Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Camp
Author: Lev A.C. Rosen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: LGBT friendly! Gay, demi, trans, lesbian, non-bininary, Korean, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Black Brazillian, Black, etc.
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, mental health, toxic masculinity)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Randy Kapplehoff loves spending the summer at Camp Outland, a camp for queer teens. It’s where he met his best friends. It’s where he takes to the stage in the big musical. And it’s where he fell for Hudson Aaronson-Lim – who’s only into straight-acting guys and barely knows not-at-all-straight-acting Randy even exists.
This year, though, it’s going to be different. Randy has reinvented himself as ‘Del’ – buff, masculine, and on the market. Even if it means giving up show tunes, nail polish, and his unicorn bedsheets, he’s determined to get Hudson to fall for him.
But as he and Hudson grow closer, Randy has to ask himself how much is he willing to change for love. And is it really love anyway, if Hudson doesn’t know who he truly is?
Review: I was definitely worried about the book based on the blurb, but after reading it I thought it was handled excellently and the book was pretty good! The book had well developed characters with well done world building. The book also tackled the tough topics well and was very sex-positive!
My only issue is that the books pacing waned here and there. It was slow in a lot of places and it really took a bit for the book to pick up in my opinion.
Verdict: Definitely recommend!
BOOK INFORMATION
Camp
by Lev A.C. Rosen
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 26th 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer
Synopsis:
From the author of the acclaimed Jack of Hearts (and other parts) comes a sweet and sharp screwball comedy that critiques the culture of toxic masculinity within the queer community.
Sixteen-year-old Randy Kapplehoff loves spending the summer at Camp Outland, a camp for queer teens. It’s where he met his best friends. It’s where he takes to the stage in the big musical. And it’s where he fell for Hudson Aaronson-Lim – who’s only into straight-acting guys and barely knows not-at-all-straight-acting Randy even exists.
This year, though, it’s going to be different. Randy has reinvented himself as ‘Del’ – buff, masculine, and on the market. Even if it means giving up show tunes, nail polish, and his unicorn bedsheets, he’s determined to get Hudson to fall for him.
But as he and Hudson grow closer, Randy has to ask himself how much is he willing to change for love. And is it really love anyway, if Hudson doesn’t know who he truly is?
BOOK LINKS
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48081823-camp
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xTMIj7
Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Camp-L-C-Rosen/9780241428252?ref=grid-view&qid=1584822573045&sr=1-1
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/camp/id1479840904
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/camp-l-c-rosen/1133331865?ean=9780316537759
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/camp-22
Google Books: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Camp.html?id=LQ6vDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Lev Rosen is the author of books for all ages. Two for adults: All Men of Genius (Amazon Best of the Month, Audie Award Finalist) and Depth (Amazon Best of the Year, Shamus Award Finalist, Kirkus Best Science Fiction for April). Two middle-grade books: Woundabout (illustrated by his brother, Ellis Rosen), and The Memory Wall. His first Young Adult Novel, Jack of Hearts (and other parts) was an American Library Association Rainbow List Top 10 of 2018. His books have been sold around the world and translated into different languages as well as being featured on many best of the year lists, and nominated for awards.
Lev is originally from lower Manhattan and now lives in even lower Manhattan, right at the edge, with his husband and very small cat. You can find him online at LevACRosen.com and @LevACRosen
AUTHOR LINKS
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4731557.Lev_A_C_Rosen
Website: https://www.levacrosen.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevACRosen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LevRosen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levacrosen/
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