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unorgaynized's review against another edition
3.0
I was so excited when I saw part of the summary, and requested it at once. A summer camp? I love summer camps! I've been a counselor for something like six years.
Unfortunately, I misread the summary, and didn't notice that the main romance was between a camper and counselor. While there is only a year gap between the love interest, it stretches credibility that a nineteen-year-old would be in charge of seventeen-year-olds at a sleep-away summer camp. There is structurally a power imbalance between the two, especially as Vivian is Emma's counselor to begin with. While the book is aware of the negative effects of such (it is usually always Emma taking the first move, for example), all of those who find out about the relationship ignore the power imbalance, and are pleased for the characters.
Emma is quickly established as outspoken, and Not Like Other Girls, though unfortunately, much of her outspokenness is brushed aside once she's been established as having said trait. There are some minor spacing issues on some pages that line up the dialogues of separate people on the same page, which makes it difficult to realize who is saying what in a conversation.
I don't feel as if we as readers had an established handle on Vivian's character, other than a short speech near the end. I feel as if Lauren could have used much further depth as well, as she served as the antagonizing force for most of the book. Much of her motivations seem rather one-dimensional, and Gwen seemed to serve as little more than a plot device.
I would have found this book more enjoyable if parts of it had not seemed so contrived (being dropped off at camp, one-new-counselor-a-year among others). While I'm sure I have friends who would enjoy this, and I will recommend it to them, it was not to my taste.
Unfortunately, I misread the summary, and didn't notice that the main romance was between a camper and counselor. While there is only a year gap between the love interest, it stretches credibility that a nineteen-year-old would be in charge of seventeen-year-olds at a sleep-away summer camp. There is structurally a power imbalance between the two, especially as Vivian is Emma's counselor to begin with. While the book is aware of the negative effects of such (it is usually always Emma taking the first move, for example), all of those who find out about the relationship ignore the power imbalance, and are pleased for the characters.
Emma is quickly established as outspoken, and Not Like Other Girls, though unfortunately, much of her outspokenness is brushed aside once she's been established as having said trait. There are some minor spacing issues on some pages that line up the dialogues of separate people on the same page, which makes it difficult to realize who is saying what in a conversation.
I don't feel as if we as readers had an established handle on Vivian's character, other than a short speech near the end. I feel as if Lauren could have used much further depth as well, as she served as the antagonizing force for most of the book. Much of her motivations seem rather one-dimensional, and Gwen seemed to serve as little more than a plot device.
I would have found this book more enjoyable if parts of it had not seemed so contrived (being dropped off at camp, one-new-counselor-a-year among others). While I'm sure I have friends who would enjoy this, and I will recommend it to them, it was not to my taste.
ivmaurik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shaishaishai's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
loadsofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
ARC received via NetGalley for an honest review
As soon as I read the description and discovered that this book was a queer summer camp romance, I was sold. I was excited to read it and had hope that it would be one of my new favourite books. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by it. I struggled getting into the story and with also liking the characters.
First of all, I didn't really like the whole romance between the camp counsellor (Vivian) and the camper (Emma). These stories normally don't end well due to the superiority of one over the other. Even though Emma and Vivian don't have a huge age-gap it still didn't sit well with me, but I think that all I could think about was the type of relationship that camp counsellors and campers normally have (which is like a caregiver type).
Both Emma and Vivian's characters aren't normally the type of characters I like. They were both outspoken in some aspect and could be seen as bullies in some sense. They aren't warm, friendly characters, they are quite cold and sarcastic which can be hard to read sometimes. This made it difficult for me to create any type of connection to the book.
The plot made sense but I don't think the way it was written complimented that. There was a lack of depth and at some parts I was quite confused at what I was reading and how I was meant to interpret it. I also really did not like how Emma and Vivian seemed to 'hate' each other and then all of a sudden were in a relationship, it was confusing and I felt wasn't the best interpretation.
Although, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. It was a quick read and I feel like some people would enjoy it. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me, but that might have been because I had high hopes for it.
As soon as I read the description and discovered that this book was a queer summer camp romance, I was sold. I was excited to read it and had hope that it would be one of my new favourite books. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by it. I struggled getting into the story and with also liking the characters.
First of all, I didn't really like the whole romance between the camp counsellor (Vivian) and the camper (Emma). These stories normally don't end well due to the superiority of one over the other. Even though Emma and Vivian don't have a huge age-gap it still didn't sit well with me, but I think that all I could think about was the type of relationship that camp counsellors and campers normally have (which is like a caregiver type).
Both Emma and Vivian's characters aren't normally the type of characters I like. They were both outspoken in some aspect and could be seen as bullies in some sense. They aren't warm, friendly characters, they are quite cold and sarcastic which can be hard to read sometimes. This made it difficult for me to create any type of connection to the book.
The plot made sense but I don't think the way it was written complimented that. There was a lack of depth and at some parts I was quite confused at what I was reading and how I was meant to interpret it. I also really did not like how Emma and Vivian seemed to 'hate' each other and then all of a sudden were in a relationship, it was confusing and I felt wasn't the best interpretation.
Although, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. It was a quick read and I feel like some people would enjoy it. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me, but that might have been because I had high hopes for it.
darcey_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rachelsreads_'s review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I had such high hopes for this book! It was entertaining at its core plot but the dialogue and character development left a lot to be desired. Another round of editing could have also heavily improved issues with the book. The tension between Emma and Vivian was just the right amount, enough to make it thrilling to read but not heavy handed where you get annoyed. I enjoyed the daily battles Emma encounters at her time at camp and watching her slowly (and sometimes painfully) progress through her previous camp trauma. This novel would have been great to include an in-depth discussion on mental health. It made attempts to accomplish this but only hit the surface level aspects of how Emma mentally and emotionally deals with things. Overall, it could use a lot of work but the sapphic summer camp romance plot saved it for me.
I had such high hopes for this book! It was entertaining at its core plot but the dialogue and character development left a lot to be desired. Another round of editing could have also heavily improved issues with the book. The tension between Emma and Vivian was just the right amount, enough to make it thrilling to read but not heavy handed where you get annoyed. I enjoyed the daily battles Emma encounters at her time at camp and watching her slowly (and sometimes painfully) progress through her previous camp trauma. This novel would have been great to include an in-depth discussion on mental health. It made attempts to accomplish this but only hit the surface level aspects of how Emma mentally and emotionally deals with things. Overall, it could use a lot of work but the sapphic summer camp romance plot saved it for me.
julievandemoere's review against another edition
3.0
I was provided with an advanced reader copy e-book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, my review is very honest.. and a bit harsh so maybe don't read it if you absolutely loved this book.
This book would have been good if it wasn't all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I liked everything separately, just not together. There were too many plots in this story and all of them were just overshadowed by the romance. The story was full of plot holes, for example her best friend who she just breaks up with and that's it, she never talks to her again and she gets mentioned maybe twice after that? Then there's Lauren, who could've been such a great add-on to this story, but she also disappeared after a while. What I'm trying to say is that I was constantly given interesting characters and stories with a lot of potential, but that's where it ended. There was so much potential but it just didn't happen.
Most of all, Emma just got rid of her trauma in 3, 2, 1? I find it odd that a girl with depression, anxiety and trauma only thinks about it sporadically (and even then, it's mostly as a "oh I'm in the woods and I'm not scared"). As someone with traumas and anxiety, I found this a bit unrealistic.
The story just would've been so much better if the author focused on a few plots and really worked them out.
I gave the book 3 stars because of the potential it had, the writing was decent and the ending was good. I feel like it was the only part of the book that wasn't rushed.
I'm sure this book can entertain a lot of people, maybe it's just me, but it took me 4 months to read it and I really had to force myself. Maybe I would've enjoyed it when I was 16 on Wattpad figuring out my sexuality and ignoring all other plots except for the girlxgirl romance.
However, if the author came out with a sequel about Emma and Vivian I would probably read it, they're cute and I would give the author a second chance.
Well, my review is very honest.. and a bit harsh so maybe don't read it if you absolutely loved this book.
This book would have been good if it wasn't all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I liked everything separately, just not together. There were too many plots in this story and all of them were just overshadowed by the romance. The story was full of plot holes, for example her best friend who she just breaks up with and that's it, she never talks to her again and she gets mentioned maybe twice after that? Then there's Lauren, who could've been such a great add-on to this story, but she also disappeared after a while. What I'm trying to say is that I was constantly given interesting characters and stories with a lot of potential, but that's where it ended. There was so much potential but it just didn't happen.
Most of all, Emma just got rid of her trauma in 3, 2, 1? I find it odd that a girl with depression, anxiety and trauma only thinks about it sporadically (and even then, it's mostly as a "oh I'm in the woods and I'm not scared"). As someone with traumas and anxiety, I found this a bit unrealistic.
The story just would've been so much better if the author focused on a few plots and really worked them out.
I gave the book 3 stars because of the potential it had, the writing was decent and the ending was good. I feel like it was the only part of the book that wasn't rushed.
I'm sure this book can entertain a lot of people, maybe it's just me, but it took me 4 months to read it and I really had to force myself. Maybe I would've enjoyed it when I was 16 on Wattpad figuring out my sexuality and ignoring all other plots except for the girlxgirl romance.
However, if the author came out with a sequel about Emma and Vivian I would probably read it, they're cute and I would give the author a second chance.
cassy1806's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
adryanne's review against another edition
5.0
I love summer camp style books. This one was so cute and I love the dynamic of Vivian and Emma. I also loved Emma and Gwens friendship.
jacquevb's review against another edition
2.0
(thanks to Netgally for the free ARC, which was given to me in exchange for an honest review)
2.5 stars
I enjoyed this book! It's full of sweet queer girls and a dream summer spent at camp. The characters are compelling enough and their arcs are understandable.
Though at times some of the dialogue seemed a little stilted and out of left field, the overall story was refreshing enough to make me want to continue reading. The plot was a bit contrived and predictable, but the relationships that the characters build together make it worth reading. The characters tended to be two dimensional and one-note, but there was enough interesting material in their interactions that I wanted to know how it ended. It was also a very quick read.
The story was very young adult oriented, but that's exactly what it's supposed to be. It's exactly what I wanted to read when I was a teenager, and I'm excited that others will have the opportunity to read it, too!
2.5 stars
I enjoyed this book! It's full of sweet queer girls and a dream summer spent at camp. The characters are compelling enough and their arcs are understandable.
Though at times some of the dialogue seemed a little stilted and out of left field, the overall story was refreshing enough to make me want to continue reading. The plot was a bit contrived and predictable, but the relationships that the characters build together make it worth reading. The characters tended to be two dimensional and one-note, but there was enough interesting material in their interactions that I wanted to know how it ended. It was also a very quick read.
The story was very young adult oriented, but that's exactly what it's supposed to be. It's exactly what I wanted to read when I was a teenager, and I'm excited that others will have the opportunity to read it, too!