lavenderviolin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Body horror
arlingtonchamberofgay's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
A loose thread I couldn’t stop pulling on, Camp Damascus is a story for all the queer kids hurt by the church. We are not the monsters they make us out to be, but it doesn’t mean we can’t fight like hell to get our lives back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Homophobia, and Vomit
Moderate: Car accident, Death, and Forced institutionalization
faeriekit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This read took me about...an hour? I thought the main character was written a little stilted at first, and she was, because she was autistic. Once I knew what she was meant to be she was very familiar. Overall, it was a fun horror story about breaking free of conversion camp, coming into your own, and included a lot of gross stuff I'm grateful to say that I can't visualize correctly, thank heavens. It wasn't the most horrifying thing I've read, it was a fast-paced read, and considering the author's more usual works, I'm glad to see that he's expanding into longer narratives that by their nature hold more in them. I would consider this more of an adventure story than horror.
Overall, I liked it; I would read it again! I kind of wish there was more follow-through after the ending just to wrap, but eh. You know. A lot of people think the movie ends after the monster is killed, and I'm just left wondering who swept up the broken glass from the fight scene. Try it out for yourself, and get into Tingleverse! (Or whatever it's called!)
*If you are sensitive to body horror, especially, I would put this one down. It's very prevalent as a plotline throughout the narrative.
Spoiler
But maybe I've spent too long studying cults for this to seem all that weird, haha. Some religious elements just don't work on me anymore.Overall, I liked it; I would read it again! I kind of wish there was more follow-through after the ending just to wrap, but eh. You know. A lot of people think the movie ends after the monster is killed, and I'm just left wondering who swept up the broken glass from the fight scene. Try it out for yourself, and get into Tingleverse! (Or whatever it's called!)
*If you are sensitive to body horror, especially
Spoiler
bugs and insects in humans
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Homophobia, and Forced institutionalization
If you're sensitive toSpoiler
Religious abuseSpoiler
insect-based body horrortigger89's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was an excellent queer horror novel, with bonus autistic representation in the main character. It deals heavily with religion — in fact, I'd go so far as to say that Rose's character growth deals more with her religious beliefs than with her sexuality — so those with associated trauma should read carefully. Despite the horror themes, I found the overall tone to be one of optimism and hope, which I appreciated. Religion and queerness can exist together without inevitably leading to trauma, and I appreciated that this novel showed that as an option for at least one of the characters, in the end.
This novel is written in classic Tingleverse style. By that I don't mean that it's erotic — it's not that kind of book in the slightest — but rather that Chuck is writing using the same narrative voice and style that he uses for his Tinglers. This can be an acquired taste. I don't believe it makes the work any less serious, but if you're not used to how it flows then it could be difficult to get immersed in the story. I wasn't sure how his spooky scenes or action sequences would read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the style worked in those contexts.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, but the one thing that bothered me was a moment where Rose's faith went from 100 to 0 with very little explanation. I believe that it can happen that abruptly, even for someone as immersed as she was, but for such an pivotal character moment I needed a bit more insight into her thought process. It doesn't have to be pages upon pages of angsty monologue, but at least walk me through her assembly of the evidence that led to her conclusion! It was probably obvious to Chuck, but since I am not him I was left in the dark, which ultimately made her character arc feel like it had this strange hole in the middle of it.
I do feel like this book is a YA title, contrary to the marketing. The kind of character growth Rose experiences is a classic YA plot, with her older-than-typical age being explained by growing up in a sheltered religious environment. I honestly think the only reason it's officially an adult title is because no publisher wants to have teenagers googling their new favorite author "Chuck Tingle", only to stumble across "Pounded In The Butt By My Own Butt". There is nothing erotic in this title, and my opinion is that not only is it completely appropriate but would also have strong appeal for older teens, especially ones who are questioning the morality of the faith they grew up in.
This novel is written in classic Tingleverse style. By that I don't mean that it's erotic — it's not that kind of book in the slightest — but rather that Chuck is writing using the same narrative voice and style that he uses for his Tinglers. This can be an acquired taste. I don't believe it makes the work any less serious, but if you're not used to how it flows then it could be difficult to get immersed in the story. I wasn't sure how his spooky scenes or action sequences would read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the style worked in those contexts.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, but the one thing that bothered me was a moment where Rose's faith went from 100 to 0 with very little explanation. I believe that it can happen that abruptly, even for someone as immersed as she was, but for such an pivotal character moment I needed a bit more insight into her thought process. It doesn't have to be pages upon pages of angsty monologue, but at least walk me through her assembly of the evidence that led to her conclusion! It was probably obvious to Chuck, but since I am not him I was left in the dark, which ultimately made her character arc feel like it had this strange hole in the middle of it.
I do feel like this book is a YA title, contrary to the marketing. The kind of character growth Rose experiences is a classic YA plot, with her older-than-typical age being explained by growing up in a sheltered religious environment. I honestly think the only reason it's officially an adult title is because no publisher wants to have teenagers googling their new favorite author "Chuck Tingle", only to stumble across "Pounded In The Butt By My Own Butt". There is nothing erotic in this title, and my opinion is that not only is it completely appropriate but would also have strong appeal for older teens, especially ones who are questioning the morality of the faith they grew up in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Vomit, Body horror, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Homophobia
There are several instances where the point of view character vomits out a large quantity of flying insectsmatthewosborne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
3.5
Not exactly the book I thought I was getting, but a good read all the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Vomit, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Transphobia
mandi_lea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, and Injury/Injury detail
ichewonpushpins's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
The scariest part of the book wasn't when the horror fully ramped up, it wasn't the gore. It was the beginning when Rose experiences gay thoughts while living in an evangelical household and her dad starts gaslighting her. The anxiety wouldn't leave me for like 30 minutes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Body horror, Car accident, Medical trauma, Lesbophobia, Trafficking, Religious bigotry, Murder, Homophobia, Gore, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
anarmandameg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Body horror, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Torture, and Violence
rhaydragon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Violence, Religious bigotry, Ableism, Child death, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Lesbophobia, Medical trauma, Murder, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Stalking, Sexism, Ableism, Animal death, and Outing
Minor: Domestic abuse
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
Rose, an autistic 20-year-old begins having visceral reactions and confusing memory blocks, much to her parents’ weariness and unease. She sees commercials for Camp Damascus, a gay conversion therapy camp which has a 100% success rate and no “reversions”.
I liked the overall messaging of curiosity as a necessary and “good” thing for anyone. I also enjoyed that Rose began creating her own verses rather than subscribing to a religion that essentially gaslighted the fuck out of her ❤️🩹 This ultimately wasn’t my favorite work by Chuck Tingle, but I’m still excited to continue reading more from him!
cw are listed below!
Rose, an autistic 20-year-old begins having visceral reactions and confusing memory blocks, much to her parents’ weariness and unease. She sees commercials for Camp Damascus, a gay conversion therapy camp which has a 100% success rate and no “reversions”.
I liked the overall messaging of curiosity as a necessary and “good” thing for anyone. I also enjoyed that Rose began creating her own verses rather than subscribing to a religion that essentially gaslighted the fuck out of her ❤️🩹 This ultimately wasn’t my favorite work by Chuck Tingle, but I’m still excited to continue reading more from him!
cw are listed below!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Hate crime, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Forced institutionalization, Body horror, Gore, Torture, Gaslighting, and Vomit