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chuskeyreads's review against another edition
2.0
Randy has had a crush on Hudson Lim for the past few years, but Hudson doesn't know he exists. This year, Randy has a plan to make Hudson fall for him. He cuts his hair, joins sports, and even gives up musical theatre.
When I read the synopsis, I thought this would be a hilarious campy story about the dangers of trying to change who you are to win the affections of a crush. The classic rom-com trope: The plan works for a while. Then, everything falls apart when the love interest finds out the truth. I'm up for a cute boy/boy rom-com at a summer camp for LGBTQ+. I mean, who doesn't love a good rom-com?
Utter anticipointment.
Spoiler
Randy/Del was a selfish jerk who ignores his friends and lies to Hudson throughout the book. Even though his friends are mad at him several times, they just magically get over it, and keep coming back for more. That's not realistic at all. I mean, Randy/Del should have at least lost his friends due to his general crappiness towards them, until the end when the lies unravel, and he's all alone.
But, no. Randy/Del continues to be a selfish ass, and his friends are right there.
Maybe I just didn't connect with the MC. There's nothing to like about him. George and Hudson are the only characters that I liked. George for his flamboyant I-don't-care-what-you-think attitude, and the fact that he is genuine (although, I could have done without the description and constant references to the copious amounts of hair on George's backside), and Hudson for his realistic struggle with who he is and the person his parents want him to be.
Yes, it's important for all readers to read books with characters like them dealing with issues they are struggling with. I get the point of accept others for who they are, but not while gay characters were bashing other gay characters for acting "masc" and "butch." Seems a little heavy-handed.
Not to be a prude, but the sexual talk in this book was a little over-the-top. It seemed as if the relay races, the musical performances, and other camp activities were secondary to a camp of LGBTQ+ teens having sex. I've read adult books that didn't have such explicit sex scenes. I had to remind myself I was reading a YA novel not erotica. I don't have an issue with Del & Hudson having sex, but I draw the line at reading the graphic details for almost an entire chapter.
Probably the most unrealistic part of the book is when Randy asks Mark if he can come back to theater, and he gets a starring role. Just. Like. That. He's spent nearly the entire summer with the sports camp running relays, and suddenly he's got this huge part despite the fact that all the theater kids have spent the past several weeks in rehearsal.
Seriously?!
I don't care who you are, theater kids would NOT just let someone who ditched them all summer just walk in the last week and secure a big role. What was the whole drama about earlier in the book when George didn't get the part he tried out for? It just doesn't gel.
astooni's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Sexual content, Homophobia, and Outing
Minor: Dysphoria and Death
lindc9'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
2.75
Read as apart of the 2024 Storygraph Reading Challenge.
Very meh to me - was not expecting the too descriptive serial scenes in a book about children.
Very meh to me - was not expecting the too descriptive serial scenes in a book about children.
drubin87's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
hazel_oat's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is nothing if not (CAMP)Y! I was thrilled to read a novel as hilarious and fabulous as this one.
It brings me joy to see cheesy, dramatic, "beach reads" for LGBTQ+ teens. For so long, every queer novel had to be groundbreaking literature where the gay character(s) needed to either repent their sins or die. That's no longer true! There are thousands of trashy heterosexual YA novels; I'm happy to see LGBTQ+ teens are finally getting their fair share.
However, as with any "beach read," the plot is a little goofy. I spent the entire book thinking, "Del, are you fucking kidding me?" (Spoiler: he wasn't.) This kid... God, this kid. The amount of head-shaking I did while reading this was ridiculous.
It brings me joy to see cheesy, dramatic, "beach reads" for LGBTQ+ teens. For so long, every queer novel had to be groundbreaking literature where the gay character(s) needed to either repent their sins or die. That's no longer true! There are thousands of trashy heterosexual YA novels; I'm happy to see LGBTQ+ teens are finally getting their fair share.
However, as with any "beach read," the plot is a little goofy. I spent the entire book thinking, "Del, are you fucking kidding me?" (Spoiler: he wasn't.) This kid... God, this kid. The amount of head-shaking I did while reading this was ridiculous.
drakoulis's review against another edition
5.0
Standing ovation for Lev Rosen and his roasting of the toxicity of fake masculinity in the whole book ! I was laughing every time that Camp was casually making fun of Grindr stereotypes.
The story was really enjoyable from start to....almost-finish.
The book is unapologetically sex-positive, does not shy away from the fact that teenagers have sex, and is quite descriptive sometimes. It is realistic and awkward and sweet.
The side characters were amazing, George, Ashleigh, Brad, Mark !
Randy has done an extreme makeover on himself to become a jock-style gay and make his long-time summer-camp crush Hudson fall for him. Hudson is only into "masc" types and he doesn't know anything about Randy's plan - although the rest of the camp does. The tension is real !
5-stars cause the book is unique in style, in the issues it touches, is funny, engaging and underrated !
The story was really enjoyable from start to....almost-finish.
The book is unapologetically sex-positive, does not shy away from the fact that teenagers have sex, and is quite descriptive sometimes. It is realistic and awkward and sweet.
The side characters were amazing, George, Ashleigh, Brad, Mark !
Randy has done an extreme makeover on himself to become a jock-style gay and make his long-time summer-camp crush Hudson fall for him. Hudson is only into "masc" types and he doesn't know anything about Randy's plan - although the rest of the camp does. The tension is real !
Spoiler
I have one issue with the final part : the message seemed to be that Hudson should hide his real self from his parents, which I find strange and against the overall message of the book (that you have to be yourself and proud of who you are). Not sure where Rosen was going with this. And yeah I'm a sucker for happy ever after endings so this left me a bit of a sour taste.5-stars cause the book is unique in style, in the issues it touches, is funny, engaging and underrated !
ponch22's review against another edition
5.0
Doubt [b:Camp|52880287|Camp|Lev A.C. Rosen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569855589l/52880287._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73288642] would have been on my radar had it not been discussed and praised on a Reading Glasses podcast episode a few months ago... but I'm so glad I was able to read it. It was so great!
The story takes place at Camp Outland—a summer camp for queer teens. It follows Randy, a nail-polish wearing, showtune-belting, theatre kid, who over several summers has fallen in love with Hudson, a straight-acting gay guy who lists his online interests as masc4masc. So, one summer Randy comes up with a plan—over the next school year, he will cut his hair, lose 15 pounds, learn some sports, ditch his unicorn sheets, and make Hudson fall in love with "Del" his new, butch persona. After Hudson falls for "Del," he'll slowly transform back into Randy, but as in any good rom-com, Hudson will continue to love him.
I was a little worried the story would hit all the normal She's All That-like plot points, but [a:Lev A.C. Rosen|4731557|Lev A.C. Rosen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1590361079p2/4731557.jpg] treads some new territory and has written characters much more woke than I expected. The camp is full of just about every LGBTQIA+ letter (and then some—I re-learned about demisexuals) & is a safe haven for these teens to be who they are for one month out of the year. Many characters can be who they are the other 11 months, but here for 1 month they don't have to worry about being mocked or looked at weirdly (and I don't know if such camps actually exist in the real world, but they should).
The book is funny and sweet (and a little bit sexy) but it also tackles a bunch of difficult concepts. In the end, characters have to learn how to love every part of themselves (even if that means sometimes hiding some parts to stay safe). Others learn not to roll the dice to try to be with someone they might have a chance with (when they're happily dating someone already). And with this being a queer camp, there are even several sections where the counselors are teaching the campers (i.e., Rosen is teaching the readers) about gay history icons.
In the end, the book feels a little sappy (because how often do 16-year-old summer camp couples actually last), but you are still rooting for Randy (not Del) and Hudson the whole time.
The story takes place at Camp Outland—a summer camp for queer teens. It follows Randy, a nail-polish wearing, showtune-belting, theatre kid, who over several summers has fallen in love with Hudson, a straight-acting gay guy who lists his online interests as masc4masc. So, one summer Randy comes up with a plan—over the next school year, he will cut his hair, lose 15 pounds, learn some sports, ditch his unicorn sheets, and make Hudson fall in love with "Del" his new, butch persona. After Hudson falls for "Del," he'll slowly transform back into Randy, but as in any good rom-com, Hudson will continue to love him.
I was a little worried the story would hit all the normal She's All That-like plot points, but [a:Lev A.C. Rosen|4731557|Lev A.C. Rosen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1590361079p2/4731557.jpg] treads some new territory and has written characters much more woke than I expected. The camp is full of just about every LGBTQIA+ letter (and then some—I re-learned about demisexuals) & is a safe haven for these teens to be who they are for one month out of the year. Many characters can be who they are the other 11 months, but here for 1 month they don't have to worry about being mocked or looked at weirdly (and I don't know if such camps actually exist in the real world, but they should).
The book is funny and sweet (and a little bit sexy) but it also tackles a bunch of difficult concepts. In the end, characters have to learn how to love every part of themselves (even if that means sometimes hiding some parts to stay safe). Others learn not to roll the dice to try to be with someone they might have a chance with (when they're happily dating someone already). And with this being a queer camp, there are even several sections where the counselors are teaching the campers (i.e., Rosen is teaching the readers) about gay history icons.
In the end, the book feels a little sappy (because how often do 16-year-old summer camp couples actually last), but you are still rooting for Randy (not Del) and Hudson the whole time.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
A cute, swoony read about an LGBT camp and all the fun that happens there.
A boy goes to an LGBT camp and has changed himself so the guy he likes will like him. This sounds a bit eh, but I kind of fell in love with the idea. Plus, hello LGBT camp? That sounds AMAZING!
It had many sweet moments, a couple of frustrations for instance I just wished he was honest sooner because he kept delaying it, even when the guy told our MC his secret.
There was tons and tons and tons and tons of pride and camp activities that I just adored to bits. I loved seeing the various people at camp and what they liked, loved, and seeing so many LGBT identities together. Mingling and mixing and having the best of time. It sounds so amazing.
I loved the romance, and not just between our MC and his lover, but also others. Like his best friend who finds a girl to love/like, and his other best friend who start flirting and having a wonderful glittery romance with another boy he never thought he would go with. I loved it.
Of course the biggest romance is between Randy and Hudson and OMG those two were just the cutest, sweetest, and I was squeeing and hoping for them to get together. I loved seeing the two of them open up more and find out things about each other, about their families, about how they came out. We know that Randy is out and fabulous, but we do find out some things about Hudson that had me just wanting to hug him and talk to him.
I also loved the counsellors and how awesome they were.
I loved the ending, I loved the glitter, I loved seeing all those kids having a ball and feeling happy. I would love to see another book or even a novella with them making it through the year between the camps.
Big plus points to the fun cover that matches the book perfectly.
BUT as with this author’s other book, and with another book, stop bashing straight people. Not all of them are bad or evil. I see it happen more often in LGBT books, and while I understand that there are straight people who are bitches and harm you, there are ENOUGH people who are sweet, understanding, and caring. Or don’t bother you at all. Please. Respect everyone.
Also I wasn’t happy with how they treated that lifeguard woman when they heard she kissed a girl and liked it. HO boy. Let people explore and experiment. She isn’t harming anyone and NOT EVERYONE KNOWS FROM THE START WHAT THEIR PREFERENCES ARE. Congrats if you know from young age that you are gay or lesbian or trans or otherwise, but there are enough people who don’t. Who figure it out through experimenting, or other means. It took me until I was an adult before I figured out that I was bi (or maybe even pan, see even now I am finding myself).
All in all, despite that last part, I would highly recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
A boy goes to an LGBT camp and has changed himself so the guy he likes will like him. This sounds a bit eh, but I kind of fell in love with the idea. Plus, hello LGBT camp? That sounds AMAZING!
It had many sweet moments, a couple of frustrations for instance I just wished he was honest sooner because he kept delaying it, even when the guy told our MC his secret.
There was tons and tons and tons and tons of pride and camp activities that I just adored to bits. I loved seeing the various people at camp and what they liked, loved, and seeing so many LGBT identities together. Mingling and mixing and having the best of time. It sounds so amazing.
I loved the romance, and not just between our MC and his lover, but also others. Like his best friend who finds a girl to love/like, and his other best friend who start flirting and having a wonderful glittery romance with another boy he never thought he would go with. I loved it.
Of course the biggest romance is between Randy and Hudson and OMG those two were just the cutest, sweetest, and I was squeeing and hoping for them to get together. I loved seeing the two of them open up more and find out things about each other, about their families, about how they came out. We know that Randy is out and fabulous, but we do find out some things about Hudson that had me just wanting to hug him and talk to him.
I also loved the counsellors and how awesome they were.
I loved the ending, I loved the glitter, I loved seeing all those kids having a ball and feeling happy. I would love to see another book or even a novella with them making it through the year between the camps.
Big plus points to the fun cover that matches the book perfectly.
BUT as with this author’s other book, and with another book, stop bashing straight people. Not all of them are bad or evil. I see it happen more often in LGBT books, and while I understand that there are straight people who are bitches and harm you, there are ENOUGH people who are sweet, understanding, and caring. Or don’t bother you at all. Please. Respect everyone.
Also I wasn’t happy with how they treated that lifeguard woman when they heard she kissed a girl and liked it. HO boy. Let people explore and experiment. She isn’t harming anyone and NOT EVERYONE KNOWS FROM THE START WHAT THEIR PREFERENCES ARE. Congrats if you know from young age that you are gay or lesbian or trans or otherwise, but there are enough people who don’t. Who figure it out through experimenting, or other means. It took me until I was an adult before I figured out that I was bi (or maybe even pan, see even now I am finding myself).
All in all, despite that last part, I would highly recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
tetedump's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Body shaming, Bullying, Transphobia, and Fatphobia
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
The theatre kid in me adored this book and the one who wants more spicy YA fiction also loved it! Funny, fun, and sweet - plug in your showtunes and enjoy!