Book Review: Fat Camp

FAT CAMP | James Sabata
07.09.2018 | Independently Published
Rating: 4/5 stars

Since 1985, over 500 overweight teenagers have come to Camp Wašíču, looking to lose weight, gain self-confidence, and turn their lives around. Phillip McCraken arrives, weighing in at almost 400 pounds, but the baggage he carries from the past affects him much more deeply than any number on a scale. When a homicidal maniac hell-bent on revenge attacks, Phillip will be forced to either find the courage to save the people around him or fall victim to this killer’s murderous rage.

Hello coming-of-age slasher camp story! Excuse me while I can’t stop fangirling for some of my favorite horror tropes being combined into one fun-filled book! Sabata has created a modern story that heavily nods to those who came before. If you’ve ever watched a classic slasher movie then you’ll automatically know how this story is going to play out. Crazy kills, a lot of screaming, creepy stalking, and characters running straight into the killer’s arms. Yup, this has it all! 

I loved that while completely owning the slasher vibe, FAT CAMP also manages to pack a really great coming-of-age story in. There’s a lot of heart, character reflection, and genuine bonding throughout this book that really elevated FAT CAMP for me. I genuinely enjoyed this story and watching the events play out through our main character, Phillip’s eyes.