Despite my incredible excitement upon discovering its existence, I didn’t think that this book could possibly live up to my expectations — some combination of nostalgic memories and (hopefully) refined taste in books. But oh, it did, it absolutely did. I laughed and cried and cheered alongside my childhood literary friends, and I had so much fun.

Now, I’m not saying this book is perfect; it’s somewhere between middle grade and YA, and about as heteronormative as it gets (both in romances and gender roles). It follows the same formulas and patterns of the series, with lots of drama and many predictable twists with heartwarming outcomes. But there are callbacks to all the best parts of the previous books, with a special charm all its own from seeing our girls almost-all-grown-up and passing on the wonderful tradition that’s gotten them through some rough years.


Some miscellaneous musings: I’ve only been a sleepaway-camp counselor and a day camp counselor once each, neither at an outdoorsy camp (both at schools, in fact) but I really loved every moment of those experiences and now especially I really want to look into it again. The book club I tried to start in high school was a flop, but friends really are forever — even (especially) when boys aren’t. I’m so delighted for the couples that managed to stay together, and I hated hearing that my absolute favorite broke up, and having to see the Daughter I related to most being so heartbroken. I hadn’t noticed (or wanted to realize?) before how much I identify with Becca, but her uncertainty about her future and concern about the cost of college was a pleasantly familiar feeling. I adored meeting all the little campers, and getting to briefly see how big Cassidy’s baby sister Chloe has gotten! And of course I am so glad to have had this chance to peek a little further down the line at how the journey goes for some of my favorite girlfriends.

tl;dr This book was like coming home. I would ask for a years-later reunion (a la Sisterhood Everlasting), at least a short story, but perhaps the magic of this series is just the inherent and universal potential of girlhood, amplified by those around us.