Cabin Girl

by Kristin Butcher

Sixteen-year-old Bailey is working at her first summer job, as a cabin girl at a fly-in fishing camp at Witch Lake. She struggles with the job at first but enjoys hearing the stories of the area, including the legend of a local ghost. Then April, an older waitress with street smarts, takes Bailey under her wing and the two girls become friends. It’s all good until another waitress burns her arm and has to leave. Bailey gets a sudden promotion, and April is asked to help clean the cabins. April becomes far from friendly and Bailey finds herself alone again and messing up on the job—and possibly seeing the ghost.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Realistic Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

When 16-year-old Bailey arrives at Witch Lake fly-fishing camp in the remote wilderness, she’s ready for her first job as a cabin girl. Even though she knows her days will be filled with cleaning toilets, changing sheets and picking up after the guests, she is excited for some independence. Her cabin-mate, April, is a few years older and working as a waitress, and helps struggling Bailey adjust to the rigorous work schedule. When an accident sends one waitress home, the power structure at camp changes thrusting Bailey into a new role which dramatically shifts April’s treatment of her. Can Bailey adjust again to new challenges or will she fall flat on her face? Like most Orca novels, reluctant readers will enjoy this fast-paced story. This book’s reading level is 3.1. Female teens will enjoy this riveting tale of frenemies and root for Bailey’s success. for grades 6 and up

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a certain tension to this book that pulls you right into the story and doesn't let you go until the last page. Bailey is a cabin girl at a remote Canadian fishing camp. She's superstitious and wonders about the witch of the lake when she should be paying more attention to the witch of the camp. Overall, this is well-written, and achieves just what you want in a hi-lo book - the perfect blend of simple language with a story that's a delight to read. This is one I would recommend for any reader to enjoy. Kristen Butcher is one of my new favorite authors. :)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought, for this series, it was very well written and had a clear story. It ended well, not like a lot of the other books that just stop.

Bailey was a likable character, but a little too trusting and naive. I thought her attitude about everything was great and she handled a lot of things that happened very well.

The ending was good, as it felt complete and didn't leave you hanging. Definitely would recommend this.

[Diana Stevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story for the early to mid teens, maybe even for a twelve-year-old. The characters are well depicted and very believable. I like how Bailey, at sixteen, manages some difficult situations, one where there are no easy answers. It all takes place at an outdoor resort, that has an interesting history of its own.

[Kayleigh Mccormac · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read. I probably read it in 90 minutes or so. It was pretty good, but it seemed to end to abruptly. I think the Orca Currents books in the series are meant to be short though. It's about a girl who gets her first job working as a cabin girl at a fishing lodge. Her experience starts out well when she befriends a slightly older waitress, but when something happens and her job responsibilities increase things start to go south. Her friend is now cold and rude. There is also some mystery because an investigator comes to the camp but no one knows why he's there.

[Lily Wojeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about drama. But it is a good book.

[Sheri Radford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel frustrating because the protagonist never does anything to propel the plot forward. It's more a series of random things that happen to her, instead of a plot. Plus, the voice never truly feels like a teenaged girl. I hesitate to recommend this book to reluctant readers.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could have been a lot better. It has all the qualities a good book should have: good characters, good plot and a fantastic setting. Sadly, it was actually too realistic-just a story about a girl’s experience at her first job. There should have been more about Witch Lake, but it was easy to read and kept the reader interested. I think 13-14 year old girls would like this story since it is the age of the narrator.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bailey is excited to be working at a fly-in fishing camp in Canada for the summer. She's the cabin girl which is basically like a maid or housekeeping staff. She struggles to learn the ropes, but is settling in with help from her older cabin-mate April. However, things are shaken up when one of the staff is hurt in an accident and Bailey is asked to take on more responsibility.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of the best Orca's I have read. Well written, interesting story, fun to read. Highly recommended.

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring. Only read it to keep up with my challenge.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute read. It was quick and yet enjoyable. :)