On Vox: Book Thoughts: Boot Camp by Todd Strasser

[orangerful]

Boot Camp

Todd Strasser

This Young Adult fiction novel is on the Great Books for Children and Teens 2007 reading list.  I'm not sure I would have picked it up if it hadn't been assigned to me to read, but I am happy I did!

'Boot Camp' has absolutely nothing to do with the Army.  This story is far more sinister.  The book opens with Garrett, a 15-year old boy, being "transported" to Lake Harmony.  He's not sure what is going on, but it is soon revealed that his parents have sent him to this camp to "cure" him of his problems.

I don't want to give too much away, but I will tell you this book is not for the weak of heart.  Author Todd Strasser cites his sources in the back of the book, explaining that the conditions and abuse Garrett endures at Lake Harmony are not just from his imagination; there are camps like this all over the United States.  Children are sent away from their homes and force to comply with "rules" meant to turn them into the child their parents want. 


Despite its dark story, this is a page turner.  The chapters are just short enough that you convince yourself that you could read just one more.  And then that chapter ends in a bit of a cliff hanger and you have to keep going!  A disturbing page turner!

Originally posted on orangerful.vox.com

Comments

[jellibean.livejournal.com]

Ooo that sounds really interesting. I'll have to pick it up once I finish Uglies. (I've gotten to the part where they first go to the ruins, btw.)

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

It's funny, when I first read the series, Uglies was probably the hardest one for me to get through. but thinking about it now, it is probably my favorite of the series...its hard to explain.

[ekaterin24.livejournal.com]

Those "boot camps" to "straighten kids out" can be scary shit--no other way to describe it. I think kids have died. Don't know whether I have the guts to read the title, so thank you for the review!

On a happier note, have you read The Invention of Hugo Cabret yet? It's pretty cool (gets more complex and better as you go along). I liked Elijah of Buxton just as well for different reasons. My reviews for both are here
Yes, I've been doing the "Award Books" thing...

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

I'm on the list for 'Hugo Cabret'. I almost signed up for the Great Books group that was discussing it but thought I should try to read outside my comfort zone a little bit. Never heard of Elijah of Buxton, I will check it out. :)