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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
This was one of the strongest debut books I've read in a long time. And that's coming from someone who doesn't love a lot of YA mysteries. The cultural representation was beautifully done in a way that it wasn't trying to explain everything. The book wasn't necessarily written for white people, but I still gleaned a lot of knowledge about traditions, culture and history from it.
I loved this book so much I read it twice within 6 months. The characters were well-developed, and I cared deeply about them. The story is a mystery, and the main character is dealing with grief, complicated family relationships, and coming-of-age. All of this, set among a Native American community and culture. Beautiful. Sad. Happy. Everything.
Wow i had such mixed feelings about this book. In the end i really really liked it but the middle of the book felt a bit dragged on giving me a 3-star vibe.
Son of matrilineal cliche Started well with a biracial character who while being part of a Native American (First Nations?) tribe is still not treated as part of the community. Apparently you have to be incorporated like some kind of township. (does she have to go for a run in her first scene? That's used so often. Let's hear it for characters who can't abide running). But the onset of the Male Character (who is always going to be a cunt, you know that) turned it into a kind of noxious goo for a while, then while he is talking to Auntie Dynamite it is mentioned that AD has a habit of punching people (actually, men) in the throat. Why mention that when he is being respectful? Not only that 'actually, men' but also ... we are introduced to the concept of the Blanket Party in which a man who has been horrible to a woman is rolled in a blanket and beaten up. Now who do you think defines 'horrible'? That's two examples of genderbased violence - against men - in a short time, dearie. Now I know there is an issue with Native women going missing and being murdered - trust me, I've seen 'Wind River' - and while Any Murder is One Too Many, there is also an issue with Native men going missing and being murdered, and officialdom does seem to be finally recognising this. And the well-documented issue of Native people with alcohol and drugs, which this book gets into. TBH I'm done with reading. I need to go outside and ask the trees if they'd be willing to lend me 15p, I'm dying for a smoke. And people wonder why First Nations people leave the res and go to the towns! I can see why even if you can't.
Wowowiwowwowowowowowowow WOW. This was a book I could not put down. The ending wrapped up beautifully. New fav book alerrrrrrrrrrtttttt.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Sexual assault
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It took me 2 years to get past the 1st 85 or so pages....after that, I couldn't put it down and I think this may be a reread for me (I have maybe reread 5 books in my life)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No