43 pages 1 hour read

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

Emily M. Danforth

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Publisher

Balzer + Bray

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1120L

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Super Short Summary

The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows lesbian teen Cameron Post's journey of self-acceptance and identity formation in Miles City, Montana. After her parents' tragic death, Cameron's religious aunt sends her to God's Promise, a conversion therapy camp. There, Cameron befriends fellow skeptics Jane and Adam, with whom she eventually plans an escape. Themes include homosexuality, grief, and religion. The book addresses themes of conversion therapy and self-harm.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

59,846 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Emily M. Danforth's The Miseducation of Cameron Post is praised for its authentic portrayal of a teenager grappling with her identity in 1990s America. Reviewers commend its heartfelt narrative and complex characters, though some feel the pacing is slow. Overall, it effectively captures the struggles and resilience of LGBTQ+ youth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Miseducation of Cameron Post?

Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong LGBTQ+ themes and complex characters will appreciate The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth. Fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz or Fun Home by Alison Bechdel will find its emotional depth and exploration of identity compelling.

4.3

59,846 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Cameron Post

An athletic teenager from Miles City, Montana, with a dry sense of humor and easy-going manner who navigates growing up and personal discovery while facing challenges related to her sexuality and societal expectations.

Cameron’s well-meaning but overzealous aunt who becomes her guardian after her parents' death and believes that strict religious views are the remedy for Cameron's lifestyle.

Cameron's childhood best friend and first kiss, with whom she shares a competitive yet deeply affectionate relationship that changes when their lives diverge dramatically.

A friend Cameron meets during a swim meet who lives in Seattle, but spends summers in Montana and provides Cameron cultural and emotional insight into same-sex attraction.

A seemingly All-American girl from a respected family who shares a secret romance with Cameron but subsequently feels conflicted over their relationship.

A charismatic reverend who helps run God’s Promise and is open about his previous same-sex tendencies, portraying a more lenient approach compared to his co-director.

Rick’s strict aunt and the assistant director of God’s Promise who is feared by students for her firm belief in her mission to address the origins of homosexual desires.

A resident at God’s Promise who quickly befriends Cameron, offers support, and has an independent and rebellious spirit that helps Cameron on her journey.

Cameron's trail running partner and close friend whose mother sees his fluid sexuality as spiritual, yet he is sent to God’s Promise by his father for reformation.

The dedicated son of a famed minister whose commitment to the teachings at God’s Promise leads to tragic personal upheaval.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Publisher

Balzer + Bray

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1120L

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