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Russel Middlebrook #2
The Order of the Poison Oak
Book 2 in the Lambda Award-winning Russel Middlebrook Series.
Summer camp is different from high school. Something about spending the night. Things happen.
Geography Club's Russel Middlebrook is back, and he and his friends are off to work as counselors at a summer camp. Brent Hartinger's third novel is the story of Indian legends, skinny-dipping in moonlit coves, and passionate summer romance. It's also the story of Russel's latest club, The Order of the Poison Oak, a secret society dedicated to helping its members see life's hidden beauty, and accept its sometimes painful sting.
Summer camp is different from high school. Something about spending the night. Things happen.
Geography Club's Russel Middlebrook is back, and he and his friends are off to work as counselors at a summer camp. Brent Hartinger's third novel is the story of Indian legends, skinny-dipping in moonlit coves, and passionate summer romance. It's also the story of Russel's latest club, The Order of the Poison Oak, a secret society dedicated to helping its members see life's hidden beauty, and accept its sometimes painful sting.
169 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
58 people are currently reading
2256 people want to read
About the author
Brent Hartinger
26 books813 followersI am Brent Hartinger, a novelist and screenwriter. I’ve published fourteen novels and had two of my books turned into feature films — with several more movies still in the works. One of my movies even co-starred SUPERMAN's David Corenswet.
I try hard to write books that are page-turners and commercial (and movies that are fast-paced and accessible). If I had to describe my own writing projects, I would say, “Strong central concept, strong plot, strong character and voice. Not artsy, self-indulgent, or pretentious, but still thoughtful and smart with something to say.”
I mostly write YA books — LGBTQ and thrillers, sometimes LGBTQ thrillers. My first novel, GEOGRAPHY CLUB (2003) was one of the first in a new wave of break-out LGBTQ young adult fiction, and it was adapted as a feature film in 2013.
My latest book is INFINITE DRIFT (2025), a mind-bending YA supernatural thriller with a bonkers bisexual love triangle.
Here are all my books:
STANDALONE BOOKS
* Infinite Drift
* Project Pay Day
* Three Truths and a Lie
* Grand & Humble
* Shadow Walkers
THE OTTO DIGMORE SERIES
* The Otto Digmore Difference (book 1)
* The Otto Digmore Decision (book 2)
RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK: THE FUTON YEARS
* The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (book #1)
* Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (book #2)
* The Road to Amazing (book #3)
THE RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK SERIES
* Geography Club (book #1)
* The Order of the Poison Oak (book #2)
* Double Feature: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies/Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (book #3)
* The Elephant of Surprise (book #4)
I answer all questions, so feel free to contact me on social media, or through my website: BrentHartinger.com
Cheers!
Brent Hartinger
I try hard to write books that are page-turners and commercial (and movies that are fast-paced and accessible). If I had to describe my own writing projects, I would say, “Strong central concept, strong plot, strong character and voice. Not artsy, self-indulgent, or pretentious, but still thoughtful and smart with something to say.”
I mostly write YA books — LGBTQ and thrillers, sometimes LGBTQ thrillers. My first novel, GEOGRAPHY CLUB (2003) was one of the first in a new wave of break-out LGBTQ young adult fiction, and it was adapted as a feature film in 2013.
My latest book is INFINITE DRIFT (2025), a mind-bending YA supernatural thriller with a bonkers bisexual love triangle.
Here are all my books:
STANDALONE BOOKS
* Infinite Drift
* Project Pay Day
* Three Truths and a Lie
* Grand & Humble
* Shadow Walkers
THE OTTO DIGMORE SERIES
* The Otto Digmore Difference (book 1)
* The Otto Digmore Decision (book 2)
RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK: THE FUTON YEARS
* The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (book #1)
* Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (book #2)
* The Road to Amazing (book #3)
THE RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK SERIES
* Geography Club (book #1)
* The Order of the Poison Oak (book #2)
* Double Feature: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies/Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (book #3)
* The Elephant of Surprise (book #4)
I answer all questions, so feel free to contact me on social media, or through my website: BrentHartinger.com
Cheers!
Brent Hartinger
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
April 16, 2015
Audible
Charming, funny and smart!
I am in love with this series!
A must read for all YA-lovers!
May 13, 2013
I am enjoying the hell outta this series. It's like Harry Potter for us gay boys, except without all the hocus pocus and more male bodies in the mix.
Okay, in the spirit of Russel - FULL DISCLOSURE: I fully acknowledge I am terrrrrrrribly late to the Middlebrook party but as they say better late...
Oh, to be young and in high school... or in the case of 'Order...' To be young and in charge of camp crazed 10 year old boys whose single goal is to cause as much damage as they can in their wake mixed with hunky flirty (not to mention slutty) boy toy and Russel's summer should be set, right?
What could possibly go wrong? How about losing not just one, but maybe two of your best friends, nearly making out with previously stated slutty boy (no matter how hot or well-equipped he is), nearly losing your life and still finding the boy of your dreams who is right in front of you the whole time? Yeah, that'll make a great essay for school when you return.
Another brilliant entry in the Middlebrook series. With my days of high school drama long behind me (we're talking back when cell phones were nearly as big as airstream trailers here, folks) this book made me sorta bittersweetly recall those scary, sometimes rapturous (though few and far between - not too unlike the protagonist) yet, still trying to keep a sense of humor (sometimes failing miserably - but that's what life is learning from mistakes and boy is Russel a magnet for that)!! Who benefits from all that? We readers. of course!
I won't expound on why Russel is a gem of a character, suffice to say read these books! Gay, straight, questioning, who cares... these books are great moralistic stories wrapped in humorous wit candy with naked boy bodies inferred (and sometimes explicit) thrown in for good measure... who wouldn't want to read that?! (Another full disclosure: I am not being perverted here, just recalling my teen years and how much I would've enjoyed hearing someone who I could identify with...would have made the lonelier days less lonely).
Another great work.
Do yourself a favor and read it.
Okay, in the spirit of Russel - FULL DISCLOSURE: I fully acknowledge I am terrrrrrrribly late to the Middlebrook party but as they say better late...
Oh, to be young and in high school... or in the case of 'Order...' To be young and in charge of camp crazed 10 year old boys whose single goal is to cause as much damage as they can in their wake mixed with hunky flirty (not to mention slutty) boy toy and Russel's summer should be set, right?
What could possibly go wrong? How about losing not just one, but maybe two of your best friends, nearly making out with previously stated slutty boy (no matter how hot or well-equipped he is), nearly losing your life and still finding the boy of your dreams who is right in front of you the whole time? Yeah, that'll make a great essay for school when you return.
Another brilliant entry in the Middlebrook series. With my days of high school drama long behind me (we're talking back when cell phones were nearly as big as airstream trailers here, folks) this book made me sorta bittersweetly recall those scary, sometimes rapturous (though few and far between - not too unlike the protagonist) yet, still trying to keep a sense of humor (sometimes failing miserably - but that's what life is learning from mistakes and boy is Russel a magnet for that)!! Who benefits from all that? We readers. of course!
I won't expound on why Russel is a gem of a character, suffice to say read these books! Gay, straight, questioning, who cares... these books are great moralistic stories wrapped in humorous wit candy with naked boy bodies inferred (and sometimes explicit) thrown in for good measure... who wouldn't want to read that?! (Another full disclosure: I am not being perverted here, just recalling my teen years and how much I would've enjoyed hearing someone who I could identify with...would have made the lonelier days less lonely).
Another great work.
Do yourself a favor and read it.
November 19, 2007
Russel Middlebrook is not having a good time at school. Ever since his “Geography Club” was exposed as really being a Gay, Bisexual, Straight Alliance. Now, he can’t wait to get away for the summer to anywhere where he won’t be known as the “gay kid”.
When his best friends Gunnar and Min invite him to get a job with them as counselors at a summer camp for burn victims, Russel thinks he’ll have it made. But being a counselor for a bunch of 9-year-old “beasts” as he calls them is more than Russel bargained for.
Russel needs to find a way to assert his authority yet get the kids to see him as their friend. This includes his forming a secret society known as the Order of the Poison Oak.
If all that wasn’t enough, he also finds a way to alienate both his best friends. Plus he must deal with his mixed emotions toward the “hot” dude at the camp, a fellow counselor who keeps sending mixed messages to Russel and Min.
When a forest fire encroaches upon the camp, the story takes an exciting twist into adventure.
Order of the Poison Oak is the funny, thoughtful, and sometime adventurous sequel to The Geography Club. It deals with what it’s like to be an awkward young teenager looking for acceptance, friendship, and perhaps even love.
Peter
When his best friends Gunnar and Min invite him to get a job with them as counselors at a summer camp for burn victims, Russel thinks he’ll have it made. But being a counselor for a bunch of 9-year-old “beasts” as he calls them is more than Russel bargained for.
Russel needs to find a way to assert his authority yet get the kids to see him as their friend. This includes his forming a secret society known as the Order of the Poison Oak.
If all that wasn’t enough, he also finds a way to alienate both his best friends. Plus he must deal with his mixed emotions toward the “hot” dude at the camp, a fellow counselor who keeps sending mixed messages to Russel and Min.
When a forest fire encroaches upon the camp, the story takes an exciting twist into adventure.
Order of the Poison Oak is the funny, thoughtful, and sometime adventurous sequel to The Geography Club. It deals with what it’s like to be an awkward young teenager looking for acceptance, friendship, and perhaps even love.
Peter
July 13, 2024
I enjoy the second book in this series more than the first. It’s a perfect YA novel, lots of fun, with an engaging plot and a meaningful message underneath.
April 14, 2021
First off, you do not need to first read Geography Club to be swept up into the adolescent yearnings of Camp Serenity. I didn't. But you will need to want to rediscover the sweetness of those emotional growth spurts through a voice as clear, as natural, as refreshing as a mountain stream.
Russell and his two best friends enlist to become camp counselors, and their very first group of campers have a lot to teach them. They all have scars, most of which are from burns.
Yes, there are first loves and skinny dips that occur between the cabin tug-a-wars and nature hikes for the counselors. But there are also bonds forged between campers and counselors, between friends, new and old, and with Nature itself. It all adds up for Russ to a feeling of invulnerability. And at 16, that's a pretty darn good summer.
If you're looking for a YA Classic, open The Order of the Poison Oak.
Russell and his two best friends enlist to become camp counselors, and their very first group of campers have a lot to teach them. They all have scars, most of which are from burns.
Yes, there are first loves and skinny dips that occur between the cabin tug-a-wars and nature hikes for the counselors. But there are also bonds forged between campers and counselors, between friends, new and old, and with Nature itself. It all adds up for Russ to a feeling of invulnerability. And at 16, that's a pretty darn good summer.
If you're looking for a YA Classic, open The Order of the Poison Oak.
June 13, 2013
'Sup, dudes?
I really don't like YA novels. I'm past the age where I really remember, or much care about, the trials and tribulations of the high school social network.
Fortunately, that doesn't really matter, because Brent Hartinger has conceived of a character so charming and pleasurable to get to know that it's an unalloyed pleasure revisiting *shudder* my sophomore year and its intricate horrors.
Meet Russel Middlebrook. Russel is sixteen. He knows he's gay. His Internet chat buddies know as well. The problem is that the not-so-understanding students of Robert L. Goodkind High School may be about to discover that gay thingy as well.
In Geography Club and The Order of the Poison Oak, Russel, along with his best (straight) friend Gunnar, and their pal, the very bisexual Min, navigate the hazards of coming to terms with Russel's being gay vis-à-vis high school (Geography Club) and in the wide-open world of sleepover summer camp counselling (The Order of the Poison Oak.)
Each story is elegantly simple, and totally straightforward. What takes place in each short novel (~250 page each) can be gathered from the summaries above.
It's getting to know the totally lovable Russel, and his winsome buds, that makes this a series to settle-in with. I was hooked on the first page (of the second novel in the series.) I read the first two books in the series in reverse order. It really doesn't matter, because each book stands firmly on its own. Besides it's all in the getting-to-know anyway.
The stories are extremely simple. I would guess that they are aimed at the fourteen to sixteen year-old reader; but that's not to say there was nothing there for this jaded old reader. I wouldn't be be bothering with this review, and the series, if there weren't.
Russel is very straightforward in his attempts to understand social and sexual politics in the cloistered worlds of academe, and as a counselor at overnight summer camp. His attempts to deal with his sexuality, as it relates to life, is the series' driving force. Then there's the somewhat bemused Gunnar's attempt to get a girlfriend, or a dog. He will settle for either, or both. (Although he would definitely prefer the girlfriend.) Intervening Fate seems to be making Gunnar's search a series of enchanting pratfalls. Min is whip-smart, attractive and open to suitors of either sex. It's these three, and their satellites, that formed the true basis of attraction for this reader. The stories are attractively easy to get through, but it's the genuine sweetness and winsome nature of this troika of pals that will draw me through the entire series. This isn't Updike by any stretch, and that's such a relief! Every so often it's nice to sit down with some people you wish were your nieces or nephews, and just sympathize with their struggles with life, love and the whole damned thing. Pick up either of these two one-day reads, and enjoy a break from the tsuris that accompanies so much of the rest of m/m romance fiction.
Dude, you will be so totally glad you settled-in for the mad round that makes life with Russel and his mates fascinating and fun to follow. The series, thus far, has been a total joy to read. I hope you like it as much as I have.
Oh, and Russel's retelling of an old American Indian legend, first as truth, then twisted into fiction, had me crying like a 14 year-old girl who just heard that Justin Bieber had gotten married.
I really don't like YA novels. I'm past the age where I really remember, or much care about, the trials and tribulations of the high school social network.
Fortunately, that doesn't really matter, because Brent Hartinger has conceived of a character so charming and pleasurable to get to know that it's an unalloyed pleasure revisiting *shudder* my sophomore year and its intricate horrors.
Meet Russel Middlebrook. Russel is sixteen. He knows he's gay. His Internet chat buddies know as well. The problem is that the not-so-understanding students of Robert L. Goodkind High School may be about to discover that gay thingy as well.
In Geography Club and The Order of the Poison Oak, Russel, along with his best (straight) friend Gunnar, and their pal, the very bisexual Min, navigate the hazards of coming to terms with Russel's being gay vis-à-vis high school (Geography Club) and in the wide-open world of sleepover summer camp counselling (The Order of the Poison Oak.)
Each story is elegantly simple, and totally straightforward. What takes place in each short novel (~250 page each) can be gathered from the summaries above.
It's getting to know the totally lovable Russel, and his winsome buds, that makes this a series to settle-in with. I was hooked on the first page (of the second novel in the series.) I read the first two books in the series in reverse order. It really doesn't matter, because each book stands firmly on its own. Besides it's all in the getting-to-know anyway.
The stories are extremely simple. I would guess that they are aimed at the fourteen to sixteen year-old reader; but that's not to say there was nothing there for this jaded old reader. I wouldn't be be bothering with this review, and the series, if there weren't.
Russel is very straightforward in his attempts to understand social and sexual politics in the cloistered worlds of academe, and as a counselor at overnight summer camp. His attempts to deal with his sexuality, as it relates to life, is the series' driving force. Then there's the somewhat bemused Gunnar's attempt to get a girlfriend, or a dog. He will settle for either, or both. (Although he would definitely prefer the girlfriend.) Intervening Fate seems to be making Gunnar's search a series of enchanting pratfalls. Min is whip-smart, attractive and open to suitors of either sex. It's these three, and their satellites, that formed the true basis of attraction for this reader. The stories are attractively easy to get through, but it's the genuine sweetness and winsome nature of this troika of pals that will draw me through the entire series. This isn't Updike by any stretch, and that's such a relief! Every so often it's nice to sit down with some people you wish were your nieces or nephews, and just sympathize with their struggles with life, love and the whole damned thing. Pick up either of these two one-day reads, and enjoy a break from the tsuris that accompanies so much of the rest of m/m romance fiction.
Dude, you will be so totally glad you settled-in for the mad round that makes life with Russel and his mates fascinating and fun to follow. The series, thus far, has been a total joy to read. I hope you like it as much as I have.
Oh, and Russel's retelling of an old American Indian legend, first as truth, then twisted into fiction, had me crying like a 14 year-old girl who just heard that Justin Bieber had gotten married.
February 2, 2015
OK! WEB IS HOTTIE but super JERK!
So I love this book because it's so CUTE about 10-years old kids who have burn scar... Everything, the plotting, are so perfect....I couldn't stop read it. I love it.
So I love this book because it's so CUTE about 10-years old kids who have burn scar... Everything, the plotting, are so perfect....I couldn't stop read it. I love it.
October 18, 2007
The sequel to Geography Club - a little more spicey. Summer camp brings that out in everyone.
June 9, 2022
I don't like being negative especially about queer literature but this did make me think "just because it is gay does not mean it is good"
December 16, 2015
Amazing read.
November 13, 2017
guess who just read this whole book in one sitting at her colleges dining hall??? me!!! and I have No Chill!!!!
I loved the geography club so much so I decided to BUY!!!! (ME, BUYING A BOOK BEFORE IVE READ IT!!!) the order of the poison oak. I was so not disappointed. in fact, it's on the same level or possibly even BETTER than the first novel, which rarely happens in series
good ol Russel back at it again with the strikingly genuine authenticity that taps directly into the center of my heart. the best part is you Know that he's telling a story-- the book isn't just stream of consciousness and sometimes he tells the audience he's omitting things-- yet he keeps those not so appropriate/pc thoughts in the story. and by the end he comes to completely overlook people's appearances, and not out of rudeness, but out of love for who they are as people, god imma cry
Russel does a lot of growing up in this novel. he makes mistakes and he Knows that he's made them, but the best part is that he always acknowledges his flaws and tries to be a better person, for his sake and the sake of all of those whom his actions affect. (spoiler: the rainbow crow story was amazing and, like Otto and the campers, I was so incredibly touched and I fell more platonically head over heels for Russel-- idk how that's even POSSIBLE bc I loved him so much already but w/e)
the new characters in the book were great too!!! Otto oh my god like we didn't learn that much about him but I know he's gonna show up/be relevant in future novels and I'm so ready. seeing how Russel's perception of him changed throughout the book was so interesting and beautiful. Em is a lil quirky but I think we'd be friends irl. Min and Gunner made a come back and, while their relationship w Russel was rocky the whole book, I'm glad they were all together and learned about life through each other. and the fucking first weeks kids!!! god they went from so horrible to so good so fast!! it's honestly so true that you can't really accurately judge a person until you get to know them. It was intriguing to see Russel and Ian's relationship develop and change and (spoiler: see how great their relationship was by the end. Ian wanted to get another poison oak leaf to remember camp and the Order I'm not crying you're crying 😭😭).
but yes this sequel was just as amazing as the first book and I think this series is gonna ruin my college career because all I wanna do now is read these books. thank you hartinger for writing them, they are truly life changing
I loved the geography club so much so I decided to BUY!!!! (ME, BUYING A BOOK BEFORE IVE READ IT!!!) the order of the poison oak. I was so not disappointed. in fact, it's on the same level or possibly even BETTER than the first novel, which rarely happens in series
good ol Russel back at it again with the strikingly genuine authenticity that taps directly into the center of my heart. the best part is you Know that he's telling a story-- the book isn't just stream of consciousness and sometimes he tells the audience he's omitting things-- yet he keeps those not so appropriate/pc thoughts in the story. and by the end he comes to completely overlook people's appearances, and not out of rudeness, but out of love for who they are as people, god imma cry
Russel does a lot of growing up in this novel. he makes mistakes and he Knows that he's made them, but the best part is that he always acknowledges his flaws and tries to be a better person, for his sake and the sake of all of those whom his actions affect. (spoiler: the rainbow crow story was amazing and, like Otto and the campers, I was so incredibly touched and I fell more platonically head over heels for Russel-- idk how that's even POSSIBLE bc I loved him so much already but w/e)
the new characters in the book were great too!!! Otto oh my god like we didn't learn that much about him but I know he's gonna show up/be relevant in future novels and I'm so ready. seeing how Russel's perception of him changed throughout the book was so interesting and beautiful. Em is a lil quirky but I think we'd be friends irl. Min and Gunner made a come back and, while their relationship w Russel was rocky the whole book, I'm glad they were all together and learned about life through each other. and the fucking first weeks kids!!! god they went from so horrible to so good so fast!! it's honestly so true that you can't really accurately judge a person until you get to know them. It was intriguing to see Russel and Ian's relationship develop and change and (spoiler: see how great their relationship was by the end. Ian wanted to get another poison oak leaf to remember camp and the Order I'm not crying you're crying 😭😭).
but yes this sequel was just as amazing as the first book and I think this series is gonna ruin my college career because all I wanna do now is read these books. thank you hartinger for writing them, they are truly life changing
January 5, 2022
Having blitzes through Geography Club, I couldn't get into the other Russel Middlebrook books fast enough.
In this second installment, Russel is tired of being the Out Gay Kid at school and jumps at the chance to become a camp counsellor during the summer break. His best friends Min and Gunnar are going too - what could be better? Well, not messing up your friendships for one! Anyway, all's well that ends well in this genre of story where the main character(s) must work through issues about growing up and being human, but in a lighthearted, fun-ensuring way.
I considered 'punishing' the book with fewer than five stars because of its preachiness (the first batch of campers are burn survivors and how to deal with them is an important element). But Russel's sincerity is too heart-warming, his ability to ride the tsunami-like waves of teenage emotion is too beautiful, and the humorous style with its little quirky bits directed at the audience is too endearing. And then there is the lovely Otto. And some heroism for good measure. So: full marks again. Brent Hartinger has really created a wonderful character and an interesting ecology for him - the fact that there is a series proves the richness of the creation.
Hoewel elemente van hierdie Russel Middlebrook-storie prekerig mag voorkom, is die karakters net té hartlik, die gebeure té vermaaklik en die vloedgolwe tieneremosie net té oortuigend om bitterbek te wees. Volpunte!
In this second installment, Russel is tired of being the Out Gay Kid at school and jumps at the chance to become a camp counsellor during the summer break. His best friends Min and Gunnar are going too - what could be better? Well, not messing up your friendships for one! Anyway, all's well that ends well in this genre of story where the main character(s) must work through issues about growing up and being human, but in a lighthearted, fun-ensuring way.
I considered 'punishing' the book with fewer than five stars because of its preachiness (the first batch of campers are burn survivors and how to deal with them is an important element). But Russel's sincerity is too heart-warming, his ability to ride the tsunami-like waves of teenage emotion is too beautiful, and the humorous style with its little quirky bits directed at the audience is too endearing. And then there is the lovely Otto. And some heroism for good measure. So: full marks again. Brent Hartinger has really created a wonderful character and an interesting ecology for him - the fact that there is a series proves the richness of the creation.
Hoewel elemente van hierdie Russel Middlebrook-storie prekerig mag voorkom, is die karakters net té hartlik, die gebeure té vermaaklik en die vloedgolwe tieneremosie net té oortuigend om bitterbek te wees. Volpunte!
February 5, 2016
4.5 stars. Very good follow up to Geography Club. Plus, who the hell doesn't like reading about summer camp?? They're always so atmospheric and fun (even with all the angst). And Russ was definitely his standard awkward and awesome self in this--making high-schoolesque decisions and making new friends and learning new things.
The whole Order of the Poison Oak thing was pretty awesome. Definitely some weepy tears during that.
Lots of great Russ-thoughts, too. "And second, did it ever occur to whoever wrote that stupid adage that hurtful words might be a pretty good indication that sticks and stones are on the way?" and "The bane of almost every gay boy's existence: sometimes the biggest high school jerks are also the hunkiest."
I'm definitely liking this series a lot! As a note, these are true YA: young adult characters in young adult situations with fairly tempered language and fade to black on the sex stuff.
The whole Order of the Poison Oak thing was pretty awesome. Definitely some weepy tears during that.
Lots of great Russ-thoughts, too. "And second, did it ever occur to whoever wrote that stupid adage that hurtful words might be a pretty good indication that sticks and stones are on the way?" and "The bane of almost every gay boy's existence: sometimes the biggest high school jerks are also the hunkiest."
I'm definitely liking this series a lot! As a note, these are true YA: young adult characters in young adult situations with fairly tempered language and fade to black on the sex stuff.
February 19, 2013
The sequel to "Geography Club" goes in a different direction than expected - instead of continuing on at the school we lose half the characters and follow Russel, Gunnar and Min as they become counselors at a summer camp. It's enjoyable, but you do find yourself wondering what's become of those who are left behind but hopefully they'll pop up in book 3. There's a little bit of heavyhanded moralising here, but it won't detract too much.
October 14, 2007
Well done sequel to Geograpy Club. I liked them both about equally.
March 15, 2013
The last book ends with this kid Bryan saving our hero, Russel Middlebrook, from being outted to his entire school. This book opens after Russel has decided to out himself anyway. And lo and behold, people are treating him badly.
To get away from it all, he and his two best friends, Gunnar and Min, sign up to be camp counselors for the summer. The first group of campers are burn survivors, and Russel’s cabin are 10 year old little monsters to boot.
One of the other counselors in particular catch Russel’s eye. Web is hotter than the sun and gives off mixed signals. Even worse, Min is also interested in him.
Then there is Otto, a burn survivor himself. The nice guy to Web’s bad boy. Another prominent new character is Em, a cool, geeky girl that Russel thinks would be great for Gunnar. Only Gunnar has sworn off girls because he only makes a fool of himself in front of them anyway. And he really, really does.
Overall, I liked this book a lot more than the first one. Russel can be very sweet, but he can also be remarkably stupid. I love the way he finally won his cabin of monsters over. Russel continues to break the fourth wall, which I found pretty irritating. That said, the writing is nice and light and the story amusing at times. The underlying message is handled a little heavy handed, but I’ve come to expect that from Mr. Hartinger.
To get away from it all, he and his two best friends, Gunnar and Min, sign up to be camp counselors for the summer. The first group of campers are burn survivors, and Russel’s cabin are 10 year old little monsters to boot.
One of the other counselors in particular catch Russel’s eye. Web is hotter than the sun and gives off mixed signals. Even worse, Min is also interested in him.
Then there is Otto, a burn survivor himself. The nice guy to Web’s bad boy. Another prominent new character is Em, a cool, geeky girl that Russel thinks would be great for Gunnar. Only Gunnar has sworn off girls because he only makes a fool of himself in front of them anyway. And he really, really does.
Overall, I liked this book a lot more than the first one. Russel can be very sweet, but he can also be remarkably stupid. I love the way he finally won his cabin of monsters over. Russel continues to break the fourth wall, which I found pretty irritating. That said, the writing is nice and light and the story amusing at times. The underlying message is handled a little heavy handed, but I’ve come to expect that from Mr. Hartinger.
July 8, 2012
another good book from brent hartinger, aimed at teens. this is the second in the russel middlebrook books. the first being geography club
russel is gay and out at school, and its been hard. he just wants a summer away from it. away from everyone knowing and the whispers in a place where being gay isnt all he is known for (there are times when even at 40+ i can relate to that.) so russel decides that summer camp as a camp councelor is just the right idea.
But the first two weeks of camp, well if i told you every thing you wouldnt need to read the book would you.
This is not a book aimed at adults so dont expect adult content. but I enjoyed the book and made a conection to the characters. maybe I should just class myself as a slightly late teen
Geography ClubGeography ClubGeography Club
russel is gay and out at school, and its been hard. he just wants a summer away from it. away from everyone knowing and the whispers in a place where being gay isnt all he is known for (there are times when even at 40+ i can relate to that.) so russel decides that summer camp as a camp councelor is just the right idea.
But the first two weeks of camp, well if i told you every thing you wouldnt need to read the book would you.
This is not a book aimed at adults so dont expect adult content. but I enjoyed the book and made a conection to the characters. maybe I should just class myself as a slightly late teen
Geography ClubGeography ClubGeography Club
January 14, 2013
As much as I enjoyed "The Geography Club", I have to say I found "The Order of the Poison Oak" to be an even more enjoyable story. After introducing the cast and the school setting in the first Russel Middlebrook novel, this one builds from its foundations and takes off in a new direction quite brilliantly!
Without getting into any spoilers, you really get a deeper understanding of Russ's character when you see him thrust into an unfamiliar (and often intensely uncomfortable) situation. Russ is not a perfect character by any means, and it was the process of watching him struggle to redeem himself after doing the wrong things that made the most compelling moments of the narrative.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who read and enjoyed the first book in the series, and anyone who wants to read a good summer camp story. The romantic elements don't crowd the plot out by any stretch of the imagination, but they're quite a lot of fun and affect the story just as much as such interests tend to affect teenagers. ^^
I just bought the 3rd book for my iPhone, so I'll certainly leave a review of that one once I've finished it.
Without getting into any spoilers, you really get a deeper understanding of Russ's character when you see him thrust into an unfamiliar (and often intensely uncomfortable) situation. Russ is not a perfect character by any means, and it was the process of watching him struggle to redeem himself after doing the wrong things that made the most compelling moments of the narrative.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who read and enjoyed the first book in the series, and anyone who wants to read a good summer camp story. The romantic elements don't crowd the plot out by any stretch of the imagination, but they're quite a lot of fun and affect the story just as much as such interests tend to affect teenagers. ^^
I just bought the 3rd book for my iPhone, so I'll certainly leave a review of that one once I've finished it.
June 9, 2016
Un second tome bien meilleur que le premier ! si j'avais aimé le premier, le second l'a largement surpassé !
Au début, j'étais un peu réticente à le lire, avec le titre et le résumé, je ne savais pas à quoi m'attendre et honnêtement, j'ai été plus que surprise de voir à quel point l'auteur s'en ai merveilleusement bien tiré !
Retrouvé Russel, Min et Gunnar a été un véritable plaisirs. J'ai aussi adoré découvrir de nouveaux personnages comme Ian et Trévor mais surtout Otto qui a été à lui seul un petit coup de coeur !
Russel est un magnifique personnage principal, il n'est pas parfait, il fait des conneries, mais il essaie toujours de se racheter. J'ai adoré la relation avec les enfants, comment c'était décrit, comment elle a évolué, tout et particulièrement sa relation avec Otto qui a été très bien écrite, détaillée, approfondie ! SI j'avais reproché le mange d'intensité au niveau de lace problème avec ce second tome où l'intensité et les émotions étaient clairement là !
A lire !!
PS : petite mention spécial pour The Order Of Poison Oak, magnifique idée, bien développée !
Au début, j'étais un peu réticente à le lire, avec le titre et le résumé, je ne savais pas à quoi m'attendre et honnêtement, j'ai été plus que surprise de voir à quel point l'auteur s'en ai merveilleusement bien tiré !
Retrouvé Russel, Min et Gunnar a été un véritable plaisirs. J'ai aussi adoré découvrir de nouveaux personnages comme Ian et Trévor mais surtout Otto qui a été à lui seul un petit coup de coeur !
Russel est un magnifique personnage principal, il n'est pas parfait, il fait des conneries, mais il essaie toujours de se racheter. J'ai adoré la relation avec les enfants, comment c'était décrit, comment elle a évolué, tout et particulièrement sa relation avec Otto qui a été très bien écrite, détaillée, approfondie ! SI j'avais reproché le mange d'intensité au niveau de lace problème avec ce second tome où l'intensité et les émotions étaient clairement là !
A lire !!
PS : petite mention spécial pour The Order Of Poison Oak, magnifique idée, bien développée !
December 28, 2007
Russel's commentaries throughout the book are some of the funniest material I have ever read. If one can appreciate J.D. on Scrubs, Russ will knock your socks off. Hartinger again mixes humor and serious issues into gold, something the Alchemists would be highly envious of. That being said, I found the connection between being outcast for a physical deformity and being an outcast for being gay totally erroneous. One cannot create a connection between a person that went through a traumatic event and was scarred by it to someone who can, presumably at least, conceal a personality difference from the rest of the world. I wouldn't say they are no parallels whatsoever as some critics have (though I have little room to speak as I don't know much of burn survivors), but I felt it oversimplified even for a young adult novel.
September 28, 2017
*DNF* There's a certain line that stopped me dead in my tracks and I will not be continuing with this book or any other book by this author. Something to the effect of "he looked at me like he either didn't hear me or was ausistic". People on the AS are not the butt of some joke that is not remotely funny, and I am absolutely not okay with it. I don't care if it's Russel himself who is ignorant, I just can't. DISGUSTING.
October 19, 2011
As soon as I was finished with Geography Club I picked this one up :) I wish it had been longer haha Otto! I fell in love with Otto! I wish their encounter had been different :) spoiler alert! Sorry haha but this book was AMAZING!!! I hope there's a trilogy in the making :) I can't get enough of Russell ha his life is truly wonderful.
April 9, 2007
funny, love the main character
May 27, 2013
even better than the first!
March 27, 2019
I liked this book, but it wasn't as good as the first book in the series. The subject matter was not as interesting.
May 2, 2022
This was honestly so cute and raw. The refreshing honesty of this fictional piece gives readers what it’s actually like being inside a teen LGBTQ+ head. Poor Russell is HOT for boys, but he doesn’t wanna admit it because he doesn’t want other people‘s perception of him to be just that.
The characters:
•They are teenagers and unapologetically so. They are impulsive and one track minded and they very easily get bent out of shape over nothing. Poor Russell only has one thing on his mind and that is just about all teenage boys think about. The jealousy piece is so real. The feeling inadequate is so real. The admiration of what others have or who they are IS SO REAL. Hartinger absolutely nails the teenage mind and experience.
The Writing:
• I love the way that these books are written. It’s in first person, from Russell‘s viewpoint, but you get to see how insecure and unsure he is of himself and other people. He does a lot of thinking. And he thinks about boys A LOT. I also found this very easy to follow along and immerse myself in the story.
The Story:
• As I said above, this was super cute but also very real. One of the major lessons that Russell learns during this installment is that while he was feeling so invisible for so long, he had the chance to make a certain group of kids finally feel seen. He also learns that some people just want to use him for their own agenda and that doesn’t sit well with him. I also really enjoyed how he met someone who, at first glance, didn’t necessarily match his perceptions of what beauty is until he got to know this character and started to enjoy the person he was.
The characters:
•They are teenagers and unapologetically so. They are impulsive and one track minded and they very easily get bent out of shape over nothing. Poor Russell only has one thing on his mind and that is just about all teenage boys think about. The jealousy piece is so real. The feeling inadequate is so real. The admiration of what others have or who they are IS SO REAL. Hartinger absolutely nails the teenage mind and experience.
The Writing:
• I love the way that these books are written. It’s in first person, from Russell‘s viewpoint, but you get to see how insecure and unsure he is of himself and other people. He does a lot of thinking. And he thinks about boys A LOT. I also found this very easy to follow along and immerse myself in the story.
The Story:
• As I said above, this was super cute but also very real. One of the major lessons that Russell learns during this installment is that while he was feeling so invisible for so long, he had the chance to make a certain group of kids finally feel seen. He also learns that some people just want to use him for their own agenda and that doesn’t sit well with him. I also really enjoyed how he met someone who, at first glance, didn’t necessarily match his perceptions of what beauty is until he got to know this character and started to enjoy the person he was.
July 25, 2021
A fun summer read full of typical high school romance and drama. I enjoyed it and reading about the same characters again.
I thought there were some well-written scenes including the store and induction scene. I feel the theme of being excluded and left out continues throughout the series and I liked that we got a different layer with individuals with scars this time.
I really like Otto and Em lol. They seem like such sweet characters and Em is a laugh. This book continues to suffer from being too short and I feel like we could spend a bit more time unraveling the conflict between characters I.e. Min and Russ over Web.
Thr author acknowledges that he doesn't write the good parts because they're not as exciting as the bad. I love reading characters enjoy themselves and I'd want to read that and not always seeing them in conflict!
I thought there were some well-written scenes including the store and induction scene. I feel the theme of being excluded and left out continues throughout the series and I liked that we got a different layer with individuals with scars this time.
I really like Otto and Em lol. They seem like such sweet characters and Em is a laugh. This book continues to suffer from being too short and I feel like we could spend a bit more time unraveling the conflict between characters I.e. Min and Russ over Web.
Thr author acknowledges that he doesn't write the good parts because they're not as exciting as the bad. I love reading characters enjoy themselves and I'd want to read that and not always seeing them in conflict!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
I didn’t like this second book as much as I hoped I would. It’s still very realistic in my opinion but there is a shift from book one in the writing style. Russell feels like a different character and although the writing improved and carries you away there are moments you can’t help but think ‘ain’t no way this happened’. It played too much into cliches and didn’t give enough depth to characters. Book one made you feel for others, you understood them but in book two, it’s like no one has any rhyme or reason. The ending was beautiful and I liked Otto and Ian but there is something about the book that even lovely, beautifully-crafted characters won’t help me get past. But yeah I read it in one go so make of that what you will.
April 27, 2022
Russel Middlebrook has had a tough year in high school and is looking forward to escaping with Min and Gunnar as summer camp counsellors for 5 two-week cycles. The first cohort of campers are burn survivors and Russel struggles to gain their respect or maintain control. And while he makes plenty of typical ‘Russel’ mistakes, he also learns from them, forms bonds, and grows as a person. There was so much to enjoy in this story: the mayhem, the teenage crushes, the unbreakable friendships, and more. I really like Russel, Min, Gunnar and Otto as characters - they are all decent people I enjoy spending time with. Josh Hurley narrates the audio with great sympathy, humour, and expertise.
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