A review by bookishandlegal
Camp by L.C. Rosen

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely LOVED this book! Set at a queer summer camp in CT, this was the perfect coming of age/learning to be true to yourself story that was just fantastic. The main character, Randy, reinvents himself for his fourth summer of camp as, Del, to catch the eye of his camp crush Hudson. You can tell right from the beginning that Randy changing himself and his entire look to get a boy is going to blow up in his face…but it's so sweet to watch him figure this all out for himself while he's in that young puppy love of teenage years. 

This book is bursting with amazing themes and good messages of loving yourself for who you are, not changing yourself for love (or anyone), doing what makes you happy regardless of what others think, sticking up for your friends, and just all around doing what makes you happiest. The side characters were all amazing and hilarious. The representation and diversity throughout is second to none. And the campy/theatre vibes going on throughout the book were wonderful and made my heart so happy.

The plot stays consistent and interesting throughout.  I was engaged throughout the whole story and it never felt boring or too long.  The character development was good and it was interesting to see Randy and the other characters grow and change throughout the book.  There are some steamy romance scenes at the end...but as it's a YA the steam isn't too extreme.  I expected to enjoy this book but I never imagined I would love this book as much as I did.  This book was seriously amazing and a must read!

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