BOOK REVIEW

Book: Bummer Camp

Author: Ann Garvin

Description: Cat McCarthy is independent, responsible and reliable. Her sister Ginger is… none of those things. But when Ginger needs Cat’s help to save their family’s summer theatre camp, Cat jumps in the car and drives straight to her side. Cat, pregnant and having put space between herself and the camp, is pulled right back into camp ownership drama, management of her free spirited sister and interacting with an eclectic collection of counselors. Cat soon learns that the children’s camp has been flipped by new leaders and billed as a rehabilitative escape for anxious adults, but the couple skips town three days before their big fundraising gala with all the camp’s funds in tow.

5 stars from me!

"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard, Wizard of Oz

This book was exceptional. Bummer Camp is the most perfect summer read. Not only was it on theme for the season, but when I tell you I ate this book up - YUM.

It was deliciously quirky, with a cast of characters to adore in their own special ways - the medicinal chef, the animal whisperer, the diva and her handler, Hot Gary… They share an intimate bond as individuals who come to work at camp for their own very specific needs and meld into a collection of kind souls who support and care for one another as family.

Cat and Ginger are opposites attract in sibling form. What one lacks, the other has in spades. Their relationship is touching, and the way they help pull the other out of their own ruts is so relatable. They fight, they make up, they move on, they communicate via sign language! Ginger’s son Shirtless, who has sensory processing sensitivity, is an especially moving part of the story.

There is bear poop (edible), night swimming (the skinny dip version), creative event planning (in the woods… for fancy people…) and a whole lot of restorative nature sights and sounds. I could go on, but I feel like I’m already spoiling the witty joyfulness you will experience for yourself! Read this one. You won’t regret it.

“Nobody can step up if the top step is occupied.” - Ginger, Bummer Camp

"There's no place like home." - Dorothy, Wizard of Oz

Thank you SO SO much to Ann Garvin, UpLit Reads and NetGalley for this incredible ARC!

**posting to Instagram and Goodreads as well**

"We're not trying to be something we're not. Highlight, not hide. People respect the truth." One of my favorite lines from Ann Garvin's upcoming novel, Bummer Camp. This story takes place at a former theatre summer camp for kids. It's recently been re-branded for a camp for adults dealing with anxiety and depression. Cat gets a SOS call from her sister Ginger and nephew saying the camp is in major financial struggles and they need her help. Cat is reluctant to help as she is 7 months pregnant, trying to ready herself for her next stage in life, and not too keen to clean up Ginger's latest mess, in her opinion.

I loved the theme of this story. It's a sweet group of young adults (and 30 somethings) who often feel like people don't see their potential or worth. The misfits you might call them. I loved that they all worked together for a common goal (save the camp) and their unique talents really shined. This was my first time reading Ann Garvin's work and I really enjoyed it. The Wizard of Oz is also a big part of this novel and that made my heart happy too. This fun summer read with lots of heart comes out September 1st. Thank you Uplit Reads, Ann Garvin, and NetGalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Somewhere over the rainbow is Bummer Camp. It is where troubles melt like lemon drops, especially if you solicit the help of a therapy chicken named Connie, or eat Good Morning Overnight Oats made especially for you by Wynn.

Ann Garvin is one of the very best weirdos of the world. I have read all of her books and will auto pre-order any new ones that she writes. She makes me laugh out loud with her words and outrageously witty scenes. I loved every single page of Bummer Camp!

Here’s an excerpt from somewhere on the internet about Bummer Camp which I thinks sums it up better than I ever could: As Cat and Ginger wrangle a cast of lovable misfits and underdogs to save the camp, the sisters rediscover the importance of family, belonging, and holding fast to sweet summer memories.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! And thank you Ann Garvin for the opportunity to celebrate this book launch at the actual Camp in Wisconsin in August!! Holy Bear Poop! I will be there!!! Is Wynn going to be cooking? 😉

A summer camp for adults? Yes please! This book was so funny. Well written and creative! I loved the sister's bond,