
Summary
The main character of the book is named Josephine Flannigan and this novel is set in the 1950's. She's now in her thirties and an ex-dope addict/prostitute in New York. She has quite the crime record and knows all the wrong people. Her sister is an aspiring television star.
A couple known as the Nelsons seek Jo out, and deperately seek her help. Their daughter has gone missing. The last time she was seen, she was a dope fiend who had gotten in with the wrong crowd..her parents don't even know how far she's fallen. They have been informed of Jo's past by someone, and think that she'll have more connections in the city and be able to find their daughter. They give her 1000 dollars to look for her, and promise 1000 more if she can find her. Jo has absolutely no clue how much trouble she is getting herself into. She doesn't realize how much her addiction still tourments her, she doesn't consider how unreliable some people are, and she definitely doesn't think about her safety. It's killing me not to go into more detail because really this is one of the most thrilling books I've read but I don't want to spoil it for you.
Review
The authors style of writing makes me think of those old vintage narrated detective films that are in black and white that show a person sitting in the shadows smoking telling the story, then at the end you find out something shocking about them. I can see this book being a fantastic movie. Sara's word choice was right on for how an ex-junkie with an attitude problem would speak. Her characters seem to come to life, almost to the point where you think you're standing there watching the story happen. Some of Jo's background information was kind of blurry, but that adds to the mystery of the novel. I seriously recommend this book. Hardcore.
Why I picked this book
The novel is titled Dope and the author is Sara Gran. I hadn't ever heard of her before, and I was at the bookshop in the airport looking for something to read on my flight to LA, and this book caught my eye. The title was captivating from the start and so was the cover art. Now, I know you aren't suppose to judge books by their covers.. but I did, and it worked out well.
Summary
The main character of the book is named Josephine Flannigan and this novel is set in the 1950's. She's now in her thirties and an ex-dope addict/prostitute in New York. She has quite the crime record and knows all the wrong people. Her sister is an aspiring television star.
A couple known as the Nelsons seek Jo out, and deperately seek her help. Their daughter has gone missing. The last time she was seen, she was a dope fiend who had gotten in with the wrong crowd..her parents don't even know how far she's fallen. They have been informed of Jo's past by someone, and think that she'll have more connections in the city and be able to find their daughter. They give her 1000 dollars to look for her, and promise 1000 more if she can find her. Jo has absolutely no clue how much trouble she is getting herself into. She doesn't realize how much her addiction still tourments her, she doesn't consider how unreliable some people are, and she definitely doesn't think about her safety. It's killing me not to go into more detail because really this is one of the most thrilling books I've read but I don't want to spoil it for you.
Review
The authors style of writing makes me think of those old vintage narrated detective films that are in black and white that show a person sitting in the shadows smoking telling the story, then at the end you find out something shocking about them. I can see this book being a fantastic movie. Sara's word choice was right on for how an ex-junkie with an attitude problem would speak. Her characters seem to come to life, almost to the point where you think you're standing there watching the story happen. Some of Jo's background information was kind of blurry, but that adds to the mystery of the novel. I seriously recommend this book. Hardcore.
i would like to read that
Toxic Narcotic, May 15th, 2007 at 07:25:31pm
I need to read that.
worn-out astronaut., May 15th, 2007 at 11:13:15am
I'll have to check it out. I love a good mystery. You write the best blogs. :)
whyamIstillhere?, May 15th, 2007 at 07:48:21am
Good review :]
I'd love to read that book, it sounds really good the way you've described it but I'm not sure my parents would want me reading a book about ex-dope addict/prostitute. But oh well. :]
dramamine;, May 15th, 2007 at 06:48:18am
=DD
I love looking for new great books to read
thanks for the recommandation
[I know I spelled that wrong]
southernidiot, May 15th, 2007 at 12:26:43am