From the Bookshelf of Literally Leander…

The Counselors

Jessica Goodman

Start date: June 1, 2023

Finish date: June 30, 2023

Discussion: Book Discussions - 2023

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Book Discussions - 2023

* December: Lying in the Deep
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* November: Silver in the Bone
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last updated Nov 09, 2023 09:41AM

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May 08, 2023 Kristen rated it liked it

Shelves: bildungsromans, contemporary, young-adult, mystery, thriller, family-and-friendship, feels-like-summer, book-club

I roamed the grounds, feeling like I had been given a gift, a slice of independence. That was what camp was supposed to be, I decided--something magical and mine, at least for a moment.

For Goldie, Lake Alpine is where she feels at home. The super expensive and highly exclusive camp is the lifeblood to the tiny New England town it sits in. And though the locals never get to reap the benefits of their posh neighbors, Goldie is the exception. This year she's back for another summer as a counselor alongside her best friends, Ava and Imogen. But the truth is, Goldie has been hiding a devastating secret... and when the body of a townie washes up on the camp's shores, she begins to wonder if she's not the only one hiding something.

I read Goodman's debut (They Wish They Were Us) several years ago and found it to be an "okay" read; I didn't really like or dislike it. Perhaps that's why it took me so long to read another from Goodman--and I'd be lying if I didn't share that part of the reason I was so productive was that The Counselors was chosen for book club. My feelings with this book echoes much the same as those I have towards its predecessor. 2.5 stars.

Truthfully, I found this book to be a slow build. It's a mystery/thriller, but Goldie doesn't begin her own "investigation" until halfway through the novel. Instead, the beginning is spent divulging Goldie's past--particularly the secret she's been keeping that's led her to become the pariah of Roxwood--and building her relationship with her best friends and fellow counselors, Ava and Imogen. While I really did enjoy the exploration of the girls' friendship, it unfortunately led to a thriller that wasn't very thrilling for the first half.

Once Goldie begins her investigation, the book rapidly picks up. The first half is a contemporary novel of (a refreshing, arguably healthy) female friendship. The second half consists of building a mystery and rushing to put the pieces together. In some ways, it felt like two different books with crossover characters.

I don't know if it's the book or it's me or it's my book slump or any combination of these factors, but while I did enjoy some aspects of the book it will unfortunately be one that I forget I've read. The Counselors has some strengths, but it won't stand out in my memory. ...more

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