The book begins with Puck being awaken in the middle of the night, blindfolded, her hands zip-tied, and tossed into a car. Once she reaches camp, she starts to realize what she's up against. As Barb, the leader of the camp, says, "Abandon the program, and you won't make it far. The coyotes will find you before the cops ever do." There's a whole cast of characters that join Puck at camp. There's Barb, who's tough, unforgiving, and determined to get Puck to cooperate. The romantically confused counselors are Mia, Ellen, Xander, and Dmitri. Nick is Barb's kind, underrated husband. Titania is a top-of-the-charts pop star who went a little wild. Quin is the out of place nerd who failed to keep up with his parent's insane expectations. Ronnie is a former gang member with a soft side. Puck is also joined by Frances, Nissa, Peabo, and Snout.
The group is put through Four Stepping Stones. Once they complete the outdoor challenges, they can graduate from camp. Puck is determined to make Barb hate her. But yet again, this is a classic case of Snape. At first, you think they hate the main character. They're tough, cruel, and frustrating. But soon enough, you come to realize that they've been protecting and helping the main character all along. It's not hard to see that Barb isn't as bad as Puck wants you to think she is.
One of the more comedic elements of the book was the romantic mess the counselors go through. At one point they even get into a physical fight that's partly Puck's fault. This book was based on the Shakespearan play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", but the romantic problems and some of the names were really the only parts I recognized. I would hesitate to advertise it as a modern retelling as the authors did because it honestly has few elements that are similar.
In the end, after shocking secrets, disappointment, and a near-death accident, the group is ready to graduate. Puck has learned to use her ability to read people to help them rather than manipulate them. Barb is almost a mother to her. The whole group is inseparable. This book tells the story of friendship, teamwork, and inner growth. Throughout the book the characters develop in ways unexpected to all. It shows that everybody has a place in the world, no matter how many times they've been let down by those around them.
While "Puck" was good, I almost have the feeling that I've read it before. It's the classic story of a delinquent teenager who turns into a introspective, family-loving adolescent. The plot was slightly predictable. The overall message of the book was nice, but not revolutionary. That being said, it was an entertaining and easy read. To put it simply, I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't reread it.
I'll leave you with my favorite quote from Barb: "Surviving is one thing, Puck," she says, before backing out of the tent. "Living is something else entirely."
Thanks for reading! Thank you again to Kim Askew and Amy Helmes for providing the book. As the weather gets colder and the leaves start falling, remember to keep picking up those books!
Colleen