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kelly_e's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Title: Moon of the Crusted Snow
Author: Waubgeshing Rice
Genre: Dystopian
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: October 2, 2018
T H R E E • W O R D S
Accessible • Clever • Timely
📖 S Y N O P S I S
With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community goes dark. Cut off, people become passive and confused. Panic builds as the food supply dwindles. While the band council and a pocket of community members struggle to maintain order, an unexpected visitor arrives, escaping the crumbling society to the south. Soon after, others follow.
The community leadership loses its grip on power as the visitors manipulate the tired and hungry to take control of the reserve. Tensions rise and, as the months pass, so does the death toll due to sickness and despair. Frustrated by the building chaos, a group of young friends and their families turn to the land and Anishinaabe tradition in hopes of helping their community thrive again. Guided through the chaos by an unlikely leader named Evan Whitesky, they endeavor to restore order while grappling with a grave decision.
💭 T H O U G H T S
A Moon of the Crusted Snow first came onto my radar when it was included on the Canada Reads longlist in 2023, and then it came highly recommended by several Canadian book friends, so I was appreciative when it was selected as our January book club pick. For such a short book, there is certainly lots to think about and discuss.
Set on the Anishinaabe territory, this post apocalyptic narrative was timely with eerie similarities to early pandemic life. The author purposely gives just enough detail to allow the reader the possibility of imagining the details. The writing style is incredibly accessible and the detailed descriptions of the environment really set the tone. Each of the characters felt incredibly human
The interplay between Anishinaabe traditions and history and the newfound reliance on electricity and the convivences of new technology was portrayed with careful thought and genuine detail. The quiet, chilling plot forced the characters to return to their traditions and turn to the comfort and familiarity of community - something I think every reader needs to be reminded of.
Overall, Moon of the Crusted Snow was a quick and haunting read that is perfect for the cold and dreary winter months. Despite the gore, it left me with a sense of hope and connection. Even though there was an inkling for just a little bit more, I know there is a sequel so it's quite possible that is where I will get that missing piece. With that said, I definitely think Waubgeshing Rice is an emerging talent in the realm of Canadian literature, and one I will be keeping an eye on.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Canadian readers
• upper level high school classes
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Evan sometimes envied the trees and black bears that could shut down for winter."
"One suicide often led to another among the young people, and the compounding tragedies squeezed the stammering heart of the reserve."
"And when it became clear to them that they were never supposed to last in this situation on this land in the first place, they decided to take control of their own destiny. Their ancestors were displaced from their original homeland in the South and the white people who forced them here had never intended for them to survive."
Author: Waubgeshing Rice
Genre: Dystopian
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: October 2, 2018
T H R E E • W O R D S
Accessible • Clever • Timely
📖 S Y N O P S I S
With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community goes dark. Cut off, people become passive and confused. Panic builds as the food supply dwindles. While the band council and a pocket of community members struggle to maintain order, an unexpected visitor arrives, escaping the crumbling society to the south. Soon after, others follow.
The community leadership loses its grip on power as the visitors manipulate the tired and hungry to take control of the reserve. Tensions rise and, as the months pass, so does the death toll due to sickness and despair. Frustrated by the building chaos, a group of young friends and their families turn to the land and Anishinaabe tradition in hopes of helping their community thrive again. Guided through the chaos by an unlikely leader named Evan Whitesky, they endeavor to restore order while grappling with a grave decision.
💭 T H O U G H T S
A Moon of the Crusted Snow first came onto my radar when it was included on the Canada Reads longlist in 2023, and then it came highly recommended by several Canadian book friends, so I was appreciative when it was selected as our January book club pick. For such a short book, there is certainly lots to think about and discuss.
Set on the Anishinaabe territory, this post apocalyptic narrative was timely with eerie similarities to early pandemic life. The author purposely gives just enough detail to allow the reader the possibility of imagining the details. The writing style is incredibly accessible and the detailed descriptions of the environment really set the tone. Each of the characters felt incredibly human
The interplay between Anishinaabe traditions and history and the newfound reliance on electricity and the convivences of new technology was portrayed with careful thought and genuine detail. The quiet, chilling plot forced the characters to return to their traditions and turn to the comfort and familiarity of community - something I think every reader needs to be reminded of.
Overall, Moon of the Crusted Snow was a quick and haunting read that is perfect for the cold and dreary winter months. Despite the gore, it left me with a sense of hope and connection. Even though there was an inkling for just a little bit more, I know there is a sequel so it's quite possible that is where I will get that missing piece. With that said, I definitely think Waubgeshing Rice is an emerging talent in the realm of Canadian literature, and one I will be keeping an eye on.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Canadian readers
• upper level high school classes
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Evan sometimes envied the trees and black bears that could shut down for winter."
"One suicide often led to another among the young people, and the compounding tragedies squeezed the stammering heart of the reserve."
"And when it became clear to them that they were never supposed to last in this situation on this land in the first place, they decided to take control of their own destiny. Their ancestors were displaced from their original homeland in the South and the white people who forced them here had never intended for them to survive."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Death, Violence, Colonisation, Blood, Gore, and Suicide
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Addiction, Cannibalism, Animal death, Racism, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Minor: Cursing
biobeetle's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Colonisation, Animal death, Suicide, Xenophobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Addiction
emalderwood's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Murder, Death, Xenophobia, and Racial slurs
Minor: Genocide, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Alcohol, and Addiction
kellyofcali's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
While I appreciated this post-apocalyptic tale from a First Nations author, I sometimes struggled a bit with the pacing - the action moved in spurts, and sometimes stepped into and out of dreams or through time a bit confusingly. It also almost skipped over the actual action, which was an interesting choice - not sure 100% how I felt about it. Overall though, I liked the story and the setting, and it was an easy listen (I did audiobook). Be warned, the narrator reads quite slowly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Cannibalism
Moderate: Alcohol, Violence, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Murder, Racism, Alcoholism, and Blood
Minor: Xenophobia, Addiction, and Animal death
charlottesreadingweb's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book reads like a debut. The story is solid, and I enjoyed it overall. It probably could have been longer to allow more substantial character development, which would have made the climax of the story more meaningful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Xenophobia, and Murder
Moderate: Racism and Addiction
lilacs_book_bower's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Believe it or not, but this is a compliment: I almost DNF'd this book; the apocalypse felt too real, and I was uncomfortable. I even had an unsettling dream about this book. In this tale, we are following Evan, primarily, who lives on a Anishinaabe reservation in Ontario as winter is approaching. Then they lose power, internet, cell service, food deliveries, and diesel fuel. The community finds itself cut off, and then a white man/stranger comes and disrupts things. I actually found the second half a bit disappointing. It felt like we were getting bullet points of the story and we never see the white man's machinations, other than at one brief party. I don't know that we need it spelled out, but I would have liked to see more of him being the villain, rather than just being told he is corrupting people. I also found the characterization to be a bit shallow, but maybe they are meant to be types, more than people? There are definitely some good points made about survival, the destruction that white supremacy/colonization has caused to the indigenous people, and maintaining close ties with one's community and beliefs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Classism, Murder, Colonisation, Gun violence, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Violence
fmcphaden's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is an incredible take on the post-apocalyptic survival genre. It takes place on a First Nations reserve in northern Ontario; this cultural, historical and political context changes everything. Although it could probably be read just for plot, some basic understanding of the Anishnaabe experience with Canadian colonialism takes it from good to amazing.
(I said “it’s complicated” for diverse characters because it’s almost entirely Anishnaabe characters. Having said that, it uses the small number of white characters in a way that perfectly explores cultural conflict.)
(I said “it’s complicated” for diverse characters because it’s almost entirely Anishnaabe characters. Having said that, it uses the small number of white characters in a way that perfectly explores cultural conflict.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Colonisation, and Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Suicide, Addiction, Racism, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
Minor: Classism, Cannibalism, Gun violence, and Animal death
I loved it as a reader, and jumped at the coincidental chance to bring it into my high school class. The students love it too despite finding it challenging.edurie's review
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Death, Violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
erkietheturkey's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Death, Blood, and Cursing
Minor: Colonisation, Alcohol, Addiction, Alcoholism, Grief, Racism, and Suicide
ruthypoo2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
An interesting and emotional postapocalyptic story about how life on a reservation might be affected in a world where modern conveniences like electricity and public services were lost. Naturally, there will be certain lifestyles better equipped to live in this kind of world, including those where people already respect an inter-generational cultural structure and have the knowledge and experience of how to survive by respecting and cultivating natural resources. This lends itself to indigenous communities that are primarily confined to a sprawling reservation landscape, and central to this story is the Anishinaabe community of Canada's First Nation.
I was impressed at the realistic way in which the characters of the story assessed and responded to the changed world they found themselves suddenly living in. Unfortunately, the nature of man seems to be one of seek and divide and conquer, so it's no surprise when the story's Anishinaabe community find themselves confronted by non-reservation people who are looking for a new place to call home where they will have a chance to live full and productive lives. How the Anishinaabe respond is heart-warming but costly to the community.
The author, Waubgeshig Rice, expresses the many layers of the First Nation people. While all seem to have knowledge of the teachings of their ancestors and natural capabilities to survive in a world missing the usual comforts, not everyone has the sound mind and responsible work ethic their elders tried to instill in them from a young age. The cultural experiences and beliefs are beautiful and lovingly included within the narrative of the story. And their area also parallels between what's happened in the past when white settlers invaded First Nation lands and how this type of greed can replay in a world where boundaries have been blurred. It was a story that captured my interest from start to finish and I genuinely cared about everyone in this story.
I listed to the audiobook and very much enjoyed the clear dialect and reading of the narrator, Billy Merasty. At first, I wasn't sure if his voice suited me, but I quickly became accustomed to his sound and I normally listen on 1.75-2X speed, so that helped eliminate any drawing out of the spoken word that I might otherwise find a little off-putting. This is another example of when I really want to hear the pronunciation of words I'm not familiar with, and Mr. Merasty ably provided that for me.
I was impressed at the realistic way in which the characters of the story assessed and responded to the changed world they found themselves suddenly living in. Unfortunately, the nature of man seems to be one of seek and divide and conquer, so it's no surprise when the story's Anishinaabe community find themselves confronted by non-reservation people who are looking for a new place to call home where they will have a chance to live full and productive lives. How the Anishinaabe respond is heart-warming but costly to the community.
The author, Waubgeshig Rice, expresses the many layers of the First Nation people. While all seem to have knowledge of the teachings of their ancestors and natural capabilities to survive in a world missing the usual comforts, not everyone has the sound mind and responsible work ethic their elders tried to instill in them from a young age. The cultural experiences and beliefs are beautiful and lovingly included within the narrative of the story. And their area also parallels between what's happened in the past when white settlers invaded First Nation lands and how this type of greed can replay in a world where boundaries have been blurred. It was a story that captured my interest from start to finish and I genuinely cared about everyone in this story.
I listed to the audiobook and very much enjoyed the clear dialect and reading of the narrator, Billy Merasty. At first, I wasn't sure if his voice suited me, but I quickly became accustomed to his sound and I normally listen on 1.75-2X speed, so that helped eliminate any drawing out of the spoken word that I might otherwise find a little off-putting. This is another example of when I really want to hear the pronunciation of words I'm not familiar with, and Mr. Merasty ably provided that for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Death
Minor: Grief, Gun violence, Alcohol, Violence, and Addiction