I just finished this book the other day and I haven't stopped thinking about it since then. It's a bit weird to say about a horror book, but as a neurodivergent queer person, there was something very comforting about it to me! I loved Rose and Saul and Willow, and it was really lovely seeing how they all came together to make their own little family. I was on the subway when I got to my favourite line in the book (The daughter thinks she's in love with a beautiful, sweet girl who accepts her exactly the way she is. How do you help her? The answer is simple. I'd love her) and I just broke down crying.
A queer horror book with an autistic main character, and it’s formatted like a movie ?!? IM IN, this sounds like such an interesting book, I’m not normally a horror person but this sounds like the perfect book for me !!
10:00 - OK, so it feels weird to respond to this with my biologist hat, but... A) There probably is some genetic variation in curiosity or at least willingness to act on it, because most animals exhibit variation in how, let's say, "adventurous" they are. And this can be selected for, because while "curiosity kills the cat" in some environments, it can also lead those individuals to new food resources, new habitat, and such. Part of domestication is selecting for critters that respond to humans in a friendly and curious way rather than a fearful and aggressive way. B) Curiosity can also be trained out of most people. When I talk to little kids vs. college students about science, the difference is huge. The majority of kids, in my experience, are kind of "natural scientists", asking all sorts of creative questions, making observations, etc. But at some point it seems like a lot of people become fearful of being wrong, or of being enthusiastic in a way that isn't "cool", or...something, IDK. Some can't or won't let it be quenched, though - and that's a very important thing!
This was interesting and I’m really grateful, thank you! You just sparked a fun chat between my partner and I, both former teachers talking about inspiring and encouraging curiosity in our students
Initially left this comment as a joke having not read the book, but actually its true. Yes the book is scary at points, but actually it is heartbreaking too, the trauma these characters had to face for simply existence as themselves. I just love the message at the core too. Love IS real.
Awww a curious and queer autistic character 🥹 I am even more excited to read this wonderful horror novel. Btw there is a new horror book coming out this month called The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark by Warren Wagner. It's about a gay man who's HIV positive and is hiding in a cabin during the zombie apocalypse, but then he has to go out and find the medicine he needs to stay alive. I'm on the fence about reading it, but you might be interested in checking it out someday.
I accidentally read this on release from my library and was so impressed by it! It built the atmosphere so well and so quickly I just couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to picking up Straight next 😍
Had no idea who Tingle was , just picked this up today based on the “horror novel set in a conversion therapy camp” and i was sold. going to start it tonight.
I am very much looking forward to reading this. I have a couple of books to finish first, but this review has moved Camp Damascus from "soon" to next. I've had great respect for Chuck Tingle ever since the whole Hugo awards/Sad Puppies thing. Also, I'm so happy to have found your channel. After seeing so many booktubers with lists of horror recommendations that are 70% YA (which I rarely find satisfying) or mass market/trashy (which, like junk food, I enjoy--but not as a steady diet), I came across your "10 Essential Modern Horror Books" video... and it was so satisfying. Then I went to see what else you have on your channel and saw this. You immediately became my new booktube crush!
i can't wait to read this, i am so appreciative of tingle for helping bring back good technical writing in modern literature. i've read just a few too many horror adjacent genre stories lately that are all tell no show, no character work, really bad pacing, etc.
Thank you for this review! I have this one but I’m sure you know how reading piles get, even what we’re excited about gets lost sometimes (I also picked up the audio version, it’s narrated by Mara Wilson, whom I quite like). I adore Chuck’s mission to prove that Love is Real and believe in him so much. Your thoughtful review has reminded me to move this to the top of my reading pile ☺️🌸
Great review. So much of my reading catnip in one book! In researching Chuck Tingle I found out one of his books is called 'Pounded By The Physical Manifestation Of The Feeling That I Ordered The Wrong Thing Because I Wasn’t Quite Ready When The Waiter Came Over But My Friends Were' and I'm sorry but that simply must be read first/immediately. Really tho (not that I'm not going to download 'Pounded...' as soon as I finish this comment), I don't think I've ever been so excited to really explore an author for the first time. Thanks, Willow!
Loved this review and this book so much!!! If you haven't already, look up how Chuck Tingle trolled a group of right -wingers who didnt want women and POC authors to win Hugo awards! I believe that's where his path first fatefully crossed with NK Jemisin. The trolls did NOT know who they were dealing with when they nominated Chuck Tingle for a Hugo award "as a joke."
I used to follow Chuck on twitter before it became a complete hell site because he's so wholesome. I'm not much of an erotica reader so haven't read any of his work but have picked this and Straight up cos I thought they'd be better fits for me. I'm glad to hear it sounds like I was right. I think I'll have to try and get round to reading them soon
I only watched the first 4 minutes, because then I didn't want to hear the specifics, but I'll come back after I read the book, which has just become the first pick for my brand new (just found people on Friday) horror book club! I've read a bunch of Tinglers in the past, and also his horror novella, called 'Straight' (which is pretty great and I recommend).
I did like this book its just the conclusion felt too clean, like it was super easy barely an inconvenience. I think just 50 more pages and a little more conflict added to the last third would have gone a long way. Still solid though
I've read one book by Chuck Tingle, the one about Harry Potter and loved it. I really need to read Camp Damascus. I'll probably cry reading it from the sound of it.
I actually just picked this book up 10 minutes ago. I had to UA-cam the book to see reviews on it because I read the back of it and was interested in it
Great review, Willow. I'd seen this book mentioned and thought it sounded really interesting, but dismissed it because of the author. I might have to add it to my TBR! If you want another 2023 horror release that plays out like a film, I really enjoyed Girls of Little Hope.
I just finished reading this last night - I didn't enjoy it as much as you, I completely agree the first act is horrifying and I quite enjoyed the first half, but it kind of lost me at the end of the second act. The third act was action packed, but I think that isn't really for me, so that's a personal preference. There's plenty to take from this book, and I'm glad it resonates with you and others!
I must find him!!! If anyone knows him, Heather at the museum in the old library wants to add him to his town's history. Real identity can be concealed. It's spicy stuff, havent figured out how to handle the NSFW material yet, but he's going to be historically important. I really respect him, i understand his desire for privacy; i think ive seen him before (there's a single face pic online), and i never would blow up his spot publicly. I know it's super important that our town not know who he is. But i do want him to be part of official city history as a publishing game changer and influential erotica author.
Excellent review!! If you're looking for a more traditionally Tingle-y (??) Tingle book, I recommend Trans Wizard Harriet Porber And The Bad Boy Parasaurolophus. 😀🧙♀🦕
He's wonderful! I am in class until winter but looking forward to this! I read two of his erotic titles! Buttception and Gay T-Rex Law Firm: Executive Boner. And I gave my best friend who happens to be queer a book by Chuck for her birthday last year, " My Macaroni And Cheese Is A Lesbian, Also, She Is My Lawyer! ". She love it! I didn't see if he came to Atlanta on his cook tour! Pretty sure he didn't though He's so radical. 🏳🌈🏳⚧♥ And what great review! Much love and cheers, fellow content maker!
Bothersome that the murder is never adequately resolved, like the guy in the closet with her being wrongly accused at the very least. It's an unnecessary plot hole that nagged at me, hence an unnecessary distraction.
Ahhh - please stop adding books to my TBR! It’s already out of control 😱😂
😇
It's short though, and completely worth it, I flew through it and now am trying to find videos on what others thought 😅
I just finished this book the other day and I haven't stopped thinking about it since then. It's a bit weird to say about a horror book, but as a neurodivergent queer person, there was something very comforting about it to me! I loved Rose and Saul and Willow, and it was really lovely seeing how they all came together to make their own little family. I was on the subway when I got to my favourite line in the book (The daughter thinks she's in love with a beautiful, sweet girl who accepts her exactly the way she is. How do you help her? The answer is simple. I'd love her) and I just broke down crying.
"... flies, all over the dinner table. Which is arguably even stranger." Got a full out-loud laugh from me.
This one has been on my TBR list for too long. Your excitement about it has made me think it should be the next one I pick up!
A queer horror book with an autistic main character, and it’s formatted like a movie ?!? IM IN, this sounds like such an interesting book, I’m not normally a horror person but this sounds like the perfect book for me !!
10:00 - OK, so it feels weird to respond to this with my biologist hat, but...
A) There probably is some genetic variation in curiosity or at least willingness to act on it, because most animals exhibit variation in how, let's say, "adventurous" they are. And this can be selected for, because while "curiosity kills the cat" in some environments, it can also lead those individuals to new food resources, new habitat, and such. Part of domestication is selecting for critters that respond to humans in a friendly and curious way rather than a fearful and aggressive way.
B) Curiosity can also be trained out of most people. When I talk to little kids vs. college students about science, the difference is huge. The majority of kids, in my experience, are kind of "natural scientists", asking all sorts of creative questions, making observations, etc. But at some point it seems like a lot of people become fearful of being wrong, or of being enthusiastic in a way that isn't "cool", or...something, IDK. Some can't or won't let it be quenched, though - and that's a very important thing!
This was interesting and I’m really grateful, thank you! You just sparked a fun chat between my partner and I, both former teachers talking about inspiring and encouraging curiosity in our students
I am unbelievably shocked that the best horror novel of all time was written by Chuck Tingle.
Initially left this comment as a joke having not read the book, but actually its true. Yes the book is scary at points, but actually it is heartbreaking too, the trauma these characters had to face for simply existence as themselves. I just love the message at the core too. Love IS real.
I recently read Straight and then picked up Camp Damascus. I liked Straight a smig more, but both are 🔥tho 👏
Ooooh, I can’t wait to read this!
I just finished reading it too and I am in love with it! I was able to meet him and Mara Wilson at the signing event in L.A.
Amazing, you lucky duck!
I just finished this amazing book in one sitting! Thank you so much for recommending it! Love is real!
Awww a curious and queer autistic character 🥹 I am even more excited to read this wonderful horror novel.
Btw there is a new horror book coming out this month called The Only Safe Place Left is the Dark by Warren Wagner. It's about a gay man who's HIV positive and is hiding in a cabin during the zombie apocalypse, but then he has to go out and find the medicine he needs to stay alive. I'm on the fence about reading it, but you might be interested in checking it out someday.
I was unsure about this one, but you've convinced me to give it a go. 🖤
Very good book! I just finished it yesterday and it is definitely one of my favorites of this year
I accidentally read this on release from my library and was so impressed by it! It built the atmosphere so well and so quickly I just couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to picking up Straight next 😍
Had no idea who Tingle was , just picked this up today based on the “horror novel set in a conversion therapy camp” and i was sold. going to start it tonight.
I just read this too and LOVED IT!!!❤
I love your reviews! Adding this to my TBR 🙌🏻
I am very much looking forward to reading this. I have a couple of books to finish first, but this review has moved Camp Damascus from "soon" to next. I've had great respect for Chuck Tingle ever since the whole Hugo awards/Sad Puppies thing.
Also, I'm so happy to have found your channel. After seeing so many booktubers with lists of horror recommendations that are 70% YA (which I rarely find satisfying) or mass market/trashy (which, like junk food, I enjoy--but not as a steady diet), I came across your "10 Essential Modern Horror Books" video... and it was so satisfying.
Then I went to see what else you have on your channel and saw this. You immediately became my new booktube crush!
I highly recommend the interview with Chuck on the Talking Scared podcast about this book.
i can't wait to read this, i am so appreciative of tingle for helping bring back good technical writing in modern literature. i've read just a few too many horror adjacent genre stories lately that are all tell no show, no character work, really bad pacing, etc.
Thank you for this review! I have this one but I’m sure you know how reading piles get, even what we’re excited about gets lost sometimes (I also picked up the audio version, it’s narrated by Mara Wilson, whom I quite like). I adore Chuck’s mission to prove that Love is Real and believe in him so much. Your thoughtful review has reminded me to move this to the top of my reading pile ☺️🌸
Oooh Mara Wilson, that’s so cool! She’s great :)
Great review. So much of my reading catnip in one book! In researching Chuck Tingle I found out one of his books is called 'Pounded By The Physical Manifestation Of The Feeling That I Ordered The Wrong Thing Because I Wasn’t Quite Ready When The Waiter Came Over But My Friends Were' and I'm sorry but that simply must be read first/immediately.
Really tho (not that I'm not going to download 'Pounded...' as soon as I finish this comment), I don't think I've ever been so excited to really explore an author for the first time. Thanks, Willow!
I feel exactly the same! He’s an absolute treasure!
Loved this review and this book so much!!! If you haven't already, look up how Chuck Tingle trolled a group of right -wingers who didnt want women and POC authors to win Hugo awards! I believe that's where his path first fatefully crossed with NK Jemisin. The trolls did NOT know who they were dealing with when they nominated Chuck Tingle for a Hugo award "as a joke."
!!!!! Omg that’s amazing!!
I used to follow Chuck on twitter before it became a complete hell site because he's so wholesome. I'm not much of an erotica reader so haven't read any of his work but have picked this and Straight up cos I thought they'd be better fits for me. I'm glad to hear it sounds like I was right. I think I'll have to try and get round to reading them soon
I only watched the first 4 minutes, because then I didn't want to hear the specifics, but I'll come back after I read the book, which has just become the first pick for my brand new (just found people on Friday) horror book club! I've read a bunch of Tinglers in the past, and also his horror novella, called 'Straight' (which is pretty great and I recommend).
I did like this book its just the conclusion felt too clean, like it was super easy barely an inconvenience. I think just 50 more pages and a little more conflict added to the last third would have gone a long way. Still solid though
I've read one book by Chuck Tingle, the one about Harry Potter and loved it. I really need to read Camp Damascus. I'll probably cry reading it from the sound of it.
I actually just picked this book up 10 minutes ago. I had to UA-cam the book to see reviews on it because I read the back of it and was interested in it
He has another horror novel called Straight...I want to read both of his horror novels his books about Domald Tromp look hilarious!
Great review, Willow. I'd seen this book mentioned and thought it sounded really interesting, but dismissed it because of the author. I might have to add it to my TBR!
If you want another 2023 horror release that plays out like a film, I really enjoyed Girls of Little Hope.
I just finished reading this last night - I didn't enjoy it as much as you, I completely agree the first act is horrifying and I quite enjoyed the first half, but it kind of lost me at the end of the second act. The third act was action packed, but I think that isn't really for me, so that's a personal preference. There's plenty to take from this book, and I'm glad it resonates with you and others!
Ooph flies coming out the mouth = nightmare fuel
Your review makes me want to get it regardless 😅
OMG If you recommend it its hard for me not to read it!
I must find him!!! If anyone knows him, Heather at the museum in the old library wants to add him to his town's history. Real identity can be concealed. It's spicy stuff, havent figured out how to handle the NSFW material yet, but he's going to be historically important. I really respect him, i understand his desire for privacy; i think ive seen him before (there's a single face pic online), and i never would blow up his spot publicly. I know it's super important that our town not know who he is. But i do want him to be part of official city history as a publishing game changer and influential erotica author.
Damn, Chuck really have a lot of talent.
I wish I could write something serious instead of just writing furry smut fanfic 😂
Excellent review!! If you're looking for a more traditionally Tingle-y (??) Tingle book, I recommend Trans Wizard Harriet Porber And The Bad Boy Parasaurolophus. 😀🧙♀🦕
He's wonderful! I am in class until winter but looking forward to this! I read two of his erotic titles! Buttception and Gay T-Rex Law Firm: Executive Boner. And I gave my best friend who happens to be queer a book by Chuck for her birthday last year, " My Macaroni And Cheese Is A Lesbian, Also, She Is My Lawyer! ". She love it!
I didn't see if he came to Atlanta on his cook tour! Pretty sure he didn't though
He's so radical. 🏳🌈🏳⚧♥
And what great review!
Much love and cheers, fellow content maker!
Bothersome that the murder is never adequately resolved, like the guy in the closet with her being wrongly accused at the very least. It's an unnecessary plot hole that nagged at me, hence an unnecessary distraction.
I could not agree MORE. This book was fucking exceptional. 🤌 It did a whole lot in such a short span of pages.