Audie's life is a whirlwind of medical tests, from the
more invasive needles to various pills. Audie bounces
from one experimental study to another, hoping for side
effects (which mean cash) rather than the dreaded
placebo. Audie has just been seeking a safe way to
support herself, but now she has a goal for her and her
boyfriend, Dylan. Unfortunately, this goal could put
everything at risk since Audie has to ramp up her
participation in drug trials if she hopes to obtain the
necessary cash.
Audie isn't the most likable of characters, but that's
also part of the charm and message of PLACEBO JUNKIES. In
fact, none of the characters are particularly likable,
from Audie's best friend, Charlotte, to the disgusting,
Scratch. I like that J.C. Carleson doesn't shy away from
such a difficult topic or characters as we see a very
different side of the medical and mental health systems
in PLACEBO JUNKIES.
PLACEBO JUNKIES is a rapid descent into a maddening
world, as Audie's unreliable narration leaves the reader
questioning everything. The lines of reality quickly blur
as Audie's own grasp on reality loosens. Just when you
think you've grasped hold of the truth, bam, J.C.
Carleson throws another twist at the reader! PLACEBO
JUNKIES is an irreverent but thought-provoking tale that
addresses a whole host of serious issues, ranging from
medical ethics to mental illness. J.C. Carleson's unique
approach to the storyline keeps the reader on the edge of
their seat as we wonder what crazy twist J.C. Carleson
will throw at us next!
Going Bovine meets Trainspotting in this gritty portrait of
at-risk teens gaming the prescription drug trial system.
Meet Audie: Professional lab rat. Guinea pig. Serial human
test subject. For Audie and her friends, “volunteering” for
pharmaceutical drug trials means a quick fix and easy cash.
Sure, there’s the occasional nasty side effect, but Audie’s
got things under control. If Monday’s pill causes a rash,
Tuesday’s ointment usually clears it right up. Wednesday’s
injection soothes the sting from Tuesday’s “cure,” and
Thursday’s procedure makes her forget all about Wednesday’s
headache. By the time Friday rolls around, there’s plenty
of
cash in hand and perhaps even a slot in a government-funded
psilocybin study, because WEEKEND!
But the best fix of all is her boyfriend, Dylan, whose
terminal illness just makes them even more compatible. He’s
turning eighteen soon, so Audie is saving up to make it an
unforgettable birthday. That means more drug trials than
ever before, but Dylan is worth it.
No pain, no gain, Audie tells herself as the pills wear
away
at her body and mind. No pain, no gain, she repeats as her
grip on reality starts to slide. . . .
Raw and irreverent, Placebo Junkies will captivate readers
until the very end, when author J. C. Carleson leans in for
a final twist of the knife.
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