Book Review: The Counselors by Jessica Goodman
From the moment I laid eyes on The Counselors, I was drawn in. Jessica Goodman’s recent release boasts a nostalgic cover that screams summer camp adventures and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. With a synopsis that hints at a twisty tale involving three best friends, an elite summer camp, and a shocking death, I was all in. After a bit of a wait to snag the audiobook through my library—narrated by the talented Phoebe Strole, no less—I was eager to dive in.
The narrative centers on Goldie and her two best friends, Ava and Imogen, who return to Camp Alpine Lake as counselors. The juxtaposition of their friendship, rooted in camp memories, against the dark secrets that threaten to surface elevates the plot. Goldie, the only local among the three, carries a weight of secrets from her past—especially concerning an incident that marred her senior year. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, especially when a local boy ends up dead in the camp’s lake. This incident not only disrupts their summer plans but also forces Goldie to confront her past, leading to compelling twists that had me glued to my headphones.
Goodman weaves in rich themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of life in a resort community, which resonated with my own experiences living in a similar setting. The layers she adds to Goldie’s character create a relatable protagonist grappling with both external pressures and internal conflicts. I especially appreciated the dynamic of the friendship trio; their interactions felt authentic, making me root for them even as secrets threatened to pull them apart.
The pacing of The Counselors is spot-on, with each chapter leaving me eager for more. Goodman’s writing style is engaging and draws you in without feeling rushed, allowing us to savor the slow build of suspense. The setting itself—lush woods and a serene lake—evokes a sense of nostalgia that feels almost like a character in its own right. It’s like my own memories of summers past have been interwoven into the tension of Goldie’s story.
One memorable moment that stood out was Goldie’s internal struggle with her secrets and her friends. It’s a poignant reminder of how our pasts can shape our present and the importance of trust in friendships. These moments are why I felt so connected to Goldie’s journey. The mystery surrounding the boy’s death was well-crafted, keeping me guessing until the very end. When everything finally culminated in a thrilling finale, I couldn’t help but enjoy the wild ride Goodman had crafted.
In conclusion, The Counselors is a perfect summer read for fans of YA thrillers. It’s got all the thrilling and campy vibes you’d hope for, wrapped in a narrative about friendship and hidden truths. If you enjoy character-driven stories that balance suspense with deeper emotional arcs, this book will undoubtedly leave a mark. I left this reading experience not only entertained but also pondering the complexities of friendships and the shadows of our pasts. I can’t wait to pick up more from Jessica Goodman—she’s definitely an author to watch!