Chapter 36 Summary: Fart Blaster 2000
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
During dinner prep at the Bishop family farm, Hazel reveals she overheard Nina’s plan to annex Story Lake. Hazel pitches an idea to attract tourists seeking quiet experiences, targeting families and retirees. The family supports the plan and Hazel will present it to the town. Campbell’s mother sends them alone for a farm tour, suspecting their involvement. Campbell reassures Hazel that family gossip stays within the family. He admits he has reconsidered keeping their relationship secret. Hazel drives the UTV with difficulty, and they feed rescued animals named by Laura’s children. The two discuss their relationship, with Campbell saying he wants to be seen with her in public. Hazel agrees to think about it. The chapter ends with her agreeing to consider a public relationship.
Key Events
- The Bishop family gathers for dinner prep while discussing Dominion’s annexation threat.
- Hazel shares her overheard conversation and proposes targeting quiet-seeking tourists.
- The family embraces the idea, with Hazel scheduled to present it to the town.
- Campbell’s mother hints she knows about their relationship and orchestrates alone time.
- Campbell takes Hazel on a UTV tour of the family’s rescue farm.
- Hazel struggles to drive but eventually gets the hang of it.
- They feed the rescued animals: cows named Bambi and Fart Blaster 2000, and Diva the donkey.
- Campbell clarifies he no longer wants to keep their involvement a secret.
- Hazel agrees to think about moving toward a public relationship.
Character Development
- Campbell Bishop: Shifts from wanting privacy to actively pursuing a public relationship with Hazel. He acknowledges his jealousy when seeing her with Levi and decides to push for more.
- Hazel: Moves from hesitation and avoidance to considering a more open relationship. She also takes initiative with the tourism idea, showing her growing commitment to Story Lake.
- Pep Bishop: Demonstrates sharp intuition by sensing Hazel and Campbell’s connection and creating opportunities for them.
- Hazel’s confidence: Grows as she offers a concrete plan for the town, even though she feels like an outsider.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Family chaos as community: The loud, multi-generational dinner prep mirrors the town’s lively dynamic and reinforces the importance of togetherness.
- Rescue farm symbolism: The named animals (Fart Blaster 2000, Bambi, Diva) represent second chances and care for the overlooked—paralleling Hazel’s own arc of finding a place in Story Lake.
- Communication breakdown and repair: Campbell and Hazel hash out their miscommunication from the previous chapter, emphasizing that honest talk is needed for progress.
- Quiet versus loud tourism: The chapter contrasts Dominion’s party atmosphere with the peace Story Lake can offer, highlighting the town’s unique appeal.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the central conflict with Dominion by introducing Hazel’s counter-strategy and sets up a public role for her in the community. It also deepens Campbell and Hazel’s relationship: Campbell abandons secrecy, and Hazel begins to trust that he wants a real partnership—not just a fling. The domestic setting grounds their romance in family life, showing that Hazel is integrating into the Bishop clan.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Hazel want to target families and retirees for Story Lake tourism?
Hazel notices that Dominion attracts tourists interested in busy nightlife, speedboat races, and partying. She suggests Story Lake should instead draw people who want calm experiences like kayaking without disturbance, such as parents with young children and retired couples.
2. How does Campbell’s attitude toward their relationship change in this chapter?
Earlier, Campbell insisted on keeping their involvement secret from his family. In this chapter, he admits he has “reconsidered” and tells Hazel he wants to be seen with her in public, even acting jealous when she laughs with Levi.
3. What role does Campbell’s mother play in the chapter?
Pep Bishop senses that Campbell and Hazel are involved and deliberately gives them alone time by suggesting the farm tour. She also seems to already know about their relationship, using her parenting instincts to push them together.