Paul has a Summer Job by Michel Rabagliati

Paul has a Summer Job Paul is an aimless high school dropout living in Quebec, Canada in the 1970’s. He is saved from his dead-end job at the local print shop when an old friend from school calls up and asks Paul to join his counselor crew at a camp he’s put together for disadvantaged kids. Paul figures anything is better than printing, so he takes to the woods, envisioning fresh air, peaceful lakes, and hot chicks. Well, one out of three ain’t bad. His co-counselor, Annie, is pretty hot, but the mosquitoes, overly curious wildlife and crying kids almost put him over the edge. But things start looking up when Paul figures out how to tie a decent rock-climbing knot, bandage skinned elbows, and talk to Annie like a grown-up. This is a sweet and understated story about first jobs and first loves and what goes into making the kind of summer memories you never forget. Americans, don’t let the 1970’s Canadian references put you off–the author thoughtfully included a short list of explanations in the back. Tuck this one into your duffle bag beside the bug spray and flashlight next summer.

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