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The Firelight Girls
The summers you spend at summer camp are indelibly etched on your heart. But what happens when the camp you love is about to close? Can you ever really say goodbye to the place that made you who you are? These are the questions that plagues Ethel, the seventy-year-old former camp director who is nursing a broken heart after losing the love of her life as she now faces the impending closure of the camp on Lake Wenatchee that she called home. It's also a question that inspires change in forty-year-old Shannon, who spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, capable camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. And there's Laura, who has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn't know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Finally, Ruby, who betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn't spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends. When the four women learn that a homeless teen has been hiding at camp, they realize camp is something much more immediate for survival. And so the three generations of women search for a way to save the place that saved them all, finding in the process a way back to themselves and each other in The Firelight Girls , Kaya McLaren's novel of love and loss, heartbreak and healing.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
43 people are currently reading
2444 people want to read
About the author
Kaya McLaren
7 books262 followersIn January 2020, my new title will be released, WHAT'S WORTH KEEPING, a story of healing and renewal inspired by but not based on my own experience with breast cancer, treatment, and recovery. My other titles include: THE ROAD TO ENCHANTMENT (Jan. 2017), THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS (2014), HOW I CAME TO SPARKLE AGAIN (2012), ON THE DIVINITY OF SECOND CHANCES (2009), and CHURCH OF THE DOG (2008).
In addition to being an author, I've been an archaeologist, a massage therapist, an art teacher, an elementary teacher. After spending a couple winters in Mexico, I've returned to my roots in Washington, where I'm teaching middle school art.
When I'm not working, I love to play outside-- kayak, telemark ski, cross-country ski, stand-up paddleboard, skate ski, bicycle, ride horses, and attempt to surf. And if I can't be outside, I like to play cello and bass, guitar, and banjo. I enjoy painting, sculpting, and every once in a while I make a quilt or stained glass window. I love to spend time in my garden, too.
My dog, Frida Kahlo, adopted me on the streets of Mexico and has been enriching my life ever since.
In addition to being an author, I've been an archaeologist, a massage therapist, an art teacher, an elementary teacher. After spending a couple winters in Mexico, I've returned to my roots in Washington, where I'm teaching middle school art.
When I'm not working, I love to play outside-- kayak, telemark ski, cross-country ski, stand-up paddleboard, skate ski, bicycle, ride horses, and attempt to surf. And if I can't be outside, I like to play cello and bass, guitar, and banjo. I enjoy painting, sculpting, and every once in a while I make a quilt or stained glass window. I love to spend time in my garden, too.
My dog, Frida Kahlo, adopted me on the streets of Mexico and has been enriching my life ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
November 17, 2015
I cannot tell you enough how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "The Firelight Girls". I was a camper, then staff of a summer camp, not unlike the one in this story, so that might have made me more more critical, but no! I have my own story about my experiences but deeply enjoyed the telling of these character's stories. I have no idea how on earth the author did it, but she has done a fantastic job of thoughtfully and respectfully exploring themes that resonate so deeply with me. The themes addressed in this book are big ones: abandonment, betrayal, peer pressure and maybe something I would call bravery, the "take a chance on your self" variety. I'm perplexed by some reviewers' feelings of predictability, but then we all have our own ways of looking at choice, feelings, and especially other people who have a different way of life. I found it thought provoking, enjoyable and highly recommend this book!
January 21, 2019
One of the best women's friendship novels I've read in a while about love and loss, heartbreak and healing.
The Firelight Girls is a story of three generations of women and men whose lives are pieced back together when they return to the place that made them who they are: a summer camp. Kaya McLaren's novel is tinge of nostalgia, with alternating chapters of past and present. An insightful, and thought provoking book; beautifully wriiten in the choice of words and descriptions of perceptions, wants and needs for each of the women characters.
Each character had their own distinct back story and their own message that they wanted to teach the readers. The age differences between the characters allowed for multiple connections. Anyone who reads this book, regardless of age, will have a character that they identify most with. The age difference of its characters allowed for multiple connections and you may find yourself loving, rooting for and caring for every single one of them
I suspect many a book club could find hours of exhilarating conversation with this novel. It may even find themselves thinking about their own life's decisions and paths taken.
The Firelight Girls is a story of three generations of women and men whose lives are pieced back together when they return to the place that made them who they are: a summer camp. Kaya McLaren's novel is tinge of nostalgia, with alternating chapters of past and present. An insightful, and thought provoking book; beautifully wriiten in the choice of words and descriptions of perceptions, wants and needs for each of the women characters.
Each character had their own distinct back story and their own message that they wanted to teach the readers. The age differences between the characters allowed for multiple connections. Anyone who reads this book, regardless of age, will have a character that they identify most with. The age difference of its characters allowed for multiple connections and you may find yourself loving, rooting for and caring for every single one of them
I suspect many a book club could find hours of exhilarating conversation with this novel. It may even find themselves thinking about their own life's decisions and paths taken.
June 17, 2015
This is another perfect summer read, and another one that takes place at a camp. Reading the Acknowldgements at the end, I learned that this book was based off of a true story: of a girl's summer camp that nearly closed but was revived by former alumnus of the camp. I loved the characters in this novel. I loved how at times the book jumped back into when they were campers themselves, but then also jumped into present-day as they struggle with their adult problems- the death of a loved one, being stuck in a job you hate, living in a love-lost marriage. Overall, I rooted for all of the women as I read it, and I loved reading about the friendships that were forged and upheld the test of time.
October 14, 2014
A special thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
Kaya McLaren's The Firelight Girls, is a heartwarming light read, of five female friends, across three generations with cherished memories to last a life time.
A group of women known as The Firelight Girls,have fond memories and ties to Camp Firelight, on Lake Wenatchee a summer camp for girls of all ages. When the camp is about to close down, Ethel, the camp "manager", for over fifty years, decides she needs some help to clean the place up. She invites the Firelight Girls to come and say their farewells, to the place they all loved and prepare for its sale.
Ethel is sad and overwhelmed, as she has much to do, so enlists the help of three other former campers, Laura, Ruby and Shannon. While the four of them continue to mourn the loss of their camp, Ethel is still mourning the loss of the love of her life, Haddie, her partner. (carrying her urn of ashes everywhere and continues talking to her).
Two women suffering from midlife crisis: Forty-year-old Shannon, spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. Laura, has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn't know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Ruby, betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn't spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends.
Amber, a teenage girl (a new addition) to the group, with a drug-addicted, and neglectful mother, is staying in one of the cabins, unsure how she can make it there in the winter. The ladies take her under their wind, making for a nice group of women covering multi-generations. The women bond, face their past, and make plans for their future, together.
I especially enjoyed the characters, Ethel and Amber. I agree with one of the other reviewers – would have enjoyed the story more focused on these two characters, and the other two as more of secondary characters.
From the 50’s to 2013, so many stories from an array of different women and a Lodge which had always been the camp with cedar, cabins, fireplaces, dirt, swimming, proms, hiking, lunches, canoes, fishing, kayaks, food, friendship, and many memorable stories from the heart.
The author offers specials insights into the work of summer camps, having spent her summers in college working at Camp Zanika on Lake Wenatchee in Washington State, and fifteen years later returned to run the teen programs for two more, as well as a teacher. I also enjoyed the inspiration for the book, a group of women FOZ (Friends of Zanika), who saved Camp Zanika when it was going under, rolling up their sleeves with many powerful stories and reflections.
The Firelight Girls reminds me a little of Susan Wiggs’ Lakeshore Chronicles Series (which I loved, as read them all) surrounding Willow Lake, camps, and lodges, as well as author, Emilie Richards and her stories of women. Fans of women’s fiction, female friendship, and summer camp stories will enjoy this insightful story of love, loss, regret, reinvention, and forgiveness.
Kaya McLaren's The Firelight Girls, is a heartwarming light read, of five female friends, across three generations with cherished memories to last a life time.
A group of women known as The Firelight Girls,have fond memories and ties to Camp Firelight, on Lake Wenatchee a summer camp for girls of all ages. When the camp is about to close down, Ethel, the camp "manager", for over fifty years, decides she needs some help to clean the place up. She invites the Firelight Girls to come and say their farewells, to the place they all loved and prepare for its sale.
Ethel is sad and overwhelmed, as she has much to do, so enlists the help of three other former campers, Laura, Ruby and Shannon. While the four of them continue to mourn the loss of their camp, Ethel is still mourning the loss of the love of her life, Haddie, her partner. (carrying her urn of ashes everywhere and continues talking to her).
Two women suffering from midlife crisis: Forty-year-old Shannon, spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. Laura, has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn't know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Ruby, betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn't spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends.
Amber, a teenage girl (a new addition) to the group, with a drug-addicted, and neglectful mother, is staying in one of the cabins, unsure how she can make it there in the winter. The ladies take her under their wind, making for a nice group of women covering multi-generations. The women bond, face their past, and make plans for their future, together.
I especially enjoyed the characters, Ethel and Amber. I agree with one of the other reviewers – would have enjoyed the story more focused on these two characters, and the other two as more of secondary characters.
From the 50’s to 2013, so many stories from an array of different women and a Lodge which had always been the camp with cedar, cabins, fireplaces, dirt, swimming, proms, hiking, lunches, canoes, fishing, kayaks, food, friendship, and many memorable stories from the heart.
The author offers specials insights into the work of summer camps, having spent her summers in college working at Camp Zanika on Lake Wenatchee in Washington State, and fifteen years later returned to run the teen programs for two more, as well as a teacher. I also enjoyed the inspiration for the book, a group of women FOZ (Friends of Zanika), who saved Camp Zanika when it was going under, rolling up their sleeves with many powerful stories and reflections.
The Firelight Girls reminds me a little of Susan Wiggs’ Lakeshore Chronicles Series (which I loved, as read them all) surrounding Willow Lake, camps, and lodges, as well as author, Emilie Richards and her stories of women. Fans of women’s fiction, female friendship, and summer camp stories will enjoy this insightful story of love, loss, regret, reinvention, and forgiveness.
July 17, 2017
Very well written & full of rich characters. Memories decades old can feel as if they happened yesterday. Regrets, proud moments, new friendships, looking to the future are all covered here with wonderful creativity. Broken pieces can be glued together again & be just as or more wonderful.
A feel good book.
A feel good book.
July 18, 2017
I loved this book! This was a perfect quick, summer read!
March 12, 2020
This was a fantastic book! I loved the storyline and how it went from past to present for each of the girls. Defiantly a 5 out of 5 star book.
June 17, 2024
I laughed, I cried, I reminisced. This is a great book for anyone who has warm memories of going to camp as a kid...or even for those who just enjoy a "feel good" chick-lit book.
This one follows 6 characters - Ethel and Ruby. Two older women who went to Firelight Camp as young girls and are now in their 70s. Laura and Shannon, campers now in their 40s, and Amber, a high schooler who took refuge at the camp during the off season after she ran away from an unsafe home situation (assuming no one was there). Each one if facing a dilemma in their current lives.
The camp is being shut down after running into financial difficulties after it's well ran dry leaving it with no running water (drilling a new one would cost tens of thousands). The women reunite for a week while cleaning out and preparing the camp to be sold. They discover the girl who has snuck into the camp and show her what friendship is and what belonging feels like.
The book is told in present day as well as flashbacks to the past. I loved each of the characters. It was the perfect book to read in the summer.
This one follows 6 characters - Ethel and Ruby. Two older women who went to Firelight Camp as young girls and are now in their 70s. Laura and Shannon, campers now in their 40s, and Amber, a high schooler who took refuge at the camp during the off season after she ran away from an unsafe home situation (assuming no one was there). Each one if facing a dilemma in their current lives.
The camp is being shut down after running into financial difficulties after it's well ran dry leaving it with no running water (drilling a new one would cost tens of thousands). The women reunite for a week while cleaning out and preparing the camp to be sold. They discover the girl who has snuck into the camp and show her what friendship is and what belonging feels like.
The book is told in present day as well as flashbacks to the past. I loved each of the characters. It was the perfect book to read in the summer.
December 4, 2018
This is one of those books that I feel you could read at any age and get something different out of it each time. McLaren hops back and forth between characters each separated by at least a generation. She reflects on the changing social norms and how her characters each deal with regret.
Though the book is set in the US I can still relate to camp culture and outdoor life. This is one of the aspects of the book that I enjoyed. It reminded me of my own camp experiences as a child and how they shaped me.
This is a quick, fun read.
Though the book is set in the US I can still relate to camp culture and outdoor life. This is one of the aspects of the book that I enjoyed. It reminded me of my own camp experiences as a child and how they shaped me.
This is a quick, fun read.
February 17, 2023
I loved this book! It wasn't one of those books which you couldn't put down, but it didn't bore you either. It gave me enough room to spend more time reading other books as well! I loved the characters though there were too many laughed-too-hard-that-she-had-to-wipe-tears scenes which weren't really funny (to me).
My rating: 3.5 stars.
2 stars for the narration.
1.5 stars for everything else.
Book 346!
My rating: 3.5 stars.
2 stars for the narration.
1.5 stars for everything else.
Book 346!
September 4, 2018
Not too bad for a chick-lit read! There is good LGBTQ representation in this, as well as independent woman storylines and I was here for it considering the timeline of this books goes from the 50s/60s to the 80s/90s and on to present day. This book is an easy read, but ultimately there isn’t anything profound here. I enjoyed it but it’s nothing special. 3/5 from me. Nice end of summer read!
February 18, 2017
The summers you spend at summer camp are indelibly etched on your heart. But what happens when the camp you love is about to close? Can you ever really say goodbye to the place that made you who you are? These are the questions that plagues Ethel, the seventy-year-old former camp director who is nursing a broken heart after losing the love of her life as she now faces the impending closure of the camp on Lake Wenatchee that she called home. It's also a question that inspires change in forty-year-old Shannon, who spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, capable camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. And there's Laura, who has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn't know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Finally, Ruby, who betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn't spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends.
When the four women learn that a homeless teen has been hiding at camp, they realize camp is something much more immediate for all: survival.
And so the three generations of women search for a way to save the place that saved them all, finding in the process a way back to themselves and each other in The Firelight Girls.
Magnificent.
I had worked at summer camp before, way before I got a full-time job. The one I had worked at wasn’t like one that was described in THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS but it reminded me of how much fun I had, how much fun the kids had. I loved how this camp was described, some through memories and other through conversation. I could picture it and that camp sound like fun. Just like the girls, I felt sad that the camp was shutting down. All those girls had a lot of memories down there, especially Ethel who met Haddie, her love. When I first picked up this book, I didn’t know what to think of it, I didn’t have high expectations since I never read book by this author before. THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS took me by surprise, I had never read a book like this one. I feel like it’s one of best books I read that deals with friendship. After the first few pages I had this feeling that I would end up falling in love with this book, and I did. There were times I wished I wasn’t working so I could finish, could see how things ended for Ether, Ruby, Laura, Shannon and of course, Amber.
If I were asked who was my favorite character in the book, I don’t think I would be able to answer because I loved every single one of them. Ethel, Ruby, Shannon, Laura and Amber were unique in their own way and you couldn’t help but love them. By end of the book, I learned a lot about them and to me they became real, they felt as they became my friends. I loved point view of each character between past and present as each of them were telling us a story and how they got to where they were today. How all of them stood by each other even after years apart, especially when they discovered Amber, and how they made her feel welcome, loved and part of the crowd. That had me smiling. I was observed in the book from first page till the last page. THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS is type of book that will always stay with you. Once I finished reading the book, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to them all after. However the ending gave me feeling that they would end up being okay.
A powerful story about love, loss, friendship, hope.
When the four women learn that a homeless teen has been hiding at camp, they realize camp is something much more immediate for all: survival.
And so the three generations of women search for a way to save the place that saved them all, finding in the process a way back to themselves and each other in The Firelight Girls.
Magnificent.
I had worked at summer camp before, way before I got a full-time job. The one I had worked at wasn’t like one that was described in THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS but it reminded me of how much fun I had, how much fun the kids had. I loved how this camp was described, some through memories and other through conversation. I could picture it and that camp sound like fun. Just like the girls, I felt sad that the camp was shutting down. All those girls had a lot of memories down there, especially Ethel who met Haddie, her love. When I first picked up this book, I didn’t know what to think of it, I didn’t have high expectations since I never read book by this author before. THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS took me by surprise, I had never read a book like this one. I feel like it’s one of best books I read that deals with friendship. After the first few pages I had this feeling that I would end up falling in love with this book, and I did. There were times I wished I wasn’t working so I could finish, could see how things ended for Ether, Ruby, Laura, Shannon and of course, Amber.
If I were asked who was my favorite character in the book, I don’t think I would be able to answer because I loved every single one of them. Ethel, Ruby, Shannon, Laura and Amber were unique in their own way and you couldn’t help but love them. By end of the book, I learned a lot about them and to me they became real, they felt as they became my friends. I loved point view of each character between past and present as each of them were telling us a story and how they got to where they were today. How all of them stood by each other even after years apart, especially when they discovered Amber, and how they made her feel welcome, loved and part of the crowd. That had me smiling. I was observed in the book from first page till the last page. THE FIRELIGHT GIRLS is type of book that will always stay with you. Once I finished reading the book, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to them all after. However the ending gave me feeling that they would end up being okay.
A powerful story about love, loss, friendship, hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2014
This gets three stars because it's a definite "comfort read"; not an AGA-saga, but one of those women getting together, salving their wounds and healing each other, with no surprises at the end. And that's the reason for only three stars, that there's nothing here that's surprising.
An old summer camp is about to be closed down, so the former camp director reaches out to several former campers and invites them back for one last week while they put the camp "to bed." That idea has serious appeal, the going back to a place that meant a lot, where you shared a special, safe time with people you cared about and who cared for you. Only a few show up, and even though they're different generations they all bond, etc.. And then there's the runaway hiding in the camp... As I said, none of the outcomes is unpredictable, although the deus ex machina that saves the camp was a little on-the-nose for me.
Still, there's a huge market out there for this sort of book and many people who don't want ends left slightly unraveled and lives left a little messy. This is the book for them.
ARC provided by publisher.
An old summer camp is about to be closed down, so the former camp director reaches out to several former campers and invites them back for one last week while they put the camp "to bed." That idea has serious appeal, the going back to a place that meant a lot, where you shared a special, safe time with people you cared about and who cared for you. Only a few show up, and even though they're different generations they all bond, etc.. And then there's the runaway hiding in the camp... As I said, none of the outcomes is unpredictable, although the deus ex machina that saves the camp was a little on-the-nose for me.
Still, there's a huge market out there for this sort of book and many people who don't want ends left slightly unraveled and lives left a little messy. This is the book for them.
ARC provided by publisher.
April 29, 2021
If you liked _____, you'll enjoy _______. That's the only reason I picked up this book. My take away: If you have big, serious problems, go to camp. All the characters' problems were solved by visiting a ready-to-close camp where they had spent their summers. About halfway in, I figured out what was going to happen. In such cases, it's often fun to see how the plot unfolds and enjoy the auth0r's writing style. Not the case with this book.
Description instead of action is boring. As if that weren't enough, the story dealt with 5 women and jumped timelines for each of them--the 50's, the 80's and 2012. A bit confusing. Again, it could have been interesting, but the author found ways to make it boring. I finished the book and gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because I could see that it might be a good beach read.
Description instead of action is boring. As if that weren't enough, the story dealt with 5 women and jumped timelines for each of them--the 50's, the 80's and 2012. A bit confusing. Again, it could have been interesting, but the author found ways to make it boring. I finished the book and gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because I could see that it might be a good beach read.
December 20, 2014
This book is full of nostalgia for anyone who went to summer camp. It's the story of a fictitious camp on Lake Wenatchee in Washington State and how it has to come to an end because of financial woes. Several former camp attendees and counselors gather for one last week to pack up and clean the buildings in preparation for its demise. But the real story is in the relationships between these women and how things that were said decades ago still stung. For the younger women the week was all about finding themselves and deciding on a path.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author had great factual details about the place and her writing was smooth and even.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author had great factual details about the place and her writing was smooth and even.
August 23, 2020
There were some sweet elements to this story. I did enjoy reading about the camp adventures, the nature and descriptions of the lake were lovely. And I did enjoy the camaraderie of the women and their rememberance of their camp days.
But, this one was tough to get through. Regardless of the fact that I had pandemic brain and just didn't feel like reading anyways, this one wasn't holding my attention well, and I didn't feel myself that drawn to finish it, funky mood or not.
There were too many time jumps between too many points in time, so it got to be confusing thinking about the characters in the present and the past.
Nice sentiment, just not executed swiftly.
But, this one was tough to get through. Regardless of the fact that I had pandemic brain and just didn't feel like reading anyways, this one wasn't holding my attention well, and I didn't feel myself that drawn to finish it, funky mood or not.
There were too many time jumps between too many points in time, so it got to be confusing thinking about the characters in the present and the past.
Nice sentiment, just not executed swiftly.
October 20, 2014
Thank you to Netgalley. the publisher and Kaya McLaren for the ARC of this book.
I loved the idea of the camp and how it brought everyone back together. 5 woman all changed by this one camp. I did not like the number of characters. Trying to follow the story of 5 people is a little much and I think took away from the story of what could of been a 5 star book. I like how the gay and lesbian world was explored. Overall this book was a comfortable read.
I loved the idea of the camp and how it brought everyone back together. 5 woman all changed by this one camp. I did not like the number of characters. Trying to follow the story of 5 people is a little much and I think took away from the story of what could of been a 5 star book. I like how the gay and lesbian world was explored. Overall this book was a comfortable read.
October 6, 2019
Cute book of summer camp memories and how important connection of women who support each other is. I enjoyed reading this and loved the way women came together years later to help save their beloved camp and forgive and heal from past faux pas that occurred years ago. Beautiful lessons of growing up to be responsible strong women, how to be supportive of each other with love and direction through fun adventures and togetherness.
October 3, 2020
I loved how this book transported me back to Camp Zanika on the shores of Lake Wenatchee, back to the cabins, the forest, the trails, the campfires, and to my old friends. It was a joy to write for this very reason. Camp taught me that nature is always waiting to be balm on my soul. All I have to do is walk into it.
May 11, 2019
Didn’t finish this sappy, stupid story about a few uninteresting characters. I think the author must have had fantastical memories about summer camp because the camp in this story FIXES EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE! I rarely put a book down before I finish it, even when I have to force myself. But, I just couldn’t waste any more of my time reading it.
December 10, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! It reminded me of the summers that I spent at camp, the friendships that I made and how camp made me the person who I am today. All of the characters were lovely and enjoyable to read, I am glad they all got closure in the end and how everything came together.
August 22, 2015
Great book and great story!
June 2, 2015
A great story of lifelong friendships and the bonds that hold them together and or bring them back together.
June 19, 2016
A nice read about summer camp and how it impacts people into adulthood. Perfect timing that I finished this morning as Maya leaves for camp today!
September 17, 2016
I really liked this book. It reminded me of summer camp and the friendships formed and kept.
January 3, 2017
3.5 Very enjoyable story of several women who are tied in different ways to a summer camp. Characters were likable, plot fairly predictable but a nice story.
January 11, 2020
It will take you back to summer camp, the one that changed your life.
February 27, 2022
The absolute perfect summer read. LOVED it!
February 22, 2019
The Firelight Girls isn't the type of book I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The women are unique and all have interesting stories, but the overarching story is what really drew me in.
I started working at a summer camp when I was 16, and haven't stopped. This is the first time I've read something that really reflected my experience - not only because of the friendships between the women, but little details like "why are there always moths in the toilet?" or mentions of camp songs I know (which then got stuck in my head!) My camp is in the process of shutting down, and so the emotions these women had really resonated with me. I understood.
I would recommend this book to anyone who had fond memories of a summer camp, as a camper or staff member. Maybe you'll get a song or two stuck in your head!
I started working at a summer camp when I was 16, and haven't stopped. This is the first time I've read something that really reflected my experience - not only because of the friendships between the women, but little details like "why are there always moths in the toilet?" or mentions of camp songs I know (which then got stuck in my head!) My camp is in the process of shutting down, and so the emotions these women had really resonated with me. I understood.
I would recommend this book to anyone who had fond memories of a summer camp, as a camper or staff member. Maybe you'll get a song or two stuck in your head!
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