What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grown-Ups
The campers are all finally asleep, and the lake is getting quiet. Have a beer; make a s'more; tell a scary story. Figure out what you're going to have to do in the morning to keep camp fun and safe without letting the kids find out about... well, you've seen the news. I just got a push notification-they're getting closer.
Following a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker, The Grown-Ups explores the traditions that change us, what it takes for us to change them, and how to change yourself when you're hopelessly, tragically not prepared for this.
Following a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker, The Grown-Ups explores the traditions that change us, what it takes for us to change them, and how to change yourself when you're hopelessly, tragically not prepared for this.
94 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2022
122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 26, 2023
4.5, rounded up.
One of my favorite modes of theatre is site-specific productions (I almost did my doctoral dissertation on such), so this hit right in my wheelhouse. Performed around a campfire in a backyard in Brooklyn to no more than 10 audience members at a time, this takes place at a summer camp and involves 5 camp counselors who suddenly find themselves out of their league when threatening circumstances in the 'real world' begin encroaching.
It's spectacular how the play evolves slowly and realistically, until it ends with some frightening and thought-provoking questions about where we are in the world today. I'm mind-boggled how they could actually even break even, since the production charged a measly $25 'suggested donation', most of which probably went for the beer and s'mores they share with the audience, and the production requires a flying drone and a rain machine to boot. Amazing it even got published with such a short initial run and few subsequent productions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/15/th...
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theat...
One of my favorite modes of theatre is site-specific productions (I almost did my doctoral dissertation on such), so this hit right in my wheelhouse. Performed around a campfire in a backyard in Brooklyn to no more than 10 audience members at a time, this takes place at a summer camp and involves 5 camp counselors who suddenly find themselves out of their league when threatening circumstances in the 'real world' begin encroaching.
It's spectacular how the play evolves slowly and realistically, until it ends with some frightening and thought-provoking questions about where we are in the world today. I'm mind-boggled how they could actually even break even, since the production charged a measly $25 'suggested donation', most of which probably went for the beer and s'mores they share with the audience, and the production requires a flying drone and a rain machine to boot. Amazing it even got published with such a short initial run and few subsequent productions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/15/th...
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theat...
June 9, 2023
do you think dwanye 'the rock' johnson understands the impact he had on my mental state in this play?
in all seriousness, the grown-ups is one of the most phenomenally written plays in modern history, and manages to display a profound understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with tradition, change, trauma, and working at a camp. rarely does a play succeed in addressing modern issues, especially with how fast things change in the internet age, but the grown-ups is both a deep critique and a hysterical parody of the era we live. the grown-ups is a modern tragedy, that is also the only modern play that successfully mentions twitter.
everything matters in the grown-ups. there is not a moment that doesn't move you, hit you, hug you, kiss you. everything is going wrong and everything is just right, and the contradictions that define the grown-ups only makes it more delicious.
in all seriousness, the grown-ups is one of the most phenomenally written plays in modern history, and manages to display a profound understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with tradition, change, trauma, and working at a camp. rarely does a play succeed in addressing modern issues, especially with how fast things change in the internet age, but the grown-ups is both a deep critique and a hysterical parody of the era we live. the grown-ups is a modern tragedy, that is also the only modern play that successfully mentions twitter.
everything matters in the grown-ups. there is not a moment that doesn't move you, hit you, hug you, kiss you. everything is going wrong and everything is just right, and the contradictions that define the grown-ups only makes it more delicious.
July 26, 2023
“ The scary part is you keep living. Sometimes it feels impossible. You feel too old and too young and everything is changing too much and not enough.”
Dude this play was exactly what I needed right now. It was so good. I’d kill to see it on stage. It talked about compromise, community, the preserving of innocence, sacrifice and the decisions we have to make to survive. I loved it so much.
Dude this play was exactly what I needed right now. It was so good. I’d kill to see it on stage. It talked about compromise, community, the preserving of innocence, sacrifice and the decisions we have to make to survive. I loved it so much.
August 9, 2024
this ate to a degree that is concerning to my soul, i inhaled it
February 7, 2025
We saw a production of this over the summer and it haunted me for days - it’s been on my mind lately (no reason, certainly nothing at all in the news cycle these days making me anxious) so I tracked down a copy to read. Such a good, smart, moving play that speaks to all my fears about being a parent in uncertain times.
October 7, 2025
One of those plays that makes you go GOD I LOVE THEATRE
December 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this play. I read it in one sitting and it was such a fun story about camp life (with a touch of apocalyptic commentary on social media). The final act of the play fell a little flat for me, but overall it was a very original and fun concept.
November 26, 2025
this is GENUINELY the best play i’ve ever read and i’m not even trying to exaggerating. it’s my new favorite.
August 20, 2023
“What is it gonna take for you to let me in?” 🏕️
Absolutely 5/5 🌟A perfect summer read (tho now I’m dying to *see* this set around a camp fire in some amphitheater in the woods)
~
I loved camp and I have lots of fond memories going to middle and highschool sleep away camps throughout the years. This play is set over several days at a campfire meeting place for several camp counselors recapping their days after spending it with their young campers. Most of the counselors are camp veterans who have been coming every summer since they were young… except for Cassie, the new counselor with a few secrets up her sleeve.
~
This play has some lengthy monologues that allow the audience to process these big themes right along with the characters. The backdrop of the camp really helps solidify how we need varying perspectives in leadership and collaboration when making decisions for the greater good of the kids…in small ways (like activity sign ups) and big ways (like deciding how to tell the campers they need to practice drills for when impending danger approaches the camp.)
~
Read this one for sure! For the camp vibes and the really hefty scene work between multiple strong personalities.
~
@ireadplays IG / @ireadplaysblog TIKTOK
Absolutely 5/5 🌟A perfect summer read (tho now I’m dying to *see* this set around a camp fire in some amphitheater in the woods)
~
I loved camp and I have lots of fond memories going to middle and highschool sleep away camps throughout the years. This play is set over several days at a campfire meeting place for several camp counselors recapping their days after spending it with their young campers. Most of the counselors are camp veterans who have been coming every summer since they were young… except for Cassie, the new counselor with a few secrets up her sleeve.
~
This play has some lengthy monologues that allow the audience to process these big themes right along with the characters. The backdrop of the camp really helps solidify how we need varying perspectives in leadership and collaboration when making decisions for the greater good of the kids…in small ways (like activity sign ups) and big ways (like deciding how to tell the campers they need to practice drills for when impending danger approaches the camp.)
~
Read this one for sure! For the camp vibes and the really hefty scene work between multiple strong personalities.
~
@ireadplays IG / @ireadplaysblog TIKTOK
May 10, 2025
HOOOOOOOOOLY FUCK!!! HOLY FUCK!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!!! I LOVED THAT SO MUCH WHAT THE FUCK!!!! FYHGKYDTHRHXHTGKIYFTRBKHJIULYGTFU&RYDCTFYTKVULIHJGKWDFJGHJ HOLY FUCK HOLY FUCK HOLY FUCK HOLY FUCK!!!!!
okay i've calmed down. mostly. I read this cuz someone at my school is putting it on, and I was going to audition for it, but I didn't sign up in time. i'm so excited to get to watch it though!! god. reading that was incredible. hung on to every word. it was so relateable. and very relevant to today's times. i'm in shock rn oh my god.
okay i've calmed down. mostly. I read this cuz someone at my school is putting it on, and I was going to audition for it, but I didn't sign up in time. i'm so excited to get to watch it though!! god. reading that was incredible. hung on to every word. it was so relateable. and very relevant to today's times. i'm in shock rn oh my god.
June 14, 2023
4.5 but I’ll let Goodreads have the 5 lol.
Such a great critique/exploration of the ways in which people in their 20s have to change their perspectives and look at the ways they fall in line with the system or challenge it after being kids. Had a good cry at the end and just know if I’d seen the full production I would have full body chills.
Such a great critique/exploration of the ways in which people in their 20s have to change their perspectives and look at the ways they fall in line with the system or challenge it after being kids. Had a good cry at the end and just know if I’d seen the full production I would have full body chills.
November 20, 2023
i was going to give this like 3 stars but THE ENDING…. holy shit i’m shaking
March 5, 2024
This play was a fantastic analysis of what it is to grow up and still be completely lost. I loved watching it.
March 19, 2024
I am not okay
Read
March 23, 2024The monologues in this show are well-crafted, and the themes are timely. This could be such a solid option for colleges to perform.
July 19, 2024
love it. So funny witty and heartbreaking
September 16, 2024
Chills. Holy shit. Can't wait to perform this one (Becca.)
October 11, 2024
Hilarious! Great monologues
November 5, 2024
Might have to produce this one…🙈
December 13, 2024
i can never look at pineapples the same after reading this
February 13, 2025
4.5 stars.
I will be thinking about this play for a long time.
I will be thinking about this play for a long time.
June 23, 2025
not every play needs a plot twist but still, reading this was such an experience i couldn’t help but fall in love with it.
July 31, 2025
I wanna play Maeve
October 18, 2023
I read this on a whim during a trip to the Drama Book Shop. Bought it on the spot when I finished it and felt like I’d been taken on an actual journey! Loved it!!!
January 20, 2025
This is a really poignant play. At first, I felt the inciting incident for the "fall" was a little too goofy to be taken seriously. But once I let it read as sort of satirical it read way better. More comedy than drama, but that's when the drama hits way better, no?
Both scary stories, the first and the last, were superb. My favorite moments. Besides, of course, that ENDING! One of my favorite endings in any modern play I've read. I'll be thinking about that for a while.
Both scary stories, the first and the last, were superb. My favorite moments. Besides, of course, that ENDING! One of my favorite endings in any modern play I've read. I'll be thinking about that for a while.
August 23, 2025
this play is genuinely so fucking weird, but also so awesome and cool?? if you've ever been a camp counselor, I think you need to read this and even if you ignore the entire extended metaphor, just appreciate how accurately the camp brainrot is captured. and the metaphor: I really liked talking with my friend who recommended this play because it's such an absurd way to capture what I felt was a relatively straightforward theme, and that method seemed to give us both an entirely different perspective on it. Overall, real cool, real weird, might make everyone read it next year
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews