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rereader33's review
3.0
This book was a struggle to get through. The beginning showcased some of the most annoying characters, and I only plowed through because of the drama. The last third definitely makes up for the rest of the book and the ending was very touching, but getting to that point was a real struggle. Overall, it was okay.
tishywishy's review
4.0
Grover, Zander, Cassie and Alex
Enjoyable ya novel about 4 soon to be friends at a summer camp for troubled teens. Romance brewed between Zander and Grover while Cassie and Zander develop an odd (somewhat pushy) friendship. A novel that tackles romance, friendship and death with mental health illness.
Enjoyable ya novel about 4 soon to be friends at a summer camp for troubled teens. Romance brewed between Zander and Grover while Cassie and Zander develop an odd (somewhat pushy) friendship. A novel that tackles romance, friendship and death with mental health illness.
book_concierge's review
1.0
From the book jacket: According to sixteen-year-old Zander Osborne, nowhere is an actual place – and she’s just fine there. But her parents insist that she get out of her head – and her home state – and attend Camp Padua, a summer camp for at-risk teens. Zander has only one word for her fellow campers: crazy. In fact, the whole camp population exists somewhere between disaster and diagnosis. … Amid group “share-apy” sessions and forbidden late-night outings, unlikely friendships form, and the teens begin to reveal their tragic secrets. Zander finds herself inextricably drawn to (fellow camper) Grover Cleveland’s earnest charms, and she begins to wonder if she could be happy.
My reactions
Okay, I knew this was a YA novel about a summer camp for at-risk teens, going into it. I knew from the title and cover art that some sort of summer romance would come into play. But I am so over the teen angst phase of my life, that I find it overly dramatic and cliched.
In addition to Zander the kids at camp include: her cabin mate Cassie, who describes herself as a a “manic-depressive-bipolar-anorexic,” Alex Trebec, called Bek, who is a pathological liar, and Grover Cleveland (yes, like the president), a cute guy who is certain he’ll be schizophrenic one day, given his family history. We don’t know Zander’s problem up front, but she has a tendency to obsessively conjugate French verbs when feeling stressed. Populating the novel with these kids was just a bit too over-the-top for me to enjoy it.
The crisis that results in some break throughs is somewhat believable given the emotional and mental difficulties these kids face. But the way in which this is resolved is totally unbelievable. It’s a relatively fast read, and satisfied a couple of challenges, so I finished it, but that was really time wasted.
My reactions
Okay, I knew this was a YA novel about a summer camp for at-risk teens, going into it. I knew from the title and cover art that some sort of summer romance would come into play. But I am so over the teen angst phase of my life, that I find it overly dramatic and cliched.
In addition to Zander the kids at camp include: her cabin mate Cassie, who describes herself as a a “manic-depressive-bipolar-anorexic,” Alex Trebec, called Bek, who is a pathological liar, and Grover Cleveland (yes, like the president), a cute guy who is certain he’ll be schizophrenic one day, given his family history. We don’t know Zander’s problem up front, but she has a tendency to obsessively conjugate French verbs when feeling stressed. Populating the novel with these kids was just a bit too over-the-top for me to enjoy it.
The crisis that results in some break throughs is somewhat believable given the emotional and mental difficulties these kids face. But the way in which this is resolved is totally unbelievable. It’s a relatively fast read, and satisfied a couple of challenges, so I finished it, but that was really time wasted.
cerasparkles's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sreid248's review
4.0
This book was much different than the fantasy/sci-fi and dystopian books I usually read, but I got it free through Amazon Kindle First program so I gave it a shot. I'm so glad I did! The characters were relatable and believable, and the story kept me wanting more. I laughed some, I cried some. I got through it in about 3 days (and I have 2 toddlers and a full time job!). I highly recommend this book.
felipemenendez's review
3.0
Well, it wasn't what I expected. I read it as Audiobook so maybe it was the narrators voice. But in the end, the second half of the book saved it. But I guess the writing was good and the character development was really good too. I enjoyed how the characters drove themselves through out the book and I really liked how it ended, even though the end was kinda floppy.
In the end it was a good read but I had my issues. I still recommend it due to the fact that it treats mental health issues. So you know, you get a different perspective and everything.
In the end it was a good read but I had my issues. I still recommend it due to the fact that it treats mental health issues. So you know, you get a different perspective and everything.
jenlynnhill's review
3.0
It was really hard to get into this book for me, the characters were kind of annoying and I just never clicked with them. And the written letters seemed to be a oddly placed, it just didn't flow as well as it could have.