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Sunshine is Forever
After a life-changing decision, Hunter decides that he can’t go on…
…which lands him in Camp Sunshine, a rehab center for depressed teens. Hunter is determined to keep everyone there out of his head, especially his therapist. But when he meets Corin, a beautiful, mysterious, and confident fellow camper, all Hunter wants to do is open up to her, despite the fact that he’s been warned Corin is bad news.
When Corin devises a plan for them to break out of the camp, Hunter is faced with the ultimate choice — will he run from the traumatic incident he’s tried so hard to escape, or will he learn that his mistakes have landed him right where he’s meant to be?
Sunshine is Forever captures the heartbreaking spirit of The Fault in Our Stars, the humor of Orange is the New Black, and the angst of Catcher in the Rye.
…which lands him in Camp Sunshine, a rehab center for depressed teens. Hunter is determined to keep everyone there out of his head, especially his therapist. But when he meets Corin, a beautiful, mysterious, and confident fellow camper, all Hunter wants to do is open up to her, despite the fact that he’s been warned Corin is bad news.
When Corin devises a plan for them to break out of the camp, Hunter is faced with the ultimate choice — will he run from the traumatic incident he’s tried so hard to escape, or will he learn that his mistakes have landed him right where he’s meant to be?
Sunshine is Forever captures the heartbreaking spirit of The Fault in Our Stars, the humor of Orange is the New Black, and the angst of Catcher in the Rye.
262 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2017
10 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Kyle T. Cowan
1 book112 followersKyle Burrell-Cowan (a.k.a. Kyle T. Cowan) is an American-qualified lawyer, actor, author, screenwriter, and filmmaker. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law (2024) and is licensed to practice law in Colorado, with eligibility across all Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) jurisdictions. His legal interests focus on contract and intellectual property law, and he is passionate about merging legal expertise with creative work—particularly in areas such as producing, contract negotiation, and IP protection within the film industry.
Burrell-Cowan’s legal experience includes a clerkship with a Denver District Judge and various externships throughout law school. As a law clerk, he represented victims of military sexual trauma under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with the Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project. Under Colorado’s Student Practice Act, he secured a guilty verdict in a challenging misdemeanor trial in Arapahoe County through strong advocacy, compelling testimony, and innovative use of technology. He also collaborated with a judge to implement more inclusive gender-identifying language on juror forms in the same county. At Cocona Labs, Inc., he gained hands-on experience in corporate law, contracts, negotiation, intellectual property, and licensing.
As an actor, Cowan has appeared in numerous acclaimed film and television productions, including Better Call Saul, Preacher, War on Everyone, The Short History of the Long Road, Odd Thomas, Camouflage, and Manhattan.
As a screenwriter, Cowan has been named a finalist in multiple international competitions. His pilot Don’t Say Gay! earned a Top 1% accolade on Coverfly prior to the platform’s closure. His filmmaking experience spans the full lifecycle of indie film production. His debut feature Camouflage—which he wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in—was financed through a successful $55,000 crowdfunding campaign. He collaborated with Luber Roklin Entertainment to cast actors from Game of Thrones, Pretty Little Liars, The Walking Dead, and Star Trek, and led the post-production process through to its release at New Mexico Comic Con and on digital platforms.
As an author, Cowan’s debut novel Sunshine is Forever (Inkshares, 2017) became a #1 bestseller at the Barnes & Noble in Albuquerque, where it remained #1 for three consecutive months. He independently secured 750 pre-orders to close a publishing deal, sold audiobook rights to Audible, and won an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine.
Outside of work, Burrell-Cowan enjoys quality time with his husband and their pets. Together they love cooking, gaming, exploring the outdoors, visiting breweries, and spending time with family. He is enthusiastic about contributing his multidisciplinary background to both the film industry and the legal community.
Burrell-Cowan’s legal experience includes a clerkship with a Denver District Judge and various externships throughout law school. As a law clerk, he represented victims of military sexual trauma under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with the Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project. Under Colorado’s Student Practice Act, he secured a guilty verdict in a challenging misdemeanor trial in Arapahoe County through strong advocacy, compelling testimony, and innovative use of technology. He also collaborated with a judge to implement more inclusive gender-identifying language on juror forms in the same county. At Cocona Labs, Inc., he gained hands-on experience in corporate law, contracts, negotiation, intellectual property, and licensing.
As an actor, Cowan has appeared in numerous acclaimed film and television productions, including Better Call Saul, Preacher, War on Everyone, The Short History of the Long Road, Odd Thomas, Camouflage, and Manhattan.
As a screenwriter, Cowan has been named a finalist in multiple international competitions. His pilot Don’t Say Gay! earned a Top 1% accolade on Coverfly prior to the platform’s closure. His filmmaking experience spans the full lifecycle of indie film production. His debut feature Camouflage—which he wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in—was financed through a successful $55,000 crowdfunding campaign. He collaborated with Luber Roklin Entertainment to cast actors from Game of Thrones, Pretty Little Liars, The Walking Dead, and Star Trek, and led the post-production process through to its release at New Mexico Comic Con and on digital platforms.
As an author, Cowan’s debut novel Sunshine is Forever (Inkshares, 2017) became a #1 bestseller at the Barnes & Noble in Albuquerque, where it remained #1 for three consecutive months. He independently secured 750 pre-orders to close a publishing deal, sold audiobook rights to Audible, and won an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine.
Outside of work, Burrell-Cowan enjoys quality time with his husband and their pets. Together they love cooking, gaming, exploring the outdoors, visiting breweries, and spending time with family. He is enthusiastic about contributing his multidisciplinary background to both the film industry and the legal community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 22, 2017
I so wish I'd read this book when I was a depressed teenager. It's darkly humorous and immensely readable. Reads like The Bell Jar rewritten by Chuck Palahniuk. In other words: savagely entertaining.
March 24, 2017
Cowan has the guts to take teen suicide and turn it into a darkly comic page turner in an unexpected camp setting. A mood-boosting must read for young depressives!
July 1, 2017
2.5 Stars
This is going to be a mini review, because I feel like I don't really have much to say after finishing.
I personally loved the writing style. The journal transcript style narration was super easy to read, and translated Hunter's humor very well. This was also a very raw look at depression, suicide, and recovery. The story was candid and unapologetic, which I really appreciated. And the story never felt like it minimized the characters emotions, or their journey.
I felt like there was a lot of info dumping in the beginning of the story to get the characterization and personal history set up. I also felt like it took too long to address what "The Incident" was. While I personally didn't connect with any of the characters, I really appreciated the different relationships that developed over the course of the story, and the impact these relationships had on the characters.
This was an enjoyable and engaging read for me, but none of the characters really resonated with me so I never became invested in the story, and the story won't be memorable for me personally. I would definitely still recommend this book though!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is going to be a mini review, because I feel like I don't really have much to say after finishing.
I personally loved the writing style. The journal transcript style narration was super easy to read, and translated Hunter's humor very well. This was also a very raw look at depression, suicide, and recovery. The story was candid and unapologetic, which I really appreciated. And the story never felt like it minimized the characters emotions, or their journey.
I felt like there was a lot of info dumping in the beginning of the story to get the characterization and personal history set up. I also felt like it took too long to address what "The Incident" was. While I personally didn't connect with any of the characters, I really appreciated the different relationships that developed over the course of the story, and the impact these relationships had on the characters.
This was an enjoyable and engaging read for me, but none of the characters really resonated with me so I never became invested in the story, and the story won't be memorable for me personally. I would definitely still recommend this book though!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2017
Sunshine Is Forever is a definite must read for all. Kyle Cowan had done a fantastic job of both addressing the reality of teen depression in our society whilst also taking a readable and darkly comical approach. I love the style with which this book was written as if Hunter is talking straight to me in a comfortable and trustworthy manner. Is has everything it should--sadness, romance, heartbreak, humor, real-life issues, and self-reflection--just to name a few. The ending left me wanting more and thinking about what my problem is that I need to work on. And that's what I found to be the most outstanding about Sunshine Is Forever, that everyone has something they can reflect on and work on to find our own sunshine. Sometimes is just takes an outstanding author and an incredible novel to remind us and get us back on track.
July 18, 2017
Note: I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars for this effort, which was actually quite good. It's never, ever easy to tackle a topic like teen suicide, but I think that Cowan managed it very well. There is nothing worse than when an author tries to gloss over or sugarcoat such a touchy subject, and I was very glad that didn't happen here. IT was honest, raw, and a little heartbreaking at times. Which is the reality of suicide, both the attempts and sad successes, and how it impacts both the person who may have survived and everyone else around them.
I know that some people were turned off by the "insta-love" story, but I didn't see it that way. I saw two hurt and desperate teenagers clinging onto whomever and whatever they could find to make them feel better. A lot of it was just idealization, that sex and love can fix all the bad, hurtful things in the world. Including any bad or hurtful things that we ourselves have done. That obviously isn't the truth, and while both Corin and Hunter didn't manage to let go of the hope that they could be fixers for one another, Hunter at least did come to realize that he had to want to help himself and to let in others who could truly help him too (such as therapists and doctors).
This book was well written, and I didn't honestly run into any major flaws or problems. It showed so well that depression and suicidal thoughts can impact all types of people, from the very religious to the very rebellious and tortured. I liked that a lot, and I'm very happy that Cowan showed so many sides to this issue.
3.5 stars for this effort, which was actually quite good. It's never, ever easy to tackle a topic like teen suicide, but I think that Cowan managed it very well. There is nothing worse than when an author tries to gloss over or sugarcoat such a touchy subject, and I was very glad that didn't happen here. IT was honest, raw, and a little heartbreaking at times. Which is the reality of suicide, both the attempts and sad successes, and how it impacts both the person who may have survived and everyone else around them.
I know that some people were turned off by the "insta-love" story, but I didn't see it that way. I saw two hurt and desperate teenagers clinging onto whomever and whatever they could find to make them feel better. A lot of it was just idealization, that sex and love can fix all the bad, hurtful things in the world. Including any bad or hurtful things that we ourselves have done. That obviously isn't the truth, and while both Corin and Hunter didn't manage to let go of the hope that they could be fixers for one another, Hunter at least did come to realize that he had to want to help himself and to let in others who could truly help him too (such as therapists and doctors).
This book was well written, and I didn't honestly run into any major flaws or problems. It showed so well that depression and suicidal thoughts can impact all types of people, from the very religious to the very rebellious and tortured. I liked that a lot, and I'm very happy that Cowan showed so many sides to this issue.
August 29, 2017
Hunter S. Thompson (not the famous one) has tried to kill himself a few times since "the Incident" and his only friend turning her back on him. He is then sent to Camp Sunshine, a rehab center for depressed teens. He soon meets Corin, the only girl to show any interest in him, and she wants him to help her escape. He's been warned repeatedly not to get involved with her but how can he not when she's the only one who makes him feel better about himself? Will he continue to run from his inner demons, or will another miscalculation send him straight into facing all the consequences?
This book reminded me so much of Girl, Interrupted as I was reading it. I realize it's different in certain aspects, but put a group of teens in a setting where they are confined to an area and must confront their issues and boom, that's where my mind goes. Hunter struggles to accept responsibility for "the Incident" and blames everyone else around him instead. As he feels isolated and unwanted by his parents and his only friend, he just wants to get rid of this feeling of being hated. Depression and suicide are hard subjects to write about and I feel the author did a fantastic job of putting you in the mind of Hunter. Completely raw in certain moments and utterly realistic, I think anyone who may struggle with these issues may have a hard time reading this.
I think all of us at some point has felt alienated or struggled to deal with our own demons. This book resonates in this universal feel. I did get a little annoyed with all the descriptive names that were repeated over and over again throughout the book: Optimistic Quint, Flinching Finley, Controlling Corin, Surgeon Dick, etc. etc. but I needed to know what "the Incident" was and even Corin's past - this is what kept me turning the pages. What really got to me was the last few pages when everything comes to a head and I felt my heart break and then mend back slowly towards the final pages. I'll certainly be thinking about this book for some time.
As the author says in his acknowledgements, "Continue to be yourself. Allow the world to be inspired by you."
Big thank you to Inkshares for this copy in return for my honest review.
This book reminded me so much of Girl, Interrupted as I was reading it. I realize it's different in certain aspects, but put a group of teens in a setting where they are confined to an area and must confront their issues and boom, that's where my mind goes. Hunter struggles to accept responsibility for "the Incident" and blames everyone else around him instead. As he feels isolated and unwanted by his parents and his only friend, he just wants to get rid of this feeling of being hated. Depression and suicide are hard subjects to write about and I feel the author did a fantastic job of putting you in the mind of Hunter. Completely raw in certain moments and utterly realistic, I think anyone who may struggle with these issues may have a hard time reading this.
I think all of us at some point has felt alienated or struggled to deal with our own demons. This book resonates in this universal feel. I did get a little annoyed with all the descriptive names that were repeated over and over again throughout the book: Optimistic Quint, Flinching Finley, Controlling Corin, Surgeon Dick, etc. etc. but I needed to know what "the Incident" was and even Corin's past - this is what kept me turning the pages. What really got to me was the last few pages when everything comes to a head and I felt my heart break and then mend back slowly towards the final pages. I'll certainly be thinking about this book for some time.
As the author says in his acknowledgements, "Continue to be yourself. Allow the world to be inspired by you."
Big thank you to Inkshares for this copy in return for my honest review.
May 20, 2017
One aspect of a good storyteller is to get readers attached to his/her characters. Mr. Kowan definitely accomplished that. Was I the target audience for this novel? No, but I still got pulled into the story; at first out of curiosity, and then out of compassion for the characters. When a young adult novel's characters remind me of the frame of mind I partially dealt with at that part of my life or of what I see some of my students dealing with, I feel connected. I got reminders of some of the silliness and sufferings I went through as a teenage with Hunter. In the beginning, I was annoyed by his attitude, but the more I learned about his "Incident" and the challenges he faced looking for how to deal with it, I began sympathizing him and eventually supporting him. The story did spark emotion.
I'm a high school teacher, and I did see comparisons with some of the characters and some of my students. The challenges they face may not be exactly the same, but I feel that the coping mechanisms are similar. Now when I see this type of "odd behavior," these characters will be a reminder of the challenges that some young adults face and that I should be as concerned for them as I was for Hunter.
I will be recommending this book to my students. For some, it will be a relatable story that will hopefully show them how to face their challenges. For others, it may help them be more understanding of what some of their classmates are dealing with.
The story will keep them enticed until the end, and will bring about some good discussion topics. Hunter's mistakes and eventual growth may be relatable, and students will be able to connect and reflect on the story. Plus, I bet they will hope for it eventually to be put into film.
I'm a high school teacher, and I did see comparisons with some of the characters and some of my students. The challenges they face may not be exactly the same, but I feel that the coping mechanisms are similar. Now when I see this type of "odd behavior," these characters will be a reminder of the challenges that some young adults face and that I should be as concerned for them as I was for Hunter.
I will be recommending this book to my students. For some, it will be a relatable story that will hopefully show them how to face their challenges. For others, it may help them be more understanding of what some of their classmates are dealing with.
The story will keep them enticed until the end, and will bring about some good discussion topics. Hunter's mistakes and eventual growth may be relatable, and students will be able to connect and reflect on the story. Plus, I bet they will hope for it eventually to be put into film.
June 29, 2017
I found this book to be a complete emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it! Initially, I loved the idea of the perspective coming from a (Hilarious) quirky, teenage boy who struggles with his own insecurities. I found the beginning to be very straight forward and I think that is what lured me in so easily. I felt that there was never a dull moment in the novel even from the beginning and that alone was something that brought me to really love this book. I also really loved the character's that Hunter interacted with and found their descriptions incredibly funny.
While I thought that this book was only going to evoke feelings of both, happiness and sadness, I found myself biting my nails in anticipation and getting nervous at times. I loved that Cowan kept his readers in the dark about the initial reason that our main character ended up in this "Camp Sunshine" and even though hints were dropped that helped readers figure it out before it was said, there was still the mystery that was Corin Snow Young.
Overall, I found this book to be funny, heartbreaking and intense. I would highly recommend it to anyone who was a fan of E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars." Though there were moments early on in the story that made me worry about how people would feel that the author was presenting depression, as I kept reading I learned that there was extreme growth in our main character's understanding of their depression.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkshares for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
While I thought that this book was only going to evoke feelings of both, happiness and sadness, I found myself biting my nails in anticipation and getting nervous at times. I loved that Cowan kept his readers in the dark about the initial reason that our main character ended up in this "Camp Sunshine" and even though hints were dropped that helped readers figure it out before it was said, there was still the mystery that was Corin Snow Young.
Overall, I found this book to be funny, heartbreaking and intense. I would highly recommend it to anyone who was a fan of E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars." Though there were moments early on in the story that made me worry about how people would feel that the author was presenting depression, as I kept reading I learned that there was extreme growth in our main character's understanding of their depression.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkshares for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
July 15, 2017
Sunshine is Forever successfully captures the inner turmoils of insecurity and guilt but also the joys of making lasting connections. The distinctive writing style gives life to Hunter's voice, skillfully handling difficult topics with straightforward candor. Overall, the story flows effortlessly, making for a worthwhile read.
March 12, 2017
Deep, truthful, and raw, Sunshine is Forever is a book that every school library should carry. It's my favorite book so far of 2017, and possibly my favorite Inkshares book so far (Sorry, Slothlove). Read this book, read this book, read this book.
March 31, 2017
Kyle T. Cowan's SUNSHINE IS FOREVER is a breathtakingly honest and always powerful examination of teenage angst, sort of a ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST for young Millennials. Cowan instantly hooks us into this incisive story of one young man's struggle to fit in to a world that doesn't understand him at all; it's hard to put it down once the plot kicks into gear.
What's so special about this book is how universal it is. Who hasn't, to some degree, experienced the feelings of alienation, loneliness, pain and loss that Hunter has felt? But because we can identify with Hunter's journey, we feel less alone. That sense of connection is a wonderful thing to find in a novel. In fact it's what a good novel is all about.
Through it all is a keen understanding of the power of catharsis -- how even though we may suffer, there's always hope for redemption and then renewal at the end of the journey. This is a tough story but it's also one that's filled with hope. All in all a wholly impressive debut.
What's so special about this book is how universal it is. Who hasn't, to some degree, experienced the feelings of alienation, loneliness, pain and loss that Hunter has felt? But because we can identify with Hunter's journey, we feel less alone. That sense of connection is a wonderful thing to find in a novel. In fact it's what a good novel is all about.
Through it all is a keen understanding of the power of catharsis -- how even though we may suffer, there's always hope for redemption and then renewal at the end of the journey. This is a tough story but it's also one that's filled with hope. All in all a wholly impressive debut.
April 29, 2017
"Sunshine is Forever is a beautifully raw depiction of the human condition, unabashedly showing the heart’s ability to not just survive, but truly thrive. Cowan teaches us that no matter the depths of our darkest depression, so long as we have an open heart of honesty, forgiveness, and self-acountabty, light and love will return—for sunshine, is indeed, forever." - Jamison Stone, author of Rune of the Apprentice
May 4, 2017
The greatest strength of Sunshine Is Forever is author Kyle T. Cowan's dedication to unflinching honesty. Every single one of his characters is raw and flawed and the more relatable for it. Through this lens, Cowan is able to capture the doubts, desires and dizzying heights that come with youth. Sunshine is Forever is a tale of self-discovery that reminds us all that we are whole, ever-changing and perfectly imperfect.
August 29, 2017
Thanks to Inkshares for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Normally the #CJSReads trio focuses on thrillers, horror, and crime books, so when the publisher sent this along with a few other books I was going into it blindly. SUNSHINE IS FOREVER by Kyle T. Cowan is definitely different from what I normally read, but I'm so happy that I gave it a chance. Teen suicide and depression are topics not too widely covered, and Cowan did a great job making this raw with a twist of dark humor.
Hunter Thompson has attempted to take his life multiple times. After "the Incident" and then losing his only friend, his depression began to get the better of him. He is then sent to Camp Sunshine - a rehab camp for depressed teenagers. He is determined to keep everyone at a distance, including his new therapist. However, there is one person that he feels he can open up to, Corin. Despite being warned that she is someone to avoid, Hunter finds himself drawn to her. When she tries to enlist his help in an escape will Hunter continue to run from his traumatic history or will a mistake force him to face the consequences?
I'd have to say that this book was a pleasant surprise for me! I didn't know what to expect going into it and I had only read the description on the back of the book. I probably wouldn't have picked this one up off the shelf (mainly because I'm awful at straying from the thriller section - I'm working on it though!) and I would have missed out. This is a great look into the mind of a teenager coping with his depression. This story is incredibly raw and realistic throughout.
I kept flipping the pages so I could find out what "the Incident" was! I needed to know what happened to bring Hunter to where he currently was. Cowan created characters that the reader can instantly connect with and they were all unique. With it being a more serious topic, there was a dash of dark humor added in to lighten the mood.
Overall, if you want an incredibly realistic look into the mind of a teenager struggling with his depression and finding a way to cope, then this is one you need to pick up. Definitely one that I'm happy I took a chance on. I think that everyone will be able to relate in some way or another when reading this - whether it's personally or someone you know.
I give this 4/5 stars!
Normally the #CJSReads trio focuses on thrillers, horror, and crime books, so when the publisher sent this along with a few other books I was going into it blindly. SUNSHINE IS FOREVER by Kyle T. Cowan is definitely different from what I normally read, but I'm so happy that I gave it a chance. Teen suicide and depression are topics not too widely covered, and Cowan did a great job making this raw with a twist of dark humor.
Hunter Thompson has attempted to take his life multiple times. After "the Incident" and then losing his only friend, his depression began to get the better of him. He is then sent to Camp Sunshine - a rehab camp for depressed teenagers. He is determined to keep everyone at a distance, including his new therapist. However, there is one person that he feels he can open up to, Corin. Despite being warned that she is someone to avoid, Hunter finds himself drawn to her. When she tries to enlist his help in an escape will Hunter continue to run from his traumatic history or will a mistake force him to face the consequences?
I'd have to say that this book was a pleasant surprise for me! I didn't know what to expect going into it and I had only read the description on the back of the book. I probably wouldn't have picked this one up off the shelf (mainly because I'm awful at straying from the thriller section - I'm working on it though!) and I would have missed out. This is a great look into the mind of a teenager coping with his depression. This story is incredibly raw and realistic throughout.
I kept flipping the pages so I could find out what "the Incident" was! I needed to know what happened to bring Hunter to where he currently was. Cowan created characters that the reader can instantly connect with and they were all unique. With it being a more serious topic, there was a dash of dark humor added in to lighten the mood.
Overall, if you want an incredibly realistic look into the mind of a teenager struggling with his depression and finding a way to cope, then this is one you need to pick up. Definitely one that I'm happy I took a chance on. I think that everyone will be able to relate in some way or another when reading this - whether it's personally or someone you know.
I give this 4/5 stars!
July 11, 2017
Hunter is depressed and so he goes off to a camp where they help through therapy to work on the teens and their history.
Whilst at camp, he meets Corrine a very out there, confident girl who he finds himself in a form of relationship with despite relationships being banned at camp. Although she wants to break them free, just as maybe he feels the camp could possibly benefit him...
We learn during the book of the turmoil he feels of guilt by his parents and everyone else he thinks, blaming him for not being able to prevent a harrowing incident occurring to his sister.
This book was a really good read for how complex depression can be due to trauma and the therapy mixed with camp is obviously used to show a case of one method of escapism and treatment combined to try and prevent suicide. The language was raw and honest but could trigger people if effected by depression and suicide themselves.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Whilst at camp, he meets Corrine a very out there, confident girl who he finds himself in a form of relationship with despite relationships being banned at camp. Although she wants to break them free, just as maybe he feels the camp could possibly benefit him...
We learn during the book of the turmoil he feels of guilt by his parents and everyone else he thinks, blaming him for not being able to prevent a harrowing incident occurring to his sister.
This book was a really good read for how complex depression can be due to trauma and the therapy mixed with camp is obviously used to show a case of one method of escapism and treatment combined to try and prevent suicide. The language was raw and honest but could trigger people if effected by depression and suicide themselves.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
September 10, 2017
Hunter Samuel Thompson, not the famous writer Hunter S. Thompson, had an incident he refers to as ‘Little Accident,' ever since he has had depression. In this first person narrative with lucid prose uncomplicated and empathic, he has you in his findings of whys of his state of whirlwind of mind and recalling and unravelling for the first time the details to others in the same shoes as him, an unravelling of demons so hard for him and any teen.
He finds himself at Camp Sunshine in Iowa for treatment, as he mentions, “Camp Sunshine is a camp for depressed teens. I like to call it Camp Suicide.”
There he joins forces in ways with Corin, another teen in despair, but is she what he needs?
He tries to define his feelings, find love, sharing and talking through the darkness and trying to build trust along the way.
He explains having a noose around his stomach and not knowing how to release this, reading and hoping he finds ways out, some peace, keeping you reading, his unraveling and finding a release from the incident and to keep living.
He needs to revisit the darkness, lighten his burden and speak, this has you reading on with a memorable read and memorable characters.
Maybe tagged as young adult fiction, a necessary passage of time for all ages through one characters depression.
He needs to fix himself, he needs therapy, structure and Sunshine.
Ughhhhhhhhhh. Just kill me. Please, if I’m this terrible, just kill me. My heart started to race. And I could feel my face getting hot. I wanted my parents out of my life. Surgeon Dick should have wrapped his tool on the night of my conception. They should have just aborted me.
I wasn’t sure where I was going or what I was doing. It started to rain and the droplets left trails across the windshield as I sped down the highway. I waited for a cop to pull me over, for someone to stop me from what I was about to do, as I exited the highway and ran a stop sign. I don’t believe in God, but that would have been a good time for him to swoop in and save me from myself. But there was no flash of light from the sky. And no flashing police lights from behind as I weaved through traffic toward the exit. There was just me and my choices.
An attempted suicide is a bruise to a family’s permanent record. And a successful suicide—well, that’s something that people will always whisper about around a family but never actually question the family about directly.
I realized that Camp Suicide was as toxic as those memories. Depression is infectious. This place required us to rehash our past over and over again. I was going to die if I didn’t get out of Camp Suicide soon. I didn’t know how much longer I could stand it.
The Incident. I couldn’t overcome that demon—some demons are just too evil to conquer. I wondered if I would ever tell him about my past, or if I would just leave him in the dark forever.
Review also @ https://more2read.com/review/sunshine-forever-kyle-t-cowan/
He finds himself at Camp Sunshine in Iowa for treatment, as he mentions, “Camp Sunshine is a camp for depressed teens. I like to call it Camp Suicide.”
There he joins forces in ways with Corin, another teen in despair, but is she what he needs?
He tries to define his feelings, find love, sharing and talking through the darkness and trying to build trust along the way.
He explains having a noose around his stomach and not knowing how to release this, reading and hoping he finds ways out, some peace, keeping you reading, his unraveling and finding a release from the incident and to keep living.
He needs to revisit the darkness, lighten his burden and speak, this has you reading on with a memorable read and memorable characters.
Maybe tagged as young adult fiction, a necessary passage of time for all ages through one characters depression.
He needs to fix himself, he needs therapy, structure and Sunshine.
Ughhhhhhhhhh. Just kill me. Please, if I’m this terrible, just kill me. My heart started to race. And I could feel my face getting hot. I wanted my parents out of my life. Surgeon Dick should have wrapped his tool on the night of my conception. They should have just aborted me.
I wasn’t sure where I was going or what I was doing. It started to rain and the droplets left trails across the windshield as I sped down the highway. I waited for a cop to pull me over, for someone to stop me from what I was about to do, as I exited the highway and ran a stop sign. I don’t believe in God, but that would have been a good time for him to swoop in and save me from myself. But there was no flash of light from the sky. And no flashing police lights from behind as I weaved through traffic toward the exit. There was just me and my choices.
An attempted suicide is a bruise to a family’s permanent record. And a successful suicide—well, that’s something that people will always whisper about around a family but never actually question the family about directly.
I realized that Camp Suicide was as toxic as those memories. Depression is infectious. This place required us to rehash our past over and over again. I was going to die if I didn’t get out of Camp Suicide soon. I didn’t know how much longer I could stand it.
The Incident. I couldn’t overcome that demon—some demons are just too evil to conquer. I wondered if I would ever tell him about my past, or if I would just leave him in the dark forever.
Review also @ https://more2read.com/review/sunshine-forever-kyle-t-cowan/
June 15, 2017
There are summer camp stories and then there are summer camp stories. Cowan has managed to rip off the band-aid to show us the darker side of being a teen in today’s world. At times hilarious and heartbreaking, SUNSHINE IS FOREVER is a powerful YA debut.
September 19, 2017
I read an early copy of the book last year, I couldn't put it down. Must read, seriously.
January 23, 2018
Sunshine is Forever has been one of the most rewarding experiences I had in 2017. (God, what a sh**ty year, 2017, huh?!!)
There's something about the shape of the story in Sunshine is Forever. Something about the character, Hunter, that really resonates with me. I too was once a kid that didn't know a damn thing, even though I felt like a know-it-all, and that was all the license I needed to act like one. Like Hunter, I thought I was carrying around the instruction manual to my own life in my back pocket. But, like Hunter, I needed help even though I couldn't see it. Actually, reading this book made me realize that everyone needs help.
Woah! This review is turning into a semi-autobiographical reflection on the vagaries of adolescents. I think that only shows Kyle T. Cowan's talent as a storyteller though. This story got me thinking about my own life in a way that few - if any - of the books I read in 2017 got me to. Hunter keeps mentioning something called "The Incident." I kept waiting to hear what, exactly, that was. At times throughout the story, I found myself frustrated with Hunter for not 'spilling the beans' and telling the camp counselors / grown-ups (/ ME!) what it was all about. But then something metafictional clicked - some genius of Cowan's writing technique... Hunter was holding back, pretending like he had everything under control, not in a state of mind to share, frustrating everything and everyone around him.
And it all comes to an unforgettable boiling point by the end. Seriously, Mr. Cowan, I did NOT see that coming! I've been waiting, I think, a long while to read something that hit me with the same kind of force as a kid running blind through the rye once did, and Sunshine Forever is it.
There's something about the shape of the story in Sunshine is Forever. Something about the character, Hunter, that really resonates with me. I too was once a kid that didn't know a damn thing, even though I felt like a know-it-all, and that was all the license I needed to act like one. Like Hunter, I thought I was carrying around the instruction manual to my own life in my back pocket. But, like Hunter, I needed help even though I couldn't see it. Actually, reading this book made me realize that everyone needs help.
Woah! This review is turning into a semi-autobiographical reflection on the vagaries of adolescents. I think that only shows Kyle T. Cowan's talent as a storyteller though. This story got me thinking about my own life in a way that few - if any - of the books I read in 2017 got me to. Hunter keeps mentioning something called "The Incident." I kept waiting to hear what, exactly, that was. At times throughout the story, I found myself frustrated with Hunter for not 'spilling the beans' and telling the camp counselors / grown-ups (/ ME!) what it was all about. But then something metafictional clicked - some genius of Cowan's writing technique... Hunter was holding back, pretending like he had everything under control, not in a state of mind to share, frustrating everything and everyone around him.
And it all comes to an unforgettable boiling point by the end. Seriously, Mr. Cowan, I did NOT see that coming! I've been waiting, I think, a long while to read something that hit me with the same kind of force as a kid running blind through the rye once did, and Sunshine Forever is it.
July 14, 2017
Wow. What an absolutely, beautifully heartbreaking book. I can't even begin to explain how much I needed this story, and how much I needed these characters...
Let me start off by explaining that I've had a very difficult time getting involved in ANY books lately. Nothing has been able to grab my attention, to completely pull me in like Kyle did with this story. I laughed (a lot) I cried even more. To say I related to Hunter's character is an understatement.
"Life and death are a series of stupid miscalculations..."
*a more detailed, more coherent review to come at a later date, when I can completely gather my emotions*
Let me start off by explaining that I've had a very difficult time getting involved in ANY books lately. Nothing has been able to grab my attention, to completely pull me in like Kyle did with this story. I laughed (a lot) I cried even more. To say I related to Hunter's character is an understatement.
"Life and death are a series of stupid miscalculations..."
*a more detailed, more coherent review to come at a later date, when I can completely gather my emotions*
May 30, 2018
3.5/5
I find it kind of ironic that I DNFed a contemporary YA book, just to start reading another one.
The biggest problem I had with that other one, was that it was only about romance. A random girl being torn between two guys and not really having anything else going on.
SUNSHINE IS FOREVER, though, starts out with telling you that the MC - a teen guy - has tried to kill himself, and now he's being sent to a summer camp for suicidal teens to try and get him back on track.
There is clearly more going on than just a love story!
There is a lot of focus on the mental in this book, and I loved that.
Love may be the wrong word for such a book, but it did give it a lot of depth, gave each character another layer, and was a story line on its own.
The story is rather fast paced - partly because of the writing, which is good and has a nice flow. This is the authors first published book, and while I could see that toward the end, it was overall a really well written book.
But back to the story.
It opens with a mystery as to why the MC is doing what he is, and why his parents act like they are - thoughts on that can be a spoiler, so I've added it at the end of the review.
This mystery was interesting enough to get us through the first few pages.
Then came the possible love-interest, and I will admit that I smiled at the way it was described - this spills over in something that is both good and bad with this book. The talk of dicks. I understand that it is a big part of a teen boys life, and I can defiantly understand that the MC thought of sex the way he did (I, as a woman, have done the same, but in a lot less dire situations). But back to the dicks. For maybe the first half of the book, the MCs dick was mention at least once in each chapter, and it got to a point where it annoyed me.
The word dick no longer holds any meaning to me.
That said, this may help to get male readers connect with the MC, which I think is important, as this book does talk about a lot of things important in today's society, if you want to understand it.
There's hints about body shaming between guys. About masculinity and sexuality.
It was actually rather interesting to read this story told from a boys POV, and by a male author.
So, maybe the dick-thing wasn't so bad, but it still got a little over-used.
Just saying.
But yeah.
The story is fast-paced. The writing is good. The characters are interesting if annoying at times.
All in all, I was impressed.
This story really did suck me in when I got started on it, and made me want to actually read more.
!!! POSSIBLE SPOILER !!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Regarding The Incident, I wasn't surprised by it. That was, tbh, what I thought it would be to begin with, but will admit that I got a little thrown by the fact that the author multiple times wrote that the people in the MC's life found him disgusting because of what happened.
I kept returning to my original thought, though, as it was the only thing I could picture that may have given the reactions hinted at and still make the MC likable.
There are many other things he could have done, but then I think many readers would loose any connection they might have created.
I find it kind of ironic that I DNFed a contemporary YA book, just to start reading another one.
The biggest problem I had with that other one, was that it was only about romance. A random girl being torn between two guys and not really having anything else going on.
SUNSHINE IS FOREVER, though, starts out with telling you that the MC - a teen guy - has tried to kill himself, and now he's being sent to a summer camp for suicidal teens to try and get him back on track.
There is clearly more going on than just a love story!
There is a lot of focus on the mental in this book, and I loved that.
Love may be the wrong word for such a book, but it did give it a lot of depth, gave each character another layer, and was a story line on its own.
The story is rather fast paced - partly because of the writing, which is good and has a nice flow. This is the authors first published book, and while I could see that toward the end, it was overall a really well written book.
But back to the story.
It opens with a mystery as to why the MC is doing what he is, and why his parents act like they are - thoughts on that can be a spoiler, so I've added it at the end of the review.
This mystery was interesting enough to get us through the first few pages.
Then came the possible love-interest, and I will admit that I smiled at the way it was described - this spills over in something that is both good and bad with this book. The talk of dicks. I understand that it is a big part of a teen boys life, and I can defiantly understand that the MC thought of sex the way he did (I, as a woman, have done the same, but in a lot less dire situations). But back to the dicks. For maybe the first half of the book, the MCs dick was mention at least once in each chapter, and it got to a point where it annoyed me.
The word dick no longer holds any meaning to me.
That said, this may help to get male readers connect with the MC, which I think is important, as this book does talk about a lot of things important in today's society, if you want to understand it.
There's hints about body shaming between guys. About masculinity and sexuality.
It was actually rather interesting to read this story told from a boys POV, and by a male author.
So, maybe the dick-thing wasn't so bad, but it still got a little over-used.
Just saying.
But yeah.
The story is fast-paced. The writing is good. The characters are interesting if annoying at times.
All in all, I was impressed.
This story really did suck me in when I got started on it, and made me want to actually read more.
!!! POSSIBLE SPOILER !!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Regarding The Incident, I wasn't surprised by it. That was, tbh, what I thought it would be to begin with, but will admit that I got a little thrown by the fact that the author multiple times wrote that the people in the MC's life found him disgusting because of what happened.
I kept returning to my original thought, though, as it was the only thing I could picture that may have given the reactions hinted at and still make the MC likable.
There are many other things he could have done, but then I think many readers would loose any connection they might have created.
August 29, 2017
After an “incident” and a suicide attempt, Hunter finds himself heading to Camp Sunshine, the happiest place on earth and haven for depressed teens. Once he arrives, he meets fellow camper, Corin, who hatches a plan to break out of camp. In helping with the plan, Hunter ends up going deep within himself to figure out if he plans to run from the incident that got him to the camp in the first place or if he wants to say and face it head on.
When I first read the synopsis, I was hesitant. I had some serious issues with Thirteen Reasons Why and that whole craze earlier this year, so I wasn’t sure what to expect as I delved into a book about teen suicide. However, the tagline for this book stated it was The Bell Jar meets Chuck Palahniuk. I was intrigued but a little bit confused. “What a combination that would be”, I thought to myself. So, my curiosity got the best of me and I dived in. Now that I have finished Sunshine is Forever by Kyle T. Cowan, I totally get it.
Given the subject matter, it is no surprise that this narrative is raw and honest but it is also, ironically, pretty funny. Using dark humour, Cowan’s narrative prose completely stood out using Hunter’s narrative voice. As he discussed his insecurities, his feelings and his everyday life, I found myself accepting the information as if he was an old friend. I don’t usually read YA, simply because I don’t usually enjoy it nor can I relate. However, I found something different about this one. Perhaps the subject matter made it seem more mature? I’m not sure but I had no issues flying through the pages.
In my line of work, I often come across teens with suicidal ideations and I found the perspective of this book incredibly eye opening. You can read textbooks for days on the subject but this account felt so honest and real, it actually felt like it gave me a better understanding.
When I first read the synopsis, I was hesitant. I had some serious issues with Thirteen Reasons Why and that whole craze earlier this year, so I wasn’t sure what to expect as I delved into a book about teen suicide. However, the tagline for this book stated it was The Bell Jar meets Chuck Palahniuk. I was intrigued but a little bit confused. “What a combination that would be”, I thought to myself. So, my curiosity got the best of me and I dived in. Now that I have finished Sunshine is Forever by Kyle T. Cowan, I totally get it.
Given the subject matter, it is no surprise that this narrative is raw and honest but it is also, ironically, pretty funny. Using dark humour, Cowan’s narrative prose completely stood out using Hunter’s narrative voice. As he discussed his insecurities, his feelings and his everyday life, I found myself accepting the information as if he was an old friend. I don’t usually read YA, simply because I don’t usually enjoy it nor can I relate. However, I found something different about this one. Perhaps the subject matter made it seem more mature? I’m not sure but I had no issues flying through the pages.
In my line of work, I often come across teens with suicidal ideations and I found the perspective of this book incredibly eye opening. You can read textbooks for days on the subject but this account felt so honest and real, it actually felt like it gave me a better understanding.
July 20, 2017
This is not a light and fluffy book but a serious look into the possible thoughts and feelings of a young teen that is deeply depressed-depressed enough to attempt suicide and haunted so deeply by what is called, “The Incident.” The young teen, Hunter S. Thompson, is sent to live the summer at Camp Sunshine a camp with “specialists” to help deeply depressed youth. To Hunter, it is Camp Suicide because every moment he is there he feels more like he wants to commit suicide. He finds there are unwritten rules of behavior (do not ever ask anyone how they got there), hears dire warnings from counselors to stay away from Corin (a girl also there who he feels is attracted to him), and sees only tall fences surrounding the camp. It is a death sentence in his mind.
Hunter has been to therapy and has taken the drugs but to no end. He feels that no one cares about him, that his parents hate him and wish him dead, and that he deserves to feel as guilty and as beaten as he does. He thinks and feels that sex and losing his virginity will be the cure for his depression and when he meets Corin, he thinks she may be the answer to healing.
If you have ever wondered what might go on in the mind of someone deeply depressed or even thought you might have a clue, this is a good book to read. It is hard to read the thoughts of Hunter. It hurts to read the thoughts of Hunter. It can give you insight into the possible thoughts of those with this type of depression. It will enlighten you.
Hunter has been to therapy and has taken the drugs but to no end. He feels that no one cares about him, that his parents hate him and wish him dead, and that he deserves to feel as guilty and as beaten as he does. He thinks and feels that sex and losing his virginity will be the cure for his depression and when he meets Corin, he thinks she may be the answer to healing.
If you have ever wondered what might go on in the mind of someone deeply depressed or even thought you might have a clue, this is a good book to read. It is hard to read the thoughts of Hunter. It hurts to read the thoughts of Hunter. It can give you insight into the possible thoughts of those with this type of depression. It will enlighten you.
June 25, 2017
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of SUNSHINE IS FOREVER in exchange for my honest review**
Following what Hunter describes as The Incident he tries to commit suicide three times before being sent to Camp Sunshine. He's immediately attracted to the troubled Corbin, on her third summer at the therapeutic camp, but befriending her could be detrimental to his progress.
Kyle Cowan drew me in with Hunter's comical voice. The teen gave everyone sarcastic nicknames, though at times constantly using the two and three word names felt cumbersome. In addition to the names SUNSHINE IS FOREVER repeated phrases like "noose around my stomach" frequently, sometimes more than once on a page. What's clever the first time feels cliché after a while. Similarly, hearing Hunter talk about his erections the first time felt appropriate. Repeatedly reading felt like overkill. Maybe male readers will be more interested in multiple telling, but for females once is probably sufficient. Cowan shows promise as a writer and most of his writing issues should have been corrected by an editor.
Because I'm a child psychologist, I'm a stickler for accurate portrayal of mental illness and treatment. On a scale of 1-10, Camp Sunshine is about a 1 or 2. For example, Hunter isn't given any rules or orientation before he's knocked to the ground by a guard and thrown into a safe room called Mental, one camper is made an example on the first day to keep others in line, inconsistent safety and laxity (campers are only allowed spoons but have access to fire/stoves), counselors speaking about the campers to each other.
While SUNSHINE IS FOREVER isn't a story that is harmful to those with mental illnesses, I can't recommend it.
Following what Hunter describes as The Incident he tries to commit suicide three times before being sent to Camp Sunshine. He's immediately attracted to the troubled Corbin, on her third summer at the therapeutic camp, but befriending her could be detrimental to his progress.
Kyle Cowan drew me in with Hunter's comical voice. The teen gave everyone sarcastic nicknames, though at times constantly using the two and three word names felt cumbersome. In addition to the names SUNSHINE IS FOREVER repeated phrases like "noose around my stomach" frequently, sometimes more than once on a page. What's clever the first time feels cliché after a while. Similarly, hearing Hunter talk about his erections the first time felt appropriate. Repeatedly reading felt like overkill. Maybe male readers will be more interested in multiple telling, but for females once is probably sufficient. Cowan shows promise as a writer and most of his writing issues should have been corrected by an editor.
Because I'm a child psychologist, I'm a stickler for accurate portrayal of mental illness and treatment. On a scale of 1-10, Camp Sunshine is about a 1 or 2. For example, Hunter isn't given any rules or orientation before he's knocked to the ground by a guard and thrown into a safe room called Mental, one camper is made an example on the first day to keep others in line, inconsistent safety and laxity (campers are only allowed spoons but have access to fire/stoves), counselors speaking about the campers to each other.
While SUNSHINE IS FOREVER isn't a story that is harmful to those with mental illnesses, I can't recommend it.
August 29, 2017
Sunshine Is Forever by Kyle T. Cowan
*Trigger warning specifically for self harm and suicide*
Overview: Hunter suffers from depression. While he's dealt with it his whole life through ineffective therapy and medication, his condition is worsened by the Incident which left him an even more absent family and rejection from his friend group. Hunter tries to commit suicide three different ways following the Incident, and each time, only his dad sticks by him. During his latest hospitalization, the discharge doctor recommends sending him to Camp Sunshine for the summer which is a camp billed to help teens with depression. The reality of "Camp Suicide" as the campers call it, is far from helpful and more of a prison than a chance to improve wellness. At camp, he meets new friends and a mysterious girl he can't quite figure out. When she loops him into a dangerous plan to break out of camp, he can't say no, following her blindly which leads to dangerous circumstances for all involved. Overall: 4.5
Characters: 5 I found the characters of the novel to be realistic and well rounded as well as greater than the issues they represented. For much of the book, the camper's reason of enrollment, including Hunter's, are hidden from the reader, though heavily hinted at, giving the reader and author a chance to grow and form opinions about the characters from face value. This method also allows the extra layers of complexity to grow from the past with each seedling that the reader is given.
The relationships established over the course of the story seemed very honest and organic. Each choice was made with a distinguishable motive, and there were no moves within the relationships whether they be friendships, romantic relationships, or mentorships.
I found the relationship that Councilor Kirk tried to form with the campers to be one of my favorites. In the prison-like environment, he seemed to be the only one truly concerned with the camper's wellbeing and tried to connect to them personally. Even when the camper's pushed him away, Kirk consistently came through for the kids in big and small ways, and that really gave a necessary dose of humanity to a camp that is generally worse than prison.
Plot: 5 The plot of the novel was well executed. There were many complex storylines stemming from the different relationships and intricacies that surrounded the camp and camp life, and I never felt that one got lost or was underserved because of how many there were. The book carries the high stakes tone throughout, and the reader is constantly kept guessing about the details of these characters pasts and what exactly happened as well as being roped into the action happening in the present.
Writing: 4 As well as the beautiful execution of the above categories, I thought that the Hunter's voice shone authentically throughout. The writing showed Hunter's genuine progression through his time at camp through minor shifts in his worldview that were integrated seamlessly transitioning the reader from old Hunter to new Hunter with each progressive experience. The voice holds and endearing rambling quality that rings very true to life, though sometimes the author seemed to loose a bit of control over this swerving into redundancy before checking himself.
I also must commend the depiction of Corin's obvious and well established manipulation of Hunter and his extreme willingness to follow her. While this idea often takes a turn for the unrealistic, Cowan does such a great job of showing Hunter's self-assurance and rationalization, it makes total sense why the events unfolded the way they did.
By withholding all the major details about the past till the end, Cowan sets the reader up for a major bang right at the end, and that greater understanding ties the story up with the perfect bow.
If You Liked This Book Check Out:
Looking For Alaska by John Green (http://www.readingwritingandme.com/20...) which has many similar aspects as it takes place in a boring school and there are great both friendship and romantic relationships similar to this, though the focus is not technically mental health. It is another great male protagonist driven book.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and check out our other articles ranging from book reviews to poetry and short stories to editorials. To get updates about new posts and extras, please follow us on Instagram (@readingwritingandme), Twitter (@readwriteandme), and Facebook or sign up for email alerts by clicking the subscribe button at the top of the sight. Also, please leave comments or email us (readingwritingandme@gmail.com) with your thoughts or review requests.
*I received this book from Inkshares Publishing via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.*
*Trigger warning specifically for self harm and suicide*
Overview: Hunter suffers from depression. While he's dealt with it his whole life through ineffective therapy and medication, his condition is worsened by the Incident which left him an even more absent family and rejection from his friend group. Hunter tries to commit suicide three different ways following the Incident, and each time, only his dad sticks by him. During his latest hospitalization, the discharge doctor recommends sending him to Camp Sunshine for the summer which is a camp billed to help teens with depression. The reality of "Camp Suicide" as the campers call it, is far from helpful and more of a prison than a chance to improve wellness. At camp, he meets new friends and a mysterious girl he can't quite figure out. When she loops him into a dangerous plan to break out of camp, he can't say no, following her blindly which leads to dangerous circumstances for all involved. Overall: 4.5
Characters: 5 I found the characters of the novel to be realistic and well rounded as well as greater than the issues they represented. For much of the book, the camper's reason of enrollment, including Hunter's, are hidden from the reader, though heavily hinted at, giving the reader and author a chance to grow and form opinions about the characters from face value. This method also allows the extra layers of complexity to grow from the past with each seedling that the reader is given.
The relationships established over the course of the story seemed very honest and organic. Each choice was made with a distinguishable motive, and there were no moves within the relationships whether they be friendships, romantic relationships, or mentorships.
I found the relationship that Councilor Kirk tried to form with the campers to be one of my favorites. In the prison-like environment, he seemed to be the only one truly concerned with the camper's wellbeing and tried to connect to them personally. Even when the camper's pushed him away, Kirk consistently came through for the kids in big and small ways, and that really gave a necessary dose of humanity to a camp that is generally worse than prison.
Plot: 5 The plot of the novel was well executed. There were many complex storylines stemming from the different relationships and intricacies that surrounded the camp and camp life, and I never felt that one got lost or was underserved because of how many there were. The book carries the high stakes tone throughout, and the reader is constantly kept guessing about the details of these characters pasts and what exactly happened as well as being roped into the action happening in the present.
Writing: 4 As well as the beautiful execution of the above categories, I thought that the Hunter's voice shone authentically throughout. The writing showed Hunter's genuine progression through his time at camp through minor shifts in his worldview that were integrated seamlessly transitioning the reader from old Hunter to new Hunter with each progressive experience. The voice holds and endearing rambling quality that rings very true to life, though sometimes the author seemed to loose a bit of control over this swerving into redundancy before checking himself.
I also must commend the depiction of Corin's obvious and well established manipulation of Hunter and his extreme willingness to follow her. While this idea often takes a turn for the unrealistic, Cowan does such a great job of showing Hunter's self-assurance and rationalization, it makes total sense why the events unfolded the way they did.
By withholding all the major details about the past till the end, Cowan sets the reader up for a major bang right at the end, and that greater understanding ties the story up with the perfect bow.
If You Liked This Book Check Out:
Looking For Alaska by John Green (http://www.readingwritingandme.com/20...) which has many similar aspects as it takes place in a boring school and there are great both friendship and romantic relationships similar to this, though the focus is not technically mental health. It is another great male protagonist driven book.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and check out our other articles ranging from book reviews to poetry and short stories to editorials. To get updates about new posts and extras, please follow us on Instagram (@readingwritingandme), Twitter (@readwriteandme), and Facebook or sign up for email alerts by clicking the subscribe button at the top of the sight. Also, please leave comments or email us (readingwritingandme@gmail.com) with your thoughts or review requests.
*I received this book from Inkshares Publishing via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.*
July 20, 2017
Trigger Warning - this book contains descriptions of self-harm, suicide attempts and sexual assault. If any of these are triggers for you, please stay safe while reading this book.
Um, is it politically incorrect to say you enjoyed a book about depressed teens who have attempted suicide? Oh, well, here goes ... I really enjoyed reading Sunshine is Forever.
Growing up reading The Baby-Sitters Club books I was determined to go to camp in America and have fun with a bunch of new friends from camp like Kristy and co. Even after watching all of the Friday the 13th movies I still wanted to be a camp counsellor. Much to my dismay I never went to camp as a kid or counsellor, but find me a book about teenagers going to camp, any camp, and I want to read it.
So, here we are at Camp Sunshine which incidentally leaned closer to Friday the 13th (minus the sex) than BSC. In fact, had Jason shown up to deal with Asshole Jim around the time of his introduction I probably would have happily provided him with directions and a mug shot.
I would hope that Camp Sunshine would never get accreditation to open in the first place because other than half an hour of token therapy a day, the workers may as well have been singing Kumbaya with the kids for all the good they were doing. A padded cell used as punishment? Really??? I kept thinking as I was reading this book, 'please don't let this resemble the way mental health is dealt with in America', but having seen some documentaries about American LGBTQ conversion therapy I wondered how far from the truth it actually was.
My time reading this book was divided between smiling at Hunter's observations and monikers he chose for his family, friends and prison guards (oops, sorry, therapy staff) and sadness at the situation all of these teenagers were in. With themes including guilt, forgiving ourselves and others, and taking responsibility for our actions there were obviously going to be portions of the book that were very difficult to read but like witnessing an imminent train crash I couldn't look away. I had to know if the crash was going to happen or if there'd be a near miss.
Hunter's conviction that it was only through Corin's love and acceptance of him that he could be happy was both sad and believable. It's much easier to assign roles for other people to attempt to make them responsible for the outcome of our lives than to look inside and take responsibility for ourselves.
I spent most of the book waiting as patiently as possible to find out what secrets were hidden in Corin's thick green file and wasn't surprised at their theme when all was revealed. However hard it was to read I did like the symmetry it set up between Corin and Hunter. While the noose around Hunter's stomach was guilt, Corin's noose was shame.
I loved the point made that you get out of therapy what you're willing to put in to it. I would've really liked to have read that miscalculations had been renamed at the end in conjunction with Hunter taking responsibility for his actions, but that's essentially nitpicking.
I liked that some things were left undone at the end. It wouldn't have worked as well if everything was wrapped up with a pretty bow. Life's messy and while we'd love to believe in them, Insta-Fixes aren't as plentiful as we'd like to think.
I felt this one sentence summed up depression better than the DSM-5 could ever hope to - "If you knew me, you probably wouldn't like me, either."
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Inkshares) in exchange for honest feedback. Please note that the quote above is from the ARC and may change prior to publication (but I hope it doesn't). I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike but would provide trigger warnings first. I definitely want to read it again.
Um, is it politically incorrect to say you enjoyed a book about depressed teens who have attempted suicide? Oh, well, here goes ... I really enjoyed reading Sunshine is Forever.
Growing up reading The Baby-Sitters Club books I was determined to go to camp in America and have fun with a bunch of new friends from camp like Kristy and co. Even after watching all of the Friday the 13th movies I still wanted to be a camp counsellor. Much to my dismay I never went to camp as a kid or counsellor, but find me a book about teenagers going to camp, any camp, and I want to read it.
So, here we are at Camp Sunshine which incidentally leaned closer to Friday the 13th (minus the sex) than BSC. In fact, had Jason shown up to deal with Asshole Jim around the time of his introduction I probably would have happily provided him with directions and a mug shot.
I would hope that Camp Sunshine would never get accreditation to open in the first place because other than half an hour of token therapy a day, the workers may as well have been singing Kumbaya with the kids for all the good they were doing. A padded cell used as punishment? Really??? I kept thinking as I was reading this book, 'please don't let this resemble the way mental health is dealt with in America', but having seen some documentaries about American LGBTQ conversion therapy I wondered how far from the truth it actually was.
My time reading this book was divided between smiling at Hunter's observations and monikers he chose for his family, friends and prison guards (oops, sorry, therapy staff) and sadness at the situation all of these teenagers were in. With themes including guilt, forgiving ourselves and others, and taking responsibility for our actions there were obviously going to be portions of the book that were very difficult to read but like witnessing an imminent train crash I couldn't look away. I had to know if the crash was going to happen or if there'd be a near miss.
Hunter's conviction that it was only through Corin's love and acceptance of him that he could be happy was both sad and believable. It's much easier to assign roles for other people to attempt to make them responsible for the outcome of our lives than to look inside and take responsibility for ourselves.
I spent most of the book waiting as patiently as possible to find out what secrets were hidden in Corin's thick green file and wasn't surprised at their theme when all was revealed. However hard it was to read I did like the symmetry it set up between Corin and Hunter. While the noose around Hunter's stomach was guilt, Corin's noose was shame.
I loved the point made that you get out of therapy what you're willing to put in to it. I would've really liked to have read that miscalculations had been renamed at the end in conjunction with Hunter taking responsibility for his actions, but that's essentially nitpicking.
I liked that some things were left undone at the end. It wouldn't have worked as well if everything was wrapped up with a pretty bow. Life's messy and while we'd love to believe in them, Insta-Fixes aren't as plentiful as we'd like to think.
I felt this one sentence summed up depression better than the DSM-5 could ever hope to - "If you knew me, you probably wouldn't like me, either."
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Inkshares) in exchange for honest feedback. Please note that the quote above is from the ARC and may change prior to publication (but I hope it doesn't). I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike but would provide trigger warnings first. I definitely want to read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2017
Sunshine Is Forever was pitched to me as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest meets Moonrise Kingdom for Today's Teens," and as someone who is a fan of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I was intrigued.
However, I had to admit: I was still somewhat hesitant about diving into this. I wasn't sure if I was going to love it or not. As it turns out, I absolutely loved Sunshine Is Forever - it's actually become one of my favorites of 2017!
From the first page I was sucked into Hunter's story. When we're introduced to Hunter we are made well aware of the fact that he's done something horribly bad, something so horrible in fact that his mother refuses to look at him. I was intrigued by this. Sure, at first glance, Hunter had his flaws and problems. He was rash and bold, occasionally putting his own pride before others's feelings, but I still liked him. I felt his pain, his suffering, and deep down, his desire to find a cure to his depression. So while I kept bracing myself for the worst of the worst, I was also hoping that it wouldn't change my opinion of him too much. I was rooting for him - for him to make peace with his past to forge new friendships to find his home again.
Besides Hunter, we're introduced to a whole array of other characters at Camp Sunshine. From the camp counselors to the campers to the camp's owner/resident psychiatrist, each and everyone introduced something special to this book. My favorite, however, was seeing the friendships that developed between Hunter and the other boys at camp. They couldn't have been more different - polar opposites in fact - but over the course of the summer, they come together, making alliances as well as enemies, laughs as well as bad decisions. The friendship between Hunter and Qunit was my particular favorite. I thought Kyle did just a fanatic job of making their bond realistic.
The plot in this mainly focuses on Hunter's time at Camp Sunshine. Kyle T. Cowan did a great job of developing this camp - I could easily picture it! I enjoyed seeing the different types of activities the counselors had the campers do as well as the alliances that formed throughout. As hinted to above, there was also an air of mystery to the book as well regarding not only what Hunter did but also regarding Corin, the girl Hunter falls in love with from afar. Both mysteries had me hooked to the pages even more than I already was, especially towards the end!
Lastly, I have to comment on how much I liked the way in which the story was told. Kyle T. Cowan does a journalism type approach, I guess you would say. Hunter basically talks to us the entire time, recounting his summer- it's very casual yet incredibly addictive! Reading one more chapter often turned into reading three more chapters and so on...
Perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Sara Zarr, & John Green, Sunshine Is Forever tackles tough subjects with poise, realism, and a whole lot of heart. Basically, add this book to your TBR pile. It's well worth a read!
Grade: A
However, I had to admit: I was still somewhat hesitant about diving into this. I wasn't sure if I was going to love it or not. As it turns out, I absolutely loved Sunshine Is Forever - it's actually become one of my favorites of 2017!
From the first page I was sucked into Hunter's story. When we're introduced to Hunter we are made well aware of the fact that he's done something horribly bad, something so horrible in fact that his mother refuses to look at him. I was intrigued by this. Sure, at first glance, Hunter had his flaws and problems. He was rash and bold, occasionally putting his own pride before others's feelings, but I still liked him. I felt his pain, his suffering, and deep down, his desire to find a cure to his depression. So while I kept bracing myself for the worst of the worst, I was also hoping that it wouldn't change my opinion of him too much. I was rooting for him - for him to make peace with his past to forge new friendships to find his home again.
Besides Hunter, we're introduced to a whole array of other characters at Camp Sunshine. From the camp counselors to the campers to the camp's owner/resident psychiatrist, each and everyone introduced something special to this book. My favorite, however, was seeing the friendships that developed between Hunter and the other boys at camp. They couldn't have been more different - polar opposites in fact - but over the course of the summer, they come together, making alliances as well as enemies, laughs as well as bad decisions. The friendship between Hunter and Qunit was my particular favorite. I thought Kyle did just a fanatic job of making their bond realistic.
The plot in this mainly focuses on Hunter's time at Camp Sunshine. Kyle T. Cowan did a great job of developing this camp - I could easily picture it! I enjoyed seeing the different types of activities the counselors had the campers do as well as the alliances that formed throughout. As hinted to above, there was also an air of mystery to the book as well regarding not only what Hunter did but also regarding Corin, the girl Hunter falls in love with from afar. Both mysteries had me hooked to the pages even more than I already was, especially towards the end!
Lastly, I have to comment on how much I liked the way in which the story was told. Kyle T. Cowan does a journalism type approach, I guess you would say. Hunter basically talks to us the entire time, recounting his summer- it's very casual yet incredibly addictive! Reading one more chapter often turned into reading three more chapters and so on...
Perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Sara Zarr, & John Green, Sunshine Is Forever tackles tough subjects with poise, realism, and a whole lot of heart. Basically, add this book to your TBR pile. It's well worth a read!
Grade: A
August 29, 2017
My feelings on this book are difficult to explain. Hunter has severe depression and suicidal tendencies. After a series of miscalculations he finds himself at Camp Sunshine, a camp for kids like him. This book is his adventure through Camp Sunshine in a quest he doesn’t realize he’s on. One about understanding, ownership, and learning a bit more about himself, and his “Problem.”
Cowan’s writing style is easy to read and enjoy. It’s not overly complex and captured my attention within the first paragraph. While parts of the story were difficult to read, these parts were written beautifully to give us a bit of insight into Hunter and how his brain works.
The story moves quickly. I spent maybe four total hours reading the book. I was quickly pulled in and woke up early to try and finish the book before work. I was anxious to find out more about Hunter’s incident and learn more about the other characters.
The plot seems to take a while to really get going even though it hints at things throughout. I feel like other than Hunter’s personal journey, there wasn’t a lot to the main plot line other than finally understanding what The Incident entails. Throughout the first half of the book there isn’t a lot of major conflict, but the last half has a lot of conflict thrown in throughout, making the ending of the book go quickly.
I have a lot of thoughts on the characters of the book. In a book about suicidal teens, you expect imperfect characters. The characters in this book are perfectly imperfect, and are well written and three dimensional. I understand that Hunter is the main character, and his is the story that we’re actually learning, but I was interested in the rest of the characters stories as well. The only back stories we learn are Hunter’s, Corin’s, and Counselor Kirk’s but I would have really liked to know more about Finley and Quint. Since Hunter just blew off Counselor Kirk’s story, I didn’t really understand how it added to the storyline, and why his story was shared, but no others.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was happy with the ending, finding it satisfying and appropriate for the book. While a lot of the “therapy” scenes were disturbing, I feel like the methods were well researched. As a person who loses herself in a book, if I hadn’t moved through it so quickly I could have easily developed my own dark cloud. The book gives a lot of insight to the stigma of mental illness, and how important it is to receive help.
Enjoy my review? Read them all at the-pink-moose.com
Cowan’s writing style is easy to read and enjoy. It’s not overly complex and captured my attention within the first paragraph. While parts of the story were difficult to read, these parts were written beautifully to give us a bit of insight into Hunter and how his brain works.
The story moves quickly. I spent maybe four total hours reading the book. I was quickly pulled in and woke up early to try and finish the book before work. I was anxious to find out more about Hunter’s incident and learn more about the other characters.
The plot seems to take a while to really get going even though it hints at things throughout. I feel like other than Hunter’s personal journey, there wasn’t a lot to the main plot line other than finally understanding what The Incident entails. Throughout the first half of the book there isn’t a lot of major conflict, but the last half has a lot of conflict thrown in throughout, making the ending of the book go quickly.
I have a lot of thoughts on the characters of the book. In a book about suicidal teens, you expect imperfect characters. The characters in this book are perfectly imperfect, and are well written and three dimensional. I understand that Hunter is the main character, and his is the story that we’re actually learning, but I was interested in the rest of the characters stories as well. The only back stories we learn are Hunter’s, Corin’s, and Counselor Kirk’s but I would have really liked to know more about Finley and Quint. Since Hunter just blew off Counselor Kirk’s story, I didn’t really understand how it added to the storyline, and why his story was shared, but no others.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was happy with the ending, finding it satisfying and appropriate for the book. While a lot of the “therapy” scenes were disturbing, I feel like the methods were well researched. As a person who loses herself in a book, if I hadn’t moved through it so quickly I could have easily developed my own dark cloud. The book gives a lot of insight to the stigma of mental illness, and how important it is to receive help.
Enjoy my review? Read them all at the-pink-moose.com
August 24, 2018
I really liked this book... Considering the subject of it, it seems kind of wrong to say that the book was amusing, but it was. I think Cowan did a great job of giving this book a realistic feel - with the kids using humor as a defense mechanism to hide their real feelings, and with them thinking that things like therapy and journals can't help them, and that they know better than adults. Some of the stuff, like the kids' nicknames for everyone, was pretty amusing. The characters were, as well, because they were all just so different, and their quirks were kind of exaggerated.
Overall, I think the story was well done. Hunter's "Incident" was hyped up a lot, and it wasn't until pretty late in the book that we got the whole truth about it... but it was actually worth the wait, unlike in many other stories. It really was as big of a deal as Hunter made it out to be.
Really, I think the only part of the story that I didn't like all that much was Corin. She's kind of a jerk. But, as with Hunter, her background story is pretty messed up. It doesn't excuse her being so manipulative and unkind 100%, but it does explain it, and I totally get that she's dealing with her past the best way that she can.
Finally, the ending was unexpectedly happy... There was a bit of cheesy teen romance / drama throughout the book, but I really am happy with how things turned out for Hunter and Corin.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Overall, I think the story was well done. Hunter's "Incident" was hyped up a lot, and it wasn't until pretty late in the book that we got the whole truth about it... but it was actually worth the wait, unlike in many other stories. It really was as big of a deal as Hunter made it out to be.
Really, I think the only part of the story that I didn't like all that much was Corin. She's kind of a jerk. But, as with Hunter, her background story is pretty messed up. It doesn't excuse her being so manipulative and unkind 100%, but it does explain it, and I totally get that she's dealing with her past the best way that she can.
Finally, the ending was unexpectedly happy... There was a bit of cheesy teen romance / drama throughout the book, but I really am happy with how things turned out for Hunter and Corin.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
September 4, 2017
There is something special going on in Cowan's Sunshine Is Forever. He's tapped into the teen angst experience that is not only current, but also trans-generational. Hunter's journey is as relatable to a 15 year old as it is to a 50 year old. Part Perks Of Being A Wallflower; part Breakfast Club; Sunshine tackles depression and suicide in a perfect balance of gravity, humor, and compassion. We want to see these kids succeed. We want to see how they turn out. Does Hunter get the girl? Or will she be his undoing? Cowan keeps us guessing until the very end. The story is raw, real, and inspiring.
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