I hate that I spent $2 on this because it was entirely pointless. The Monroe story reminded me of the first few minutes in Step Up. I expected a lot more from Jodi Picoult. Before, I could just pick up one of her books without even reading the synposis and I knew it would be an excellent story. Not the case here. I am going to be wary of further books and short stories from her. I hate that this is not something that can even be borrowed from the library. Usually I pay $2 for one of her books from the used bookstore that I get in great condition… it's not what I want to pay for such a useless story. Short story - very poignant. An inner city kid of color goes to a 3 week summer camp with all white counselors. This premise could lead in a number of directions but told from the perspective of one boy who is sent to camp but doesn't want to be there. The reasons why his mom and grandmother sent him become clear during the story and we do find that at least some cross-cultural understanding is built during the three weeks but there are still so many differences between the worlds of the campers and the counselors that 3 weeks can only scratch the surface.
Not as powerful as her other books. Don't think I quite get the last line, that he's "drowning".
—dvkohli
Okay for a short story. Wonder what it could have become as a novel.
—waths4523
I was a little disappointed, not as good as her usual stuff
—Lokyca
Didn't realize it was a short story but felt incomplete.
—ReadibleBabe
The story is very short.
—Lissy
