WOW! Isn't this a trip down memory lane! I recently came across a vintage copy of this light-hearted children's novel, whose existence I had completely forgotten, and had one of those moments of nostalgic fondness for my long-ago childhood.

My sister Rachael gave me a copy of Yours Till Niagara Falls, Abby for Christmas one year, mostly because my name was in the title, and although I had never before read a "camp" adventure book (nor have I since), I recall enjoying it immensely.

This story of an urban New York City kid (with a fabulous name) who must adjust to life at sleep-away camp one summer, makes for an entertaining middle-grade read. Highly recommended! ( )

This book is one of the best. Unfortunately, I never read it when I was a kid, but if I had, I bet I would have loved it even more than I do now. (And I would have begged my parents to send me to summer camp!) Abby is so easy to relate to. She's a quirky little girl who is convinced that summer camp is going to be miserable without her best friend, but she learns a valuable lesson about making new friends. Abby really learns to be self-confident in this story and comes into her own, which leaves the reader also feeling hopeful and confident by the end.

While the culture references are dated (this book was originally written in 1979), this is a timeless story about friendship, adventure, and growing up without growing apart. It's full of humor and the fun things you get to do at camp, like meet new friends, try new things, play pranks on friends, and spy on the counselors. The characters are a bit stereotypical, but they all change, learn lessons, and show some complexity, which I appreciated. My only complaint was that the adults and counselors are portrayed as clueless, even if that's normal for this type of book. Overall, however, I enjoyed it. It's funny, heartwarming, and everything you hope for in a summer camp book.

Whether this is for a nine-year-old, or you're in your twenties (or older!) and want to relive your glorious summer camp days, you'll love Yours Till Niagara Falls, Abby. It is truly a classic.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )

Abby and Merle are best friends, used to sharing everything. So when Merle’s parents decide to send her to summer camp as an enriching experience, Abby decides she must go as well. At the last minute, Merle has an accident and can’t go, so Abby has to face the eight weeks of torture alone. She writes letters to Merle, explaining about being bullied by bunkmates and struggling with sports—and eventually Abby learns how to enjoy her summer anyway.

Abby and Merle have never needed anyone but each other, because they get along so well and have so many interests in common. This is what motivates the great campaign (complete with strategically positioned brochures and creative poetry) for them to go to camp together, even though Merle’s parents think she’s “too dependent” on Abby.

When they are forced to spend the summer apart – Abby at Camp Pinecrest and Merle at Cape Cod – they are understandably gloomy. Abby expresses her anguish in her private letters to Merle (“don’t feel guilty but so far I’m miserable”), while desperately trying to be cheerful in her letters to her parents.

As the summer progresses, Abby’s letters to Merle become more good-humoured, even though Merle seems to write to Abby less and less. Each have discovered interests apart from each other, and are giving time to their new friends. Abby befriends Roberta and Eileen from her cabin, and they build friendships based on shared experiences such as spying on the camp counsellors, producing their skit, and hanging out in the Nature Hut. Merle hasn’t been able to experience these things with them, so can no longer be close to Abby in quite the same way.

This is a story about growing up and becoming more independent, about how Abby gets outside of her comfort zone, and manages to survive. Abby learns a lot of stuff about how she relates to others – even bringing home a present for her despised little sister – and a bit of stuff about how the world works: “fair is fair… but she couldn’t help feeling that fair could be unfair, too”.

I recommend this book for anyone who dreads being separated from their best friend, anyone who hates sports and other group activities, and anyone who likes vampire movies, as well as for anyone who just wants to read a fun, quick book.