As an important introductory note, I'd like to point out that the author of The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli, Carolyn Hennesy, is actually the actress who plays Diane Miller on General Hospital. Another key note is this: unless you are a pretty serious fan of the show, read no further. This book is not for you, you won't get it, and you will hate it.
Now that I've gotten my initial remarks out of the way, here we go. . .
If you are a true fan of General Hospital, past or present, you will find some enjoyment in this book. Ms. Hennesy writes well, and it is entertaining to read the story from the perspective of the character she plays on the show. Each chapter is the retelling of one of Spinelli's entirely fantasy-based exploits. The entire book is basically fan-fiction at its best, written by a true show insider. Some highlights include: Alan's ghost haunting Monica, Brenda using her modelling career merely as a cover for her true job as an Interpol agent, and Spinelli as a closet master surgeon.
The book is at its best during the bits when Diane and Spinelli are interacting in the present. Diane has a great perspective as a storyteller, and I would love to see Ms. Hennesy write more GH-based fiction (perhaps Diane's personal memoirs) from a more "realistic" perspective.
My main recommendation with this book, even if you ARE a hardcore GH fan, is to take it in small doses. Read a story/chapter or two as a break between other books. It can get a little trying to read the whole thing through like a typical novel. All-in-all, I liked the book, but bear in mind that I have barely missed an episode of General Hospital since I was about 15. (And for those of you who don't know me, that was a LONG time ago.)
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