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54th out of 1,227 books
—
3,012 voters
Rachel's Holiday (Walsh Family #2)
by
Marian Keyes
The fast lane is much too slow for Rachel Walsh. And Manhattan is the perfect place for a young Irish female to overdo everything. But Rachel's love of a good time is about to land her in the emergency room. It will also cost her a job and the boyfriend she adores.
When her loving family hustles her back home and checks her into Ireland's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic, Ra...more
When her loving family hustles her back home and checks her into Ireland's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic, Ra...more
Paperback, 578 pages
Published
April 30th 2002
by William Morrow Paperbacks
(first published 1997)
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I picked this up thinking, "Great - a fun book about a girl named Rachel who goes on vacation." Except not so much. Turns out, her "holiday" (view spoiler); Marian Keyes is terrifically funny and she makes Rachel a sympathetic character and narrator.
The first person point of view is expertly employed to hide certain things from the reader, revealing th...more
The first person point of view is expertly employed to hide certain things from the reader, revealing th...more
I waffled between five and four stars for all of ten seconds before deciding on five, simply because of my sheer inability to be rational about this novel.
I fell in love with Rachel, and I have no idea why. If I hadn't picked this up at a library sale when my impulse control was at it's lowest, I wouldn't have it at all. There's literally nothing about this book, from the cover, to the genre, to the jacket copy to make me think I'd enjoy it, or that it was my kind of book. Because it really isn...more
I fell in love with Rachel, and I have no idea why. If I hadn't picked this up at a library sale when my impulse control was at it's lowest, I wouldn't have it at all. There's literally nothing about this book, from the cover, to the genre, to the jacket copy to make me think I'd enjoy it, or that it was my kind of book. Because it really isn...more
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This book was as awesome as I expected, based on Krystal's high praise of it. Watermelon was pretty good, but this was way better. I'm not sure if it's better than Lucy Sullivan though. I haven't read the author's essays apecifically about her alcholism, but I can only assume that she drew on some of her own experience with addiction to write this. It's fascinating to experience the transformation of Rachel with Rachel. To learn things as she learns them, to see her experiences through her eyes....more
As I mention in my review of another Keyes work, I read the Sullivan books out of order, and, as a result, may have developed a slightly different sense of the characters. This may have coloured my view of this book.
I had two main complaints about this novel. First, to a great extent, the theme has been beaten to death since going into rehab became chic. If Sandra Bullock has made a motion picture about something, it is not new. (Don't get me wrong, I love her, but "edgy" she is not.)
Second, I...more
I had two main complaints about this novel. First, to a great extent, the theme has been beaten to death since going into rehab became chic. If Sandra Bullock has made a motion picture about something, it is not new. (Don't get me wrong, I love her, but "edgy" she is not.)
Second, I...more
2 likes · like · see review
First I thought Rachel's Holiday was a shallow book, because Rachel was so shallow in the beginning of the book. Just like an other Bridget Jones, just that she takes drugs on top of everything else. That is, she was a woman who cared about nothing but men and her looks.
Well, but Marian Keyes certainly managed to get some depth in her book. The book developed as Rachel developed. In the beginning I thought just like Rachel that the putting of her in a rehab center was some kinda mistake. I thou...more
Well, but Marian Keyes certainly managed to get some depth in her book. The book developed as Rachel developed. In the beginning I thought just like Rachel that the putting of her in a rehab center was some kinda mistake. I thou...more
While MK writes in her usual hilarious manner, this novel touched on the very serious topic of drug/alcohol addiction. It was interesting and most definitely entertaining but I felt that she pigeonholed Rachel's character to an irritating degree. The psychological analysis of Rachel's childhood was far too pat and I didn't believe that she could so readily accept her tenure as an addict. I enjoyed this book mainly for MK's typical sharp wit and rollicking anecdotes but overall I believe that thi...more
En af de absolut bedste af den såkaldte chick-lit genre. Rachels ferie er ganske vist, som andre af Keyes, krydret med hovedpersonens egne "tøse"tanker i den humoristiske tone der især kendetegner chisk-lits, men hovedtemaet i denne bog er noget mere alvorligt end man normalt finder.
Vi følger Rachels vej ud af stofmisbrugstågerne inklusivt benægtelse, raseri osv.
En meget læs-værdig historie og Marian Keyes, indtil videre, bedste.
Vi følger Rachels vej ud af stofmisbrugstågerne inklusivt benægtelse, raseri osv.
En meget læs-værdig historie og Marian Keyes, indtil videre, bedste.
Marian Keys is the novelist that I turn to for my fluff novels. Her books are fun, mindless, silly and sometimes shallow and I guiltily eat them all up!
This one was different.
It had the same qualities the other ones did, but this one, whether intentional or not, set itself apart from her other books.
It has been years since I have actually read this book but it left an impression on me. Maybe it’s because I went into it with such low expectations as far as depth or content, I can’t be certain....more
This one was different.
It had the same qualities the other ones did, but this one, whether intentional or not, set itself apart from her other books.
It has been years since I have actually read this book but it left an impression on me. Maybe it’s because I went into it with such low expectations as far as depth or content, I can’t be certain....more
OK, but this is probably the last Keyes I read. Her writing is amazing, but there's just something a little sprawling about her books that doesn't work for me.
Sometimes I wish I had her mind though. Like w/this line "To my horror, I tripped on a My Little Pony and went lying. But like a video fo a dynamited tower block being run in reverse, I managed to spring back up..." That just seemed like such a clever image to me.
It's about an addict and she starts off the book in serious denial which is i...more
Sometimes I wish I had her mind though. Like w/this line "To my horror, I tripped on a My Little Pony and went lying. But like a video fo a dynamited tower block being run in reverse, I managed to spring back up..." That just seemed like such a clever image to me.
It's about an addict and she starts off the book in serious denial which is i...more
Whatever Mairan Keyes is selling....I'm buying. Rachel's Holiday was wonderful and touching. It is a talent to take subjects that are so seriouse and bring laughter and humor to them. What a quirky, fun sense of humor Marian must have. This book delved into the world of addicts. It was honest, insightful, and very human. I felt a great attatchment to Rachel (the heroin). I would laugh with her, and then find myself crying over her heartache. I think I understood her. She had a lot of similar fee...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This has been my favorite of all the Marian Keyes books I have read thus far! It is truly amazing to see how all her characters go through the toughest times or sometimes find themselves in the funniest situations. The best being when both emotions happen in the same scene!
The story line is once again done brilliantly, from start to finish. Her books have become synonymous 'glued to the hands with butt on the seat' gut wrenching, tear jerking (because of the funny bits) and riveting brilliance....more
The story line is once again done brilliantly, from start to finish. Her books have become synonymous 'glued to the hands with butt on the seat' gut wrenching, tear jerking (because of the funny bits) and riveting brilliance....more
Nosotros aprendemos determinados patrones de conducta de nuestros padres. Aunque odiemos a nuestros padres y su modo de comportarse. Tú aprendiste de tu padre cómo tiene que comportarse un hombre, a
pesar de que, a cierto nivel, aborrecieras su comportamiento.
Las bromas también dicen mucho de las personas
«Eras demasiado dependiente. Los asustabas con ese gran agujero que había en tu alma.»
«Si encuentras el origen de un problema, encuentras el origen de todos tus problemas.
—Cuando vuelva a poner...more
pesar de que, a cierto nivel, aborrecieras su comportamiento.
Las bromas también dicen mucho de las personas
«Eras demasiado dependiente. Los asustabas con ese gran agujero que había en tu alma.»
«Si encuentras el origen de un problema, encuentras el origen de todos tus problemas.
—Cuando vuelva a poner...more
I just wanted to read romance.
Romance. You know, in that care-free chick-lit way, since I've had dissatisfaction towards the ending of other books recently.
Okay. You probably don't trust me. I've been throwing 4 and 5 stars around like it's Christmas. But I feel it's like Christmas, because I've suddenly been opened to a whole new genre that's not UF or PNR, and suddenly, everything is new and fresh and wonderful.
So did I get romance with Rachel's Holiday? Not really- not in the way I wanted. In...more
Romance. You know, in that care-free chick-lit way, since I've had dissatisfaction towards the ending of other books recently.
Okay. You probably don't trust me. I've been throwing 4 and 5 stars around like it's Christmas. But I feel it's like Christmas, because I've suddenly been opened to a whole new genre that's not UF or PNR, and suddenly, everything is new and fresh and wonderful.
So did I get romance with Rachel's Holiday? Not really- not in the way I wanted. In...more
2 likes · like · see review
Jeg elsker Rachels ferie. Jeg har læst den et utal af gange. Men det føltes som om jeg læste den for den første gang.
Det er umuligt at ligge Rachels ferie fra sig. Jeg blev så grebet, at det var umuligt at ligge glemme bogen, selvom jeg var igang med noget andet.
Denne gang læser jeg bøgerne og Wash familien i den rækkefølge de er skrevet (Vandmelon, Rachels ferie, Engle, Er der nogen?). Det gør bøgerne endnu bedre, fordi man får baggrundsinformationen med, f.eks. hvorfor Rachel er på stoffer. De...more
Det er umuligt at ligge Rachels ferie fra sig. Jeg blev så grebet, at det var umuligt at ligge glemme bogen, selvom jeg var igang med noget andet.
Denne gang læser jeg bøgerne og Wash familien i den rækkefølge de er skrevet (Vandmelon, Rachels ferie, Engle, Er der nogen?). Det gør bøgerne endnu bedre, fordi man får baggrundsinformationen med, f.eks. hvorfor Rachel er på stoffer. De...more
(From my book blog)
I really hate the term “chick lit,” don’t you? It is utterly dismissive and totally misleading. Take a look at this book cover. It looks like chick lit. It was written by a woman. IT MUST BE FLUFFY AND RIDICULOUS, RIGHT?
No. No it is not. This book is devastating. I know she wasn’t the first one, but I blame Sophie Kinsella and her godawful Shopaholic books with their stupid pink covers for starting the whole chick lit thing. Have I mentioned that I really fucking hate those b...more
I really hate the term “chick lit,” don’t you? It is utterly dismissive and totally misleading. Take a look at this book cover. It looks like chick lit. It was written by a woman. IT MUST BE FLUFFY AND RIDICULOUS, RIGHT?
No. No it is not. This book is devastating. I know she wasn’t the first one, but I blame Sophie Kinsella and her godawful Shopaholic books with their stupid pink covers for starting the whole chick lit thing. Have I mentioned that I really fucking hate those b...more
I just loved this book about Rachel being deeply in denial about her alcoholism and thinking she is just going on a spa vacation. Gradually it dawns on her that she is in a rehab facility and many hilarious situations ensue.
Despite being a laugh a minute the book is serious too and when Rachel leaves rehab we share in her struggles to stay clean and sober while rooting for her all the way. It's not an easy time for her and Rachel hits rock bottom before winding up in hospital. She keeps struggl...more
Despite being a laugh a minute the book is serious too and when Rachel leaves rehab we share in her struggles to stay clean and sober while rooting for her all the way. It's not an easy time for her and Rachel hits rock bottom before winding up in hospital. She keeps struggl...more
I liked Rachel's Holiday quite a bit, though I have to admit that I didn't know that it was about a young woman's treatment for drug addiction when I started it. I had read Marian Keyes' two previous books, and liked them well enough to buy this one. I was pleasantly surprised! Rachel's Holiday features Rachel Walsh, sister of Claire, the heroine of Watermelon, Marian Keyes' first novel (and in my opinion, best). She's hustled back to Dublin by her family after she takes an almost fatal overdose...more
Aug 09, 2011
Philippa 'Nef'
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
50-books-challenge-2011,
fiction
This book was not at all what I was expecting... I thought it would be light, fluffy and trivial and what I got in reality was a horrible glimpse into the mirror of addiction and saw myself staring back.
Rachel's Holiday follows 27 year old Rachel who lives in New York and parties like there's no tomorrow... until there almost isn't one. She's shipped off back to Ireland by her loopy family, where she finds herself in a drug treatment centre.
I found this to be an unexpectedly good read on many l...more
Rachel's Holiday follows 27 year old Rachel who lives in New York and parties like there's no tomorrow... until there almost isn't one. She's shipped off back to Ireland by her loopy family, where she finds herself in a drug treatment centre.
I found this to be an unexpectedly good read on many l...more
Rachel's Holiday was one of the best books I've read in a very long while. It was one of those books that leads you to a place in a very humorous way, and then offers you the chance to review your own life in a way you might not have before. Rachel has just accidently overdosed, ended up in the hospital, and been railroaded by her family, roommate, and boyfriend into treatment. She can't believe that they think she has a problem, because, of course, she doesn't. Watching her come to grips with w...more
Ne on nämä Walshin tyttöjen jutut aika hulvattomia. Ensin yhden mies lähtee kun toinen synnyttää esikoista. No, sitten onkin tämä Rachel, joka on koukussa aineisiin ja meinaa päästä hengestään.
Rachel asuu Nykissä parhaan kaverinsa kanssa kämppiksinä ja seurustelee komean Luken kanssa. Rachel myös käyttää aineita ihan kaksin käsin ja huolella. "Itsemurhayrityksen" (jonka ei ollut tarkoitus olla itsemurhayritys, mutta mitä kukaan ei suostu uskomaan) jälkeen isä ja äiti lennättävät Rachelin takaisi...more
Rachel asuu Nykissä parhaan kaverinsa kanssa kämppiksinä ja seurustelee komean Luken kanssa. Rachel myös käyttää aineita ihan kaksin käsin ja huolella. "Itsemurhayrityksen" (jonka ei ollut tarkoitus olla itsemurhayritys, mutta mitä kukaan ei suostu uskomaan) jälkeen isä ja äiti lennättävät Rachelin takaisi...more
Seven years after introducing the Walsh sisters in Watermelon, Marian Keyes in 2002 returned to the family with Rachel's Holiday, a much stronger novel but one that still shows significant flaws. Rachel is the middle sister, a 20-something living in New York with her best friend, obsessing about finding the right boyfriend with the right look, and succumbing to lure of alcohol, cocaine and prescription medication. After she turns up with a freshly-pumped stomach in an emergency room, her family...more
As a fan of Marian Keyes books, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this book quite as much. Alcohol and drug issues isn’t something that I deal with (I’m “straight edge” and don’t drink anymore and have never done drugs) but it did still intrigue me… and I’m so glad that I did. As with Marians other books, once I got started I couldn’t put it down and she has an amazingly brilliant way of making you feel a part of the story, even if it is completely removed from your own circumstances.
She does a fantast...more
She does a fantast...more
Jul 27, 2010
Wicked Incognito Now
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Wicked Incognito Now by:
Vered
This was not the light chick lit read that I was expecting, and as I started reading it, and getting more and more IRRITATED by this character's addiction and denial and self-destructive behaviour....I thought that I HATED this book.
However, I actually quite loved it. First of all, I have no sympathy for addicts and I am not even shameful about that. I was raised surrounded by addicts. I find the behaviour selfish and irresponsible and just altogether frustrating. I spent my childhood by myself,...more
However, I actually quite loved it. First of all, I have no sympathy for addicts and I am not even shameful about that. I was raised surrounded by addicts. I find the behaviour selfish and irresponsible and just altogether frustrating. I spent my childhood by myself,...more
6 likes · like · see review
I have read this book so many times, marian writes about serious subjects and yet manages to inject humour into each serious situation and who better than the Walsh family, lots of Irish sisters each with their own traumas (see other books) and upsets supported by an amazing Irish mammy who cant cook and has her own amazing wit! And a daddy who just wants a bit of peace but has no chance of getting it! The walsh's are the type of family we all probably have or wish we had! Rachaels story tackles...more
This book was recommended as a future book in my book club. We were looking for a light read. All the reviews showed this was about Rachel in rehab and did not sound light hearted at all. There were also no English copies in the Zürich library. You never thought that might be a problem to find a book and not want to buy it or share one copy between 10 women, did ya ?
So, we decided on a different book. The next week I spotted this at my favorite English book store and did not put it down for the...more
So, we decided on a different book. The next week I spotted this at my favorite English book store and did not put it down for the...more
I think Marian Keyes is probably the most underrated author in the chick-lit section.
My first book by her was "Lucy Sullivan is getting married" and it took me 2 attempts to finish it. From there, enjoying "Rachel's Holiday" was easy. It's by far my favourite Marian Keyes book. If you've never read anything by her, I suggest starting with this one. If you don't like it, I would think chances are slim you will change your mind reading the rest of them.
Rachel's Holiday is Marian Keyes at her best....more
My first book by her was "Lucy Sullivan is getting married" and it took me 2 attempts to finish it. From there, enjoying "Rachel's Holiday" was easy. It's by far my favourite Marian Keyes book. If you've never read anything by her, I suggest starting with this one. If you don't like it, I would think chances are slim you will change your mind reading the rest of them.
Rachel's Holiday is Marian Keyes at her best....more
4 likes · like · see review
I'm surprised by the mixed reviews on this book. I had read several other of Marian Keyes books prior to picking this one up and found them to be the best of that awfully titled "chick-lit" genre. Marian Keyes, Helen Fielding and Sophie KInsella round out the top and really the only ones I enjoy reading. Sometimes Jane Green and Jennifer Wiener, that's it though. All the other ones seem to be written by women who want to want to make money writing about their shopping experiences and bad boyfri...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I have to stop referring to Marian Keyes novels as guilty pleasures because there's really nothing to feel guilty about - Marian is an excellent writer and story teller. Yes, Rachel's Holiday is a technically a 'chick-lit'/'women's' novel, but there is way more substance in it than the fluff found in most chick-lit books. The story follows Rachel, who is admitted to a rehab clinic against her will for addictive behaviour she would categorize as purely recreational. She doesn't believe she has a...more
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Marian Keyes, born September 10, 1963, is a popular Irish writer, considered to be one of the original progenitors of "chick lit". Keyes' first novel, Watermelon, was published in Ireland in 1995. Since then she has published seven further novels and two collections of non-fiction, and has sold 15 million copies of her books in 30 languages.
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“You've recognised a fundamental feature of an addict's life. Maintaining your habit is so important you've no real interest in anything else.”
—
20 people liked it
“They say the path of true love never runs smooth. Well, Luke and my true love's path didn't run at all, it limped along in new boots that were chafing its heels. Blistered and cut, red and raw, every hopping, lopsided step, a little slice of agony.”
—
15 people liked it
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