‘The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp’ tells a tragic, yet comedic true story of survival after childhood trauma, as told by American stand-up comic Krystal Evans. Krystal was a child of divorce, raised by a mentally ill mother, and survived a house fire in which her younger sister sadly died. That’s a lot for anyone to cope with, and Krystal is a good example of how story telling (and humour) can help to heal from trauma.
Memoirs are always hard to rate and review, as these are people’s real lives. Saying that, this is very well written and quick and easy to read. I didn’t end up laughing as much I hoped I would, though. Overall a memorable and unique memoir that I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for the Advanced digital copy. ‘The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp’ was published in the UK 19th June 2025.

This was great! So well written and very emotional but still funny. Couldn’t put it down!

Thank you NetGalley for the copy!

A perfect mix of emotion and comedy, this was a brave and deeply personal book. Evans tells us in excruciating detail about her childhood, her unwell mother and the first that changed her life. I appreciate how blunt she was when talking about things, she holds her mother accountable for her actions and discusses her grief that she still has for her sister. I thought this book was going to be very serious and I was happily surprised with the humour and sarcasm. Evans balances the heavy emotions with jokes really well, I never once felt that her recount was tone deaf or insensitive. This was truly an entertaining read and one I’m glad to have read.

The download date was unfortunately missed, I would be happy to re-review it if it became available again. I have awarded stars for the book cover and description as they both appeal to me. I would be more than happy to listen and review it if a download becomes available. If you would like me to re-review, please feel free to contact me at thesecretbookreview@gmail.com or via social media: The_secret_bookreview (Instagram) or Secret_bookblog (Twitter). Thank you.

Hottest Girl at Burn Camp is an extraordinary memoir that’s as raw and real as it is uplifting. Krystal Evans turns trauma into triumph, offering a story that’s both heart-wrenching and hilariously honest. A must-read that stays with you long after the final page.

Thanks to Netgalley and Octopus publishing for a review copy.

Believe the hype.

First off, the title. Absolutely inspired.

Although what Krystal went through is some of the most traumatic shit anyone would have to deal with, the book didn’t feel dark or mawkish. Her story is told with real humour, honesty and lightness that made it so compulsively readable I forgot to feed the dog. Twice.

Yes, you might cry several times. But you’ll be better for it. And, like me, you might find much more to relate to in the pages that you’d imagine.

Thank you to Octopus publishing for the E- Arc.

I loved this book so much! The author has been through so much yet still retains a wonderful sense of humour! This book kept me reading so much I neglected other things lol! Absolute gem!

The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp by Krystal Evans is a memoir of adversity and resilience. A compelling and witty read.

It’s really hard to rate a memoir, because it’s someone’s life and their experience—but this one is so incredibly well written, it deserves the recognition.

I read this in one sitting. Krystal Evans has a voice that is equal parts sharp, honest, and unexpectedly funny. She takes you through a deeply personal journey with such rawness and clarity that you feel every emotion alongside her. Her ability to explore trauma, resilience, identity, and humour without ever tipping into self-pity or sensationalism is masterful.

What stood out most to me was how she balances vulnerability with strength, and heartbreak with humour. Even the heaviest moments are written with a sense of perspective that’s both moving and empowering.

This memoir doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you into a world that’s messy, complicated, and ultimately hopeful. It lingers with you long after the final page.

I’d recommend it to fans of powerful memoirs that blend grit with grace, and anyone drawn to stories of overcoming adversity with honesty and heart.

I’m honestly not even sure how to begin to review this book. As it’s a memoir/biography type book it’s hard to want to “rate” it. This book was so interesting and so well written. I honestly applaud Krystal for wanting to let the world in on what she went through with her mum and what happened to her sister.
A lot of what happened in this book seemed so far fetched and it’s honestly crazy how many people could have stepped in but felt they couldn’t/didnt want to “upset” the mother even though she was in charge of 2 children when she clearly shouldn’t have been responsible for even herself. What a Fantastic book.

Very funny telling of a difficult upbringing where humour is used as a shield and a coping mechanism.

Thanks to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC.

Not normally one for memoirs but the title and synopsis for this was just to too good to pass up. This was such a funny and emotional story about growing up with a mother with mental illness as well as surviving a fire that left burns and trauma and well as the lost of her little sister. Krystal Evans talking about her life with such humour and well as emotions really made me immersed in it. Definitely would listen to this as a audiobook as well. I will be recommending this to anyone who loves funny and emotional memoirs.

I’m a fan of Krystal Evans’ stand up comedy so was excited to get an early copy of this book. When Krystal was 14 years old her family home burned down and her 6 year old sister Katie died. This book delves into her chaotic upbringing with her mother’s mental illness and her experiences at a camp for burned children. It’s a gripping tragic read and I flew through it in a couple of days.

Wow what a story. My heart went out to her I can only imagine not only the loss but also the physical side eff era of being so severely burnt from a fire. It was very heart wrenching and inspiring how she dealt with everything and tried to find the positive in it all. This is a story that will stay with me forever