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Recovery Road

by Blake Nelson (Goodreads Author)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 749 ratings · 168 reviews

From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. M...more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by Scholastic Press (first published February 24th 2011)

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Feb 01, 2011 Alexa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Alexa by: Goodreads First Reads winner

Shelves: first-reads, young-adult, arc, 2011-reads, gave-away

My mini-review can also be found on my blog Collections.

Recovery Road is the story of Madeline, who is recovering from heavy drinking and partying and anger issues. The story takes place over the course of about three to four years, and through the book we get glimpses of how she is dealing with her issues and what she is doing to improve her life. Recovery is not always easy though, and we see that with Madeline and with the people she befriends at the rehab in Spring Meadows.

From the cover and...more

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Dec 05, 2010 Abby Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blogged

Maddie meets Stewart in rehab and they fall in love. But love's never as easy as that and especially not when you're in rehab. Recovery Road is about finding the right guy at the wrong time and Maddie's struggle to find her own way home. Maddie's voice was searingly real and I felt like she was sitting down and telling me the whole story. The book's got funny moments that made me laugh out loud and it also broke my heart. Highly recommended.

http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/...

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Mar 29, 2013 Deborah Takahashi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-fiction

Madeline, or Mad Dog Maddie, has landed herself to rehab. After getting arrested, stealing a car, sleeping with a drug dealer, years of drug abuse, and one heck of a temper, she is placed in a drug rehabilitation program to gain control over her life. After spending twenty-eight days in a hospital facility, she has to live in a sober-living home where she is shacked up with women twice her age and holds down a job at the laundry facility. Although she managed to make friends with a girl named Tr...more Madeline, or Mad Dog Maddie, has landed herself to rehab. After getting arrested, stealing a car, sleeping with a drug dealer, years of drug abuse, and one heck of a temper, she is placed in a drug rehabilitation program to gain control over her life. After spending twenty-eight days in a hospital facility, she has to live in a sober-living home where she is shacked up with women twice her age and holds down a job at the laundry facility. Although she managed to make friends with a girl named Trish (two years older than her), when Trish leave, Maddie isolates herself from the rest of her housemates, counting down the days until she goes home. Once a week, a van picks her up in front of Spring Meadows home and takes her to the movies. Known as Recovery Road, Maddie took this trip with Trish, but not, she as all alone. However, when Stewart stepped into the van, Maddie's world is changed forever. Maddie and Stewart, both former addicts, instantly find comfort in each other, which brings about feelings that go beyond friends. When Maddie's time is up, she promises Stewart that she will wait for him and continue to stay sober. Now that Maddie is back at school, not only are the temptations back, she has to find new friends, get her grades back on track, and fight off the awkwardness of her disappearance. Despite having to transition into the real world again, Maddie actually does all right and with the help of Martin, her new dork friend, she might be able to achieve the possible: sobriety and have hope that everything will be okay.

Blake Nelson has written a very candid, yet inspiring story of a teen fighting for her life. As much as we don't want to acknowledge teen drug abuse, its heartbreaking and devastating how rampant drug addiction is amongst this age group. Maddie is a great character because when we first met her, she didn't have a care in the world and very little self respect. As she meets Trish, Stewart, Martin, and Emily, Maddie's development is so inspiring because not only did she had grow up quickly, she had to face the temptation and relapse all on her own. Although her classmates are partying it up and not worrying about the repercussions, Maddie is living proof when the fun takes over and leaves everything in shambles. Unlike Trish and Stewart, Maddie hasn't hurt anyone, but herself, and because of these examples, she takes her fate into her hands and decides she wants to be a normal, healthy teenager. In many aspects, this story provides a cautionary tale for those who dabble in drugs, but; more importantly, provides readers who are lost with hope that they can change their ways. Along with providing an important lesson, Nelson doesn't hold back when it comes to consequences. The death of Ashley's sister and Stewart's fate are solid examples when individuals are just not able to say no due to lack of support or faith in themselves. Although Maddie tries to tell Ashely that she needs to stop, it really oils down to a person wanting to change. Sure, Ashely could have gone to rehab, but she has to have the will to stay sober. Although we don't get the happy ending we are hoping for, we are left feeling that Maddie will do just fine and will continue to thrive and grow. I am seriously mesmerized by Nelson's ability to capture the voice of of such a dynamic female character, starting from the vulnerable bad girl, to the confident, goal-oriented, and happy woman she is at the end of the story. Bravo, Blake Nelson!(less)

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Jun 02, 2012 Bren rated it 4 of 5 stars

The writing style was really good & Madeline seemed like a pretty real character.

I am the type of person who enjoys semi-depressing books, so this one was perfect for me. It was sad yet still had a tint of hope in it.

However, I thought the rehab that Madeline went to to be a little unrealistic - the people there were very free to do whatever they wanted. Although I have never been to rehab so obviously I wouldn't know what it's like, it still seemed unrealistic.

Also, I thought Madeline an...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Richie Partington rated it 5 of 5 stars

12 October 2010 RECOVERY ROAD by Blake Nelson, Scholastic Press, March 2011, 320p., ISBN: 978-0-545-10729-7

"So much time to make up
Everywhere you turn
Time we have wasted on the way"
-Graham Nash

"I'm trying to brush my teeth but I can't find my toothpaste.
"It's 9:30 in the morning. I'm standing in the bathroom, in my bathrobe and underwear. I've completed my twenty-eight days in the main building, and now I'm in my second week at my halfway house.
"Which sucks. But it would at least be tolerable i...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Marj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

"He holds me. I am his in a way he probably isn't even aware of. Boys shouldn't know what power they have. They would panic probably or just mess things up. But boys are who you give yourself to. Not your parents or your teachers or your "future". You give yourself to a boy. And then you go for long walks at night and think about them and wonder what they will do to you in the end." (p.106)

A very moving heart-wrenching story of first love between two recovering teenage alcoholics. Well worth rea...more

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May 17, 2011 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, contemporary, issues, vine, read-in-2011

Semi-realistic portrayal of young addiction, 3.5 stars

In Blake Nelson's RECOVERY ROAD, Maddie finds herself in rehab after one too many drug and alcohol-fueled binges. Even though she feels like a teenage outcast, she befriends Trish, another recovering young addict, and Stewart, a beautiful boy with problems of his own. After her romance with Stewart blossoms, Maddie leaves rehab and returns to her old life, her old school, and old temptations. Maddie and Stewart must learn to navigate their re...more Semi-realistic portrayal of young addiction, 3.5 stars

In Blake Nelson's RECOVERY ROAD, Maddie finds herself in rehab after one too many drug and alcohol-fueled binges. Even though she feels like a teenage outcast, she befriends Trish, another recovering young addict, and Stewart, a beautiful boy with problems of his own. After her romance with Stewart blossoms, Maddie leaves rehab and returns to her old life, her old school, and old temptations. Maddie and Stewart must learn to navigate their relationship in the real world and see how smooth or rocky the road to true recovery will be for them as a couple and as individuals.

RECOVERY ROAD excelled in its quick and easily readable style that pulled me into the story more than I expected. Readers will be able to sympathize with the characters' struggles to reinvent themselves, to define their relationships, and to deal with popularity and peer pressure. The relationships between Maddie and Trish and Maddie and Stewart were also sometimes touching and poignant. The story was realistic in its depiction of the potential dangers of alcohol and drugs, and it didn't sugarcoat addiction or how people act when high or drunk. Though the ending was bittersweet, it finished on a note of hope about how some people can change for the better and be helped by others.

Even with these strengths, the novel didn't succeed on all counts. The too-easy recovery of one of the characters and his/her singular lapse didn't seem representative of the struggles addicts face, and I was left unsure of why things worked out so well for this person. Character development was also limited enough that I never understood why Maddie got so heavily involved in drugs, alcohol, and fighting in the first place. While the first part of the book was engaging and consistently paced, later sections made quick jumps in time that may throw off some readers. Some events and their plausibility to all happen in one character's life also felt like heavy-handed attempts to illustrate how dangerous drug and alcohol abuse can be.

Despite these bumps in plausibility and character development, I enjoyed this book and appreciated how it ended with its message about growth and the impact that people and events can have on our lives. For those looking for a semi-realistic portrayal of the difficulties of young addiction, Nelson's RECOVERY ROAD may be a good bet.

Note: This review refers to an advance reader's copy. (less)

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Apr 16, 2011 Tammy Dahle rated it 4 of 5 stars

My Thoughts:
Once a while a book comes along, grabs you hard and shakes you up a little. The story of Maddie and her recovery is honest, harsh and heartbreaking. Recovery Road takes place over three years and is a rollar coaster of emotions. The story begins when she is most of the way through a rehab program and in a halfway house.
Maddie's life is a mess. But she gets the chance to make some changes that come with staying clean and sober. Enter Stewart, quiet and attractive-also a recovering ad...more

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Feb 24, 2011 Amy Jacobs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

I was a little hesitant in reading and reviewing this book for the simple fact that it touches on some heavy and serious subjects. Rehab, drug abuse, and even a small scene of attempted rape are touchy subjects in the young adult genre. As I started to read this book though, I found that the author has done a wonderful and remarkable job at telling the story, touching on these subjects and keeping the interest of the reader.

In this heartbreaking story we meet Madeline and Stewart. Both are at th...more
I was a little hesitant in reading and reviewing this book for the simple fact that it touches on some heavy and serious subjects. Rehab, drug abuse, and even a small scene of attempted rape are touchy subjects in the young adult genre. As I started to read this book though, I found that the author has done a wonderful and remarkable job at telling the story, touching on these subjects and keeping the interest of the reader.

In this heartbreaking story we meet Madeline and Stewart. Both are at the rehab center called Spring Meadow. Both characters are struggling to get over their addiction to drugs and alcohol. While I have never been to rehab or been in a situation like this, the author did such an amazing job of telling each characters story that I felt like I was right there with them both. You could actually feel the pain and the struggle that each one of the characters goes through on a daily basis. The two of them grow close even if it is against the treatment centers rules. When Madeline is released, they both promise to find each other when Stewart finishes his rehab.

The story is broken up into parts. The first part is dealing with the rehab and trying to work through the addiction. Then we have the part of Madeline going home and trying to adjust to life after rehab. She tries to fit back in at school and is hesitant on making friends. Along the way, Madeline finds new friends and new things are discovered about herself. When Stewart is released, nothing seems to work out as the planned, yet Madeline believes she is in love with him. It is like she traded on addiction of drugs, for the drug of love.

The story really starts moving at a quicker pace at this point. Each part of the book is the next chapter in her life. We slowly see Madeline try to climb over the obstacle of being a recovering addict and trying to make something for herself. She finishes high school and even gets accepted into college. We see her struggle, relapse and eventually make it out of the hole of despair. Stewart on the other hand is fighting his own personal demons. While I kept hoping that he would find the way to his happy ending, you could tell that the author was going to put you through some rough patches with Stewart. By the end of the book I was crying tears of joy for Madeline and tears of sadness for Stewart. When the story ends it leaves you with hope, sadness, joy and strength.

A well written book for teens on the subject of drug abuse and consequences that can arise of this life changing and sometimes deadly addiction. The book does touch on touchy subjects of attempted rape, drinking, smoking and sex, but I feel the way the author portrayed it in the book it needed to be written to tell the story in a realistic way. One book that I am glad to have read and wouldn't mind re reading again.(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 Dolores rated it 4 of 5 stars

You know that a book is a good one when it teaches lessons without getting preachy. This is one of those books. "Recovery Road" is a good look at addiction and recovery that manages to impart several truths within the construct of the story. It is possible to get a second, and even a third chance because you may slip along the road to recovery. But there are consequences for the addictive behavior. Maddie discovers that no amount of good behavior and studying, no amount of straight A's and strai...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Megan Mann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: eng-412

"You don't see those moments coming, you don't know it when they're happening, but later, as the plainness of life begins to show itself, you realize how important they were. You understand who really changed you, who made you what you are."

Madeline is sixteen years old. She's also a drug-addicted, alcoholic filled to the brim with anger that has resulted in her stint at the Spring Meadow rehab facility. Despite making it to the halfway house portion of her recovery, she still feels angry and an...more "You don't see those moments coming, you don't know it when they're happening, but later, as the plainness of life begins to show itself, you realize how important they were. You understand who really changed you, who made you what you are."

Madeline is sixteen years old. She's also a drug-addicted, alcoholic filled to the brim with anger that has resulted in her stint at the Spring Meadow rehab facility. Despite making it to the halfway house portion of her recovery, she still feels angry and annoyed. Even having a friend in Trish, an 18-year-old with similar dependencies, doesn't make things easier. When Trish leaves, Maddie feels alone. That is, until 19-year-old Stewart checks into treatment. They attended movie night twice before making plans to bend the rules and hangout. Before they even make it back to the center on the night of their hangout, they realize their attraction, but Maddie is meant to leave in two weeks. When that day comes, they figure out a way to make things work.

But Maddie's life is different now. She's back in the high school that she hated without any friends. How long will it last until she gives in? Will she give in and relapse? As hard as she tries to fix things, tragedy strikes. Blow after blow hits Maddie hard. It takes all of this to help her realize just how much has gone wrong and figure out how to fix it.

I actually really loved this book. The chapters are maybe five pages at the longest and you just couldn't stop. I randomly picked it up because, well, there are pills on the cover and that usually makes for good reading. I'm sorry, but it does. It took about two sittings to rip through. You really understood just how hard it is for someone in that sort of position. They are always dealing with the temptation and influence of others. It has to be hard to deal with. You wanted things to go right with her. You wanted to see her succeed. You wanted her love life to be right. I felt like this girl's biggest cheerleader. It was entertaining and sad, interesting and thought provoking.

It was a story about losing and finding yourself. It was a very bizarre and twisted coming of age story. Cancel out the drugs and the rehab and what have you and you're left with a story about a girl just trying to figure out her life. This is definitely something I would pass around (however, I borrowed this and do not have a copy of my own).(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Lizz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: addiction, depression, read-in-summer-2012, teenagers, young-adult

GoodReads Summary :
From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me just say that I cannot wait until the kids go back to school and my hubby goes back to work. My whole schedule/routine is so messed up. I have hardly read at all these two weeks.

Well, this book had very, very short chapters-which I did a video about (short chapters) over on my youtube channel not too long ago...I rather enjoyed them, which I usually do. The book was also divided into quite a few parts.

The story is about a girl named Maddie who is on her way to rehab when the book begins....more

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Mar 30, 2011 Eileen Granfors rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: school-stories, ya-early, medical-issues

Blake Nelson is quick on the draw with "Recovery Road." Madeline is in rehab, after too many drugs, too much booze, and arrests by the local police.

Rehab is BORING. Madeline is angry and quick to judge her fellow inmates. Then along comes Trish, someone Maddy is sure she'll hate, but finds Trish shares a lot of her own angst. At least Trish isn't a 50-something in a designer sweatsuit.

Maddy starts to get with the program. She moves to the halfway house. On a movie night, she meets Stewart, who i...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Kat Asharya rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved Blake Nelson's earlier books, like "Girl" and "Paranoid Park." I have to say, though, that this is his first book that made me cry, and I think it might be his best book yet.

It tells the story of Maddie, a teenage girl with major anger and drinking issues, who falls in love while in rehab. The bulk of the book, though, takes place after she gets out and has to integrate back into her life -- finding new friends, dealing with the fallout of her past actions, and trying to work out a relat...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Melissa (i swim for oceans) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arcs, contemporary

Recovery Road is the story of two teens, Madeline and Stewart, both with blemished pasts and a brand new opportunity for a fresh start from rehab. At the lowest point in their lives, Madeline and Stewart fall for one another, giving them a sense of togetherness in a void of confusion, but when they’re released, reality strikes back. When Madeline is released, she’s determined to get her life back together, and she’s excited for Stewart to join her in healing after rehab, but when he’s released,...more Recovery Road is the story of two teens, Madeline and Stewart, both with blemished pasts and a brand new opportunity for a fresh start from rehab. At the lowest point in their lives, Madeline and Stewart fall for one another, giving them a sense of togetherness in a void of confusion, but when they’re released, reality strikes back. When Madeline is released, she’s determined to get her life back together, and she’s excited for Stewart to join her in healing after rehab, but when he’s released, it’s clear the darkness is still there, and they’re spiraling downwards together. Again.

I’ve been dying to read Recovery Road for a long time now, in large part because of the captivating premise and simplistic cover. Blake Nelson has created a story where the characters are every bit as addicting as the addiction itself, spinning you along on a path of destruction, self-discovery and, ultimately, the desire for redemption. The beauty if Recovery Road lies in the realistic portrayal of the devastating nature of addiction, whether it be to drugs, attention, or companionship. Addiction, in itself, becomes a character, making it a raw and real adventure.

Madeline is one of those characters that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to relate to but somehow could. She has rage issues, drug dependency and a desperate desire to find fulfillment somewhere and, frankly, anywhere. Stewart is presented as your typical bad boy, but there’s an endearing edge to him, as well, making him someone you love to hate and hate to love. Throw in a few secondary characters with their own issues, and Recovery Road is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. I have to say that the plot was strong for Recovery Road, but the characters were strong, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s almost as though one fuels and tempers the other, making the pacing strong and steady. The only real issue I had with the book was the chapter length. They were only a few pages apiece, and I prefer medium-length chapters. Luckily, however, it didn’t affect the pacing, so that’s just personal preference.

All in all, Recovery Road was a fabulous, fast-paced ride in which you feel for the characters every step of the way. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who like edgy stories and contemporary fiction, specifically.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.(less)

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Sep 12, 2011 Sarah Schmitt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: realistic, favorites

"That's the thing: You can change things. You can repair mistakes. You can restart your whole life if you have to. But somethings you never get back. Certain people. Certain moments in time when you don't know better then to shield your heart. You don't see those moment coming, you don't know it when it's happening, but latter, as the plainness of life begins to show it's self, you relise how important they were. You understand who really changed you,who made you what you are."

Just being able to...more "That's the thing: You can change things. You can repair mistakes. You can restart your whole life if you have to. But somethings you never get back. Certain people. Certain moments in time when you don't know better then to shield your heart. You don't see those moment coming, you don't know it when it's happening, but latter, as the plainness of life begins to show it's self, you relise how important they were. You understand who really changed you,who made you what you are."

Just being able to fallow the story of our beloved Mad Dog Maddie was an amazing experience.
When you sit at the dinner table with your parents or at lunch with your friends, and you hear these horror stories about how so-and-so's life is down the drain or how you-know-who is now in the local a rehab center you don't really feel connected to it. You hear the story and then you move on with your daily routine not really caring or only caring to an existent-think that this is there own fault to an existent.

When I read this book and saw Maddie pull out of her addiction and relaps and then having to deal with Stewart and his relapses it just amazes me! This is really happening to someone out there, there really is some junky sleeping under a bridge with his brown-paper-bag-beer and a cheap pack of cigarets that's not going to be OK. Reading something like this really makes you want to try to help the people who are going at it every day, fighting a demon they can't escape, but then you look at Stewart and you think of all the stories you hear from the people who work in that field and the people you see just not come back to school and kinda feel likes it's a lost cause-not really worth it's wile unless that person REALLY wants to try.

I guess I don't really know what to say of it because there's nothing you can do to stop it or to help. People are always going to need that crutch and that little extra that they think will help them get through the day or through the rest of the week. All you can really do I guess is try not to turn into Maddie and keep all your doors open so you don't have to deal with bitches like Professor Slotnik.(less)

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Jun 01, 2011 Courtney added it

Shelves: 2011, ya-fiction

Agh, Blake Nelson stop being so awesome. Wait, don't. Maddie is such a sarcastic and tough protagonist but so incredibly vulnerable at the same time. Even at her worst, I never got the sense of a malicious and hateful girl--just an angry, lost one who didn't know how to fit and was learning to. I love girl protagonists like that. I want more of them. Seriously, what a voice. It was a new experience for me (as a reader) to not dig the love interest BUT to accept him AS the love interest in spite...more

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May 08, 2012 Arvin rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Recovery Road" is about a girl named Madeline who is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a alcoholic problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And...more

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Feb 22, 2011 Inspired Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

I'm surprised at how much I liked this book. It's not the kind of book I usually enjoy. I'm so unlike the characters in this book, I've never even had a drink in my life. But this book was so well written and I could feel what the characters were going through and somehow relate to their struggles. It was a fast paced page turner that I flew through and finished in less than 24 hours.

Due to the subject matter of this book there was language and sex but it wasn't over done and fit with the strugg...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Valerie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won this book from the first-reads program, and I am so happy I did.
I read this book in one afternoon. I just couldn't put it down. It is the story of Madeline, or Maddie, a 16 year old girl who goes to rehab for drinking and a plethora of drugs, as well as anger issues. While there, she falls in love with 19 year old Stewart. She leaves rehab before him, and they promise to meet up afterward. The rest of the story is about her struggle to really connect with Stewart, finish high school, get i...more I won this book from the first-reads program, and I am so happy I did.
I read this book in one afternoon. I just couldn't put it down. It is the story of Madeline, or Maddie, a 16 year old girl who goes to rehab for drinking and a plethora of drugs, as well as anger issues. While there, she falls in love with 19 year old Stewart. She leaves rehab before him, and they promise to meet up afterward. The rest of the story is about her struggle to really connect with Stewart, finish high school, get into college, and face the pressures of everyday life in a world where most teens at least drink.

I definitely don't want to spoil this book at all by saying what happens, but I will tell you what some of my fears were. I was terrified that she would end up right back in rehab or at least back to partying all of the time. I was sure she was going to end up pregnant with Stewart's baby, and Stewart was going to either die or just abandon her. I was sure her friend from rehab, Trish, was going to die (she was too obsessed with wanting people to love her). After her guidance councilor told her there was no way she would get into any kind of good college, I was sure she was going to give up. I was also worried that every character would end up 100% turned around, no bad repercussions from the horrible choices they had made. That last fear was because I know, in reality, life doesn't work that way, so I didn't want the author to make it that way.

I wanted the author to show a person who really wanted to get better and succeeded while still having to deal with the choices she made and not ending up with life absolutely perfect. That would show readers that drugs and drinking and other addictive issues really mess up your life, but if you are in that situation, you can do something to make life better in the end.

I am not going to tell you if any or all of my predictions and fears were right. That would ruin the point of reading this story. Also, there is a lot more going on in this story, including another young girl who has taken over Maddie's role of party girl, Maddie's new formed friendships with seemingly random people, and characters hitting rock bottom and either overcoming or succumbing (both things happen, not going to say to which characters).

So in the end, I absolutely recommend this to almost any teen. This is for teens who wonder what partying might be like, teens who wonder what goes through the head of other teens that take things a little too far, teens who feel stuck in their party lifestyles, teens who are dealing with addictions, and teens who might not be too addicted yet. And of course I recommend this to people like me, people who are definitely no longer teens.(less)

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Mar 03, 2011 Carli Entin rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found this in the free pile at work; I was looking for something to read on the train home.

Recovery Road is a quick read with characters you want to root for. It's easy to understand why so many adults read YA novels; no matter what their mistakes, people in these books have time in their life to change and grow, and it's a great escape to feel that type of freedom vicariously.

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Sep 01, 2011 Beaverton City Library Teens rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: realistic

As the book opens, high school student 'Mad Dog' Maddy is in the middle of a stint in rehab to recover from a drug and alcohol problem that nearly killed her. Although going through the motions of getting clean, she holds little value for herself, nor does she keep much hope for her post-rehab future. Then along comes Stewart, a recovering alcoholic / addict, who Maddy feels instantly drawn to. Can love change Maddy, or will it get her into more trouble? Can she stay clean when she returns to he...more

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Jun 16, 2011 Amy P. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Blake Nelson has the ability to capture teenage angst from a female’s perspective as a male a writer that is unparallel in other male writers. Once again Blake Nelson has written an excellent story from a female teenage girl’s perspective as if he was one (Blake, is there something you’re not telling us?). This book is well written and although I wouldn’t say the story is action packed or extremely dynamic, the plot has a way of capturing the reader’s attention by pulling on their heart strings....more

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May 18, 2011 Samantha Tai rated it 3 of 5 stars

After getting drunk, stealing a car and crashing it into a ditch, Maddie is sent to Spring Meadows, a rehab center, where she first meets Trish and then Stewart. After finishing her 28 days, she lives in halfway house which is part of Spring Meadows, which is located on a road known as Recovery Road. Although forbidden, Maddie and Stewart begin a romantic relationship. When Maddie is released from rehab, she must adjust to life in the real world again. She and Stewart continue their relationship...more

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May 16, 2011 William rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Well a pretty good book. It started off good and then sort of slowed down a bit after Madeline leaves the rehabilitation clinic. Nice characterization though and realistic scenes. Good tension and Blake has a keen insight into the recovery process and the different ways in which addiction/withdrawl affect the psyche.

The short chapters will appeal to younger or reluctant readers and the storyline may be an inspiration for would-be/current college students. I know I would have liked to have read...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Maddie evolves quite lovely as a character. She very much goes through a personality change, a realization of who she is and was, and what she needs in her life. Her transitions and changes seem real and make sense. The symbolism throughout the book is amazing, catching moments and characters perfectly. She loses almost everyone from the beginning, yet she makes new friends connecting to her new life. It ended rather sadly, but unabashedly real life orientated. It leaves a sour taste in your mo...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book very much & would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a slightly more depressing story. That being said, it is not completely depressing & has many purely hopeful moments throughout the book.

The tragic love story between Maddie & Stewart begins blossoming in the rehab center & continues on after they return to the real world. Although they ultimately are not right for each other. Maddie remains focused on her recovery while Stewart does not, thi...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Tracey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, young-adult, library, read-in-2011, men, 3-stars

I read Recovery Road in one night. This is the first book I’ve read by Blake Nelson and I enjoyed it. The characters are brought to life and with a subject such as teen drug abuse, it would be easy to make caricatures of the Madeline and Stewart but the book doesn’t go there.

Madeline is sent to rehab because she’s pretty out of control. While in rehab Madeline makes friends with Trish, much to her surprise, and begins to realize she needs to clean herself up. After she leaves rehab to moves to a...more

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Apr 29, 2011 Christi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

Review from my blog: http://christitheteenlibrarian.blogsp...

I really enjoyed this story. The chapters were pretty short, which made the story go by quickly. I found Maddie to be likable enough as a narrator. She describes herself as a hardass when she was at her worst, but we never really saw that side of her. Yes, she could be pretty mean to her friends (particularly Martin), but I think that was more because she didn't know how to be nice.

A few things bothered me about the story, though. It...more

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About Blake Nelson

Blake Nelson grew up in Portland, Oregon. He began his writing career writing short humor pieces for Details Magazine.

His first novel GIRL was originally serialized in SASSY magazine and was made into a film staring Selma Blaire and Summer Phoenix.

His novel PARANOID PARK won the prestigious International Grinzane Literary Award and was made into a film by Gus Van Sant.

His latest novel RECOVERY ROA...more

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Quotes from Recovery Road

“No matter what I do now, there are certain doors I have already closed, certain opportunities I'll never get back. There's nothing to be done, I guess. It is what it is.” — 4 people liked it

“I watch Stewart. He has the most interesting face. It is beautiful, young, almost childlike, and yet with a power and authority in his features. In another time he would have been a young warrior, a Lost Prince exiled from his kingdom. But he's from this time, this place, so he's just some "at risk" kid who can't find a place for himself in the straight world.” — 3 people liked it

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