Review of Hockey Camp Summer

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 21 Apr 2025, 13:28

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hockey Camp Summer" by John Blair.]

4 out of 5 stars

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As the title suggests, Hockey Camp Summer by John Blair is a fictional story centered around events happening in a hockey summer camp. The story follows the lives of two main protagonists: Bobby Banks and Matt Day. Bobby Banks, a former hockey player known as the Basher, is struggling to keep his hockey summer camp afloat. With the bank denying him further loans, his financial problems are mounting. Adding to his woes, his irresponsible son, who doesn't care about anything but himself, has failed all his exams and dropped out of university. Also, Bobby is distraught, as he believes his wife is harboring secrets from him. The other protagonist, Matt Day, is a 16-year-old hockey player who dreams of becoming a professional. Coming from Mohawk origins, Matt loves to learn more about his culture. Although he wishes to spend the summer with his grandparents and enjoy his time with them, he is sent unwillingly to Bobby Banks' hockey camp by his dad, who doesn't like Mohawk culture very much. At the camp, he meets Sherry Wong, the only female camper, and Brandon, a shy fellow camper. He develops a deep friendship with both of them, forming a trio. To revive the camp and boost its name, Bobby invites the former all-star Jerry Dunmore to his camp. However, when Bobby's wife, Sarah, finds out about it, she isn't happy. Jerry's arrival triggers many reactions in the camp, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. Bobby has to face the demons from the past, complicating their already troubled lives. Meanwhile, Jerry recognizes Matt's extraordinary talent and is keen to get hold of him before any other agents, leaving Matt with a dilemma and a challenging decision to make. How does Jerry Dunmore's arrival affect the camp? What will happen to Bobby and his family? Will Matt make the right decision for his future? Read the book to find out more.

The story, which starts as a normal hockey summer camp story, turns a bit mysterious with some thrills later on. The author deals with adult issues like family and relationship problems, as well as financial troubles, through Bobby Banks. The coming-of-age dilemmas, like quick temper, romance, and confusing emotions, are explored through Matt Day and his friends.

Although the pacing was slow at first, it picked up later on. The story was intriguing enough that I didn't mind the slow pace. I particularly enjoyed reading the ice hockey scenes. I am not familiar with the sport, and I learned a lot of terms related to it. Also, I loved the characterization; the author thoroughly explores each character and effectively portrays their raw emotions. Many characters bear secrets, which will surely hook the readers. The author's descriptive writing drew me into the troubled world of Bobby and Matt. Each chapter is named after a character and is written based on that character's view. I also noticed the chapters vary in length; some were shorter than others.

While I enjoyed the story, I didn't like the book cover much. I felt it didn't depict the story accurately. Also, I noted more than ten errors while reading, and some sentences seemed a bit odd. So, I believe the book is not professionally edited. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because of editing issues. Readers who appreciate books that explore the myriad emotions of characters, relationship problems, and coming-of-age issues will find this book enjoyable. For ice hockey lovers, it will be an additional treat.

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Hockey Camp Summer
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Post by **Madiha_** » 23 Apr 2025, 08:38

This book sounds so good! In the sense that although at first it only looks like any coming-of-age story, this one sounds like it has more than just that. Thanks for your great review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 23 Apr 2025, 09:53

Madiha_ wrote: ↑23 Apr 2025, 08:38 This book sounds so good! In the sense that although at first it only looks like any coming-of-age story, this one sounds like it has more than just that. Thanks for your great review!

Thanks for reading my review!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 25 Apr 2025, 16:47

I don’t really find this novel appealing. I don’t particularly enjoy ice hockey and I know that I don’t enjoy romance books. I do think that you did a great job of describing it. Thanks!

Elavarasi Charles · Post by **Elavarasi Charles** » 26 Apr 2025, 01:58

This sounds like a good slice-of-life story. The hockey camp, more than its purpose, seems to be giving convening individuals a chance to become part of each other's lives. Also, the hint of a thriller undertone with secret-harboring characters? Sounds like an interesting book that I might enjoy. You've introduced the book well!

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 26 Apr 2025, 09:04

The errors seem like a big let-down, and I can understand why. I hope the author works on those to make the book easy to read. Good job for being fair throughout the review.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 26 Apr 2025, 09:04

I love hockey, so this book will be a treat for me. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you.

Benita Ogarekpe · Post by **Benita Ogarekpe** » 27 Apr 2025, 06:18

Like you I don’t know much about the sport, but i think that could be an added advantage for me. I’ll learn a lot more about it, and I’ll get to explore Bobby’s struggles too.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:35

Amy Luman wrote: ↑25 Apr 2025, 16:47 I don’t really find this novel appealing. I don’t particularly enjoy ice hockey and I know that I don’t enjoy romance books. I do think that you did a great job of describing it. Thanks!

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:36

Elavarasi Charles wrote: ↑26 Apr 2025, 01:58 This sounds like a good slice-of-life story. The hockey camp, more than its purpose, seems to be giving convening individuals a chance to become part of each other's lives. Also, the hint of a thriller undertone with secret-harboring characters? Sounds like an interesting book that I might enjoy. You've introduced the book well!

Thanks, Elavarasi!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:49

Benita Ogarekpe wrote: ↑27 Apr 2025, 06:18 Like you I don’t know much about the sport, but i think that could be an added advantage for me. I’ll learn a lot more about it, and I’ll get to explore Bobby’s struggles too.

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:49

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑26 Apr 2025, 09:04 I love hockey, so this book will be a treat for me. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you.

Thanks, Gerry!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:50

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑26 Apr 2025, 09:04 I love hockey, so this book will be a treat for me. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you.

Thanks, Gerry!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 27 Apr 2025, 09:51

Kutloano Makhuvhela wrote: ↑26 Apr 2025, 09:04 The errors seem like a big let-down, and I can understand why. I hope the author works on those to make the book easy to read. Good job for being fair throughout the review.

Thank you!

Arshadq · Post by **Arshadq** » 03 May 2025, 10:19

I loved summer camp, and enjoyed it! Although I mostly went to soccer camps, still the joy you get with meeting new people and spending time there is amazing. This book seems to be a lot more than just that. With the mysteries and everything going on, I believe it could be a great read. The errors might be a bit problematic, but still, I would love to give it a try. Thanks for the review!