But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.
Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.
Goodreads Summary
*slight spoilers*
This was one of the last books I finished in 2012. The novel was also one of the best books I read in 2012. emily m. danforth is a debut author I cannot wait to read another book from. Cameron's voice is so raw and real, the reader will connect to her instantly and feel like her friend throughout the book. This is one of those books that will actually allow the reader to grow with the main character. Cameron begins the novel when she is twelve and precocious to say the least. She goes through a shoplifting phase and the ever-popular truth or dare...it is the latter that led to Irene, Cameron's friend, daring Cameron to kiss her. A completely new experience for Cameron, she is taken by surprise when she finds that she really, really liked that kiss.
Around that same time, Cameron suffers a terrible loss, her parents had an accident and passed away. Cameron's life is shaped by this loss, turning her into someone I think her parents could be proud of. Life goes on and Cameron matures further, moving on to several other girls including an unashamed lesbian who keeps Cameron stocked with certain movies and embarrassing post cards. It is interesting to note that although everyone experiences that awkward puberty phase, and some may question their sexuality, Cameron remains like a rock. She knows who she is at her current moment in time even if no one else wishes to acknowledge her or pay attention. She may not know where she will end up or who she will end up being, but her certainty of herself in the present is admirable.
I knew something big would alter Cameron's life when she continued to have a crush on Coley, a crush that was seemingly not returned. When Coley's boyfriend is away, however, her attitude changes and she is, at times, the pursuer in their awkward relationship. The fact that she more or less jerks Cameron around is annoying and heartbreaking, Cameron could do much better. It is thanks to Cooley that a series of circumstances occur leading to Cameron's enrollment in a "reform school for homosexuals" aka Paradise. Paradise is very richly described, the author clearly did her research. The reader experiences this odd school through Cameron, following her through many marijuana smokes with her two friends, the complete breakdown of another student, the awkward sessions with a counselor, and the eventual plans Cameron makes with her friends for "something more."
Cameron was one of the best characters I have had the pleasure of reading about. She is so candid in her narrative, holding nothing back. It is impossible not to love her if you give her a chance. Her belief in herself, bravery, honesty, and sharp edges come together to make one heck of a main character. The secondary characters are actually an integral part of this novel, they affect Cameron in varying ways and the author takes steps to develop them to an unusual extent for secondary characters. The reader will truly step into Cameron's world and mind in this novel. The author has a very fluid way of writing, though the book is over 400 pages, it is impossible to put down. The reader will want to continue reading about Cameron long after setting the book down. This is a must-read for young adult/adult readers in 2012.
5 Stars
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
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