HAPPY CAMPERS
GALE CHESTER WHITTINGTON
ISBN # 1-93389-31-1
Npvember 2005
Torquere Press
www.torquerepress.com
E-Book
$5.95
187 pages
Arcus
Rating: 4 Cups

Kent Weschester has a gambling problem. This addiction causes him to do some things that he is not proud of and he ends up in the Texarkana Federal prison. He reflects on his past lovers and relationships as he tries to deal with day-to-day life in a federal prison facility.

There are many other wonderful characters in this book for Kent to ponder on and interact with. There is no very specific love interest except for perhaps Don who will forever be a recipient of Kent’s unrequited love, as Don is straight and not interested in a same sex relationship.

This terrific book focuses on Kent’s experiences and thoughts while incarcerated. It is utterly fascinating to watch him use the time to think and deal with many of the issues that have given him pain and discomfort in his life. The inner workings of the prison camp are intriguing, giving me new insight into prison life and the experiences of prisoners as they adapt to something most people never have to deal with. It was difficult for me to stop reading until the very last word.

As Kent deals with mental illness, bigotry, and the situations that are part of prison life, I
was totally fascinated and drawn completely into the story. Mr. Whittington has the ability to allow others to walk in his shoes for a little while and hopefully understand at least some of the emotions and thoughts of a man in an almost untenable situation. There are many poignant moments in this semi-autobiographical story that are very touching and endeared this book and author to me.

Susan White
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance