Placebo Junkies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

The raw, harsh realities of the professional drug trial world are explored through the drug-induced voice of Audie who supports herself by participating in medical drug trials and research projects. Carleson vividly describes the realities of being a human guinea pig, as Audie and her roommates support each other as they scramble to clear themselves of the mirage of graphically explained side effects they accumulate, in order to start new trials for cash. Audie's desperation to raise money to take her boyfriend Dylan, who has cancer and also goes through drug trials, motivates her to attempt a marathon schedule of various trails that push beyond what her body or mind can handle. The witty part of this sad tale is the entries of Audie's blog. In her tough, sarcastic voice she educates newbies (and readers)to the realities of this little known path to addiction and how to work the system for perceived profit. When a major shift occurs in Audie's environment and mental state, both character and reader have trouble identifying the truths about her situation. Suggest this book to mature audiences, due to the gritty language and graphic descriptions of medical side effects, who enjoy confusion and unresolved endings. The topic may inspire some to "research" the ethics of current drug procedures.

Overall Book Score: very good