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Summary: What a Wonderful Writer!!!
Review: This novel was the first book I've ever read by Marian Keyes, recommended by Amazon, and I have to say I'm now hooked. I have gone on to read her other writings, but this, Rachel's holiday, was foremost the best and so far my favorite. Bridget Jones' Diary was cute, lighthearted and funny, but Ms Keyes puts more meaning and emotionalism behind her novels than Helen Fielding.I loved this novel because even though I've never done drugs and am not an alcoholic, I have felt the same sentiments that Rachel has and gone through similar experiences. I'm grateful to Ms Keyes for writing about it in a positive manner. Can't wait to read the next book, Last Chance Saloon.
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Summary: Living Life on the Edge
Review: Marian Keyes took me on a voyage to the unknown. I had no idea what this novel was about as I purchased it based solely on the high quality of work always generated by Ms. Keyes. Ms. Keyes takes us through journey of a drug addict in denial and onto the road of recovery. Rachel Walsh was a party girl, she loved to go out, to be seen with the right people and have a good time drinking and drugging but of course Rachel doesn't realize she had a problem until she overdoses on pills and is sent to the hospital to have her stomach pumped. The one constant in her life (family) becomes involved and has her admitted to a drug treatment facility known as The Cloisters in Ireland which Rachel conceives as a vacation and a place where famous people go to relax. Rachel comes in contact with a variety of individuals with problems, alcoholics, overeaters and drug addicts but Rachel believes her stay at this facility to be a vacation as she doesn't have a drug problem. Rachel learns through brutal counseling that she indeed has drug problem and when Ms. Keyes takes us step by step into this powerful journey and we all see the extent of Rachel's problem and her journey to recovery. When Rachel is released from this facility she has a few set backs but with the support of family, friends and of course drug users anonymous she discovers she is a fighter and gains back all the things she has lost through drug abuse, her friends, her job, her boyfriend and most importantly her life. Once you complete this novel you'll find yourself cheering for the girl who went through hell and back. This is a must read as I for one could not put it down until its conclusion. I loved it and so will you.
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Summary: one of the better beach reads
Review: I'm giving Rachel's Holiday 4 stars instead of 5 for the simple fact that it is not quite as good as Ms. Keyes prior books. This one takes a much more serious tone and the topic is quite serious compared to 'Watermelon' or 'Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married'. It took a while for this book to grab my interest. However, it is in the end, a very, very enjoyable and educational read. Ms. Keyes either did some serious research about the subject of addiction or has some first hand knowledge of the subject. Rachel is portrayed in a realistic manner as are the people surrounding her. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed books like the aforementioned, or Bridget Jones Diary, Otherwise Engaged, and Welcome to my Planet, Where English is Sometimes Spoken.
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Summary: Perfect Vacation Read
Review: Absolutely loveed this book! Read it on vacation in about 6 hours and could not put it down. Loved the way you get to see Rachel's perpspective as she goes through a comic recovery in drug rehab- but is not depressing at all. You fall in love with Rachel and are totally rooting for her all the way through... great ending, except I was sad when it was all done!
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Summary: Marian Keyes rules!
Review: As a big fan of Marian Keyes, it is really hard to pick a favorite title. However, this particular one won out. Probably because it dealt with such a serious issue as drug addiction with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. First we are witness to Rachel's self destructive demise and subsequent transport to rehab. Just when it gets serious, Keyes livens it up with that wonderful British humor. My favorite section of the book is Rachel's initial take on rehab and reaction to others. Reminds me so much of the movie "28 Days". I don't want to go into much detail and spoil it for you but you are also privy to life after rehab. In short, if you haven't read this Keye's novel yet, get going!
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Summary: Nice Introduction to Keyes
Review: This book was so far out of my usual genre, I suprised myself by reading it---and suprised myself even more when I finished it and proclaimed I loved it! Rachel's holiday was fabulous! I sat outside in a lawn chair for a weekend, relaxing and absorbing her book. Her book didn't sap brain power--which is why it's called a good "beach read." It was fun, easy, and a suprisingly light read--considering the subject. Rachel is an out-of-control independent woman. Smart, witty, could-have-been-successful-in-another-life type person. She's also a coke-head and a drunk--which leads us to her holiday--a trip to rehab where she is (predictably) certain she is not at all like the rest of the addicts. We get to know her family, and learn about her friends through flashback-type scenes. The only downside is the aforementioned predictability of the book. Keye's writing style makes up for it though, and while we expect what's going to happen next, we love reading it anyway because we're sure to laugh between takes. There are a few suprises--but not many. Keyes is an excellent writer. She's chatty and intelligently witty. I'll be picking up her other books, and hope for more of the same!
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Summary: Excellent Reading
Review: My close friend gave me Rachel's Holiday to read and said it was a must. I really enjoyed it and found it to be entertaining although serious in regards to drug/alcohol rehabilitation. Marian writes very well and very funny. I also read Last Chance Saloon and I thought it was hilarious. I have never laughed so much reading a book......a real belly laugh at that!! I have Watermelon to read next of which I am looking forward to. I have always enjoyed the Irish humour and find it very similar to the Australian humour!!! Thanks Marian I am glad I discovered your books........you really make my day !!!!
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Summary: Another terrific book from Marian Keyes
Review: I found Marian Keyes 'by accident,' having bought Watermelon and Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married based on reviews I read here and then forgetting about them. But before I was halfway through Lucy, which I read first, I'd already scoured ... to see what other books the wonderful Keyes has written and thus obtained Rachel's Holiday. While this book deals with issues the other books touched on, it explores them more thoroughly, magically combining the serious and hilarious with great results. Rachel is one of the Walsh sisters introduced in Watermelon, and we meet her just as her family is rushing her off to rehab, her resistance somewhat worn down by the knowledge that celebrities often dry out in what must be a very posh place. The book takes us through Rachel's stay, her reaction to being there, her denial, her interaction with others, the process of beginning to see and understand herself, all intercut with flashbacks of her previous life that illustrate clearly for the reader how Rachel perceives her actions and how others do. It's a very serious topic - drug addiction - and Keyes treats it with respect, not overdoing things, but also approaches it realistically, revealing the humor when it should be there and, above all, never condescending to the characters or readers. She somehow makes it all fun and engrossing without diminishing the gravity of the subject. Even though I truly enjoyed Keyes' other books, I was very pleasantly surprised by how complicated and mature this one was, and I recommend it without hesitation to pretty much everyone.
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Summary: WONDERFUL!!!!!
Review: Marian Keyes is one of those writers that you await anxiously for a new book to be published. I must say I was not disappointed in the wait for her newest novel. I discovered her when I read "Watermelon" fell out a little over "Lucy Sullivan's Getting Married" and have now rediscovered through "Rachel's Holiday". In Rachel's Holiday you follow the character through the realization of her addictions. Even if you do not have an addiction or know of anyone that does you will still connect with this character. She is strong and self defacing all at the same time. At times this book can be rather depressing but Keyes still throws humor in where you think there could be none. When I was done with this book all I could do was lay down take a deep breath and relish in it's after glow.
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Summary: boring and depressing
Review: awful book. even ms. keyes said writing this book was 87% depressing. if the author knows its depressing while shes writing it, then WHY would she think the public would like it? I guess i am simply not a fan of Ms. Keyes writing style because i did not like Watermelon either. This book probably brought me to my mental breakdown.
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