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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
The description of this bills it as a conflict between Inupiaq folklore and justice, and while that is not wrong, it isn’t exactly correct either.
James Dommek Jr’s work, a look at the case of Teddy Kyle Smith, an Inupiaq man and actor who was convicted of attempted murder and related crimes. But it is more than that. The work also addresses how mainstream (in many cases white) culture conflicts the culture of the Inupiaq or even the culture of those who live in far Arctic circle Alaska.
While the case of Smith and the conflict between Inupiaq belief or folklore are interesting and will fascinate those who enjoy true crime, the more fascinating and perhaps rage inducing are the views and comments about the interplay between non-Native and Native culture especially when it comes to religion and hunting.
In fact, if you like Hollywood movies, there are few very interesting stories about movies.
The weakest part is the attempt to recreate the journey of Smith in the bush. While the attempt makes sense, it also doesn’t quite fit. It almost feels like padding.
Read for the By Candlelight square.
James Dommek Jr’s work, a look at the case of Teddy Kyle Smith, an Inupiaq man and actor who was convicted of attempted murder and related crimes. But it is more than that. The work also addresses how mainstream (in many cases white) culture conflicts the culture of the Inupiaq or even the culture of those who live in far Arctic circle Alaska.
While the case of Smith and the conflict between Inupiaq belief or folklore are interesting and will fascinate those who enjoy true crime, the more fascinating and perhaps rage inducing are the views and comments about the interplay between non-Native and Native culture especially when it comes to religion and hunting.
In fact, if you like Hollywood movies, there are few very interesting stories about movies.
The weakest part is the attempt to recreate the journey of Smith in the bush. While the attempt makes sense, it also doesn’t quite fit. It almost feels like padding.
Read for the By Candlelight square.
Really enjoyed this podcast-like story. The writer/narrator is Alaska Native and did a phenomenal job combining tribal history with present day. Entertaining from start to finish.
I know this is the most “white Girl” thing I could say, and it’s totally ironic and misses the point, but I would love a movie of this.
This story that tells what it’s actually like to be authentically Alaskan; how it feels to have your culture appropriated and colonized; how an entire way of life is overshadowed by the garish light of the American justice system and Hollywood. All on the backdrop of a riveting true crime story about a man caught between worlds, between realities, and between right and wrong. What. A. Great. Story. I hope to see more from James Dommek Jr.
This story that tells what it’s actually like to be authentically Alaskan; how it feels to have your culture appropriated and colonized; how an entire way of life is overshadowed by the garish light of the American justice system and Hollywood. All on the backdrop of a riveting true crime story about a man caught between worlds, between realities, and between right and wrong. What. A. Great. Story. I hope to see more from James Dommek Jr.
An Audible Original actually worth listening to. Great for true crime enthusiasts and people seeking works that shed light on indigenous populations. Eye-opening and intriguing until the end.
3.5 stars I usually don't care for audiobooks that play more like podcasts or radio shows, but I liked this one. The music was relegated to the beginning of each chapter, and while the presentation included recordings from actual interviews and court hearings, it was interspersed well and did not detract from the story. I lived in Kotzebue for a while, long before this story took place. But having lived there, I had no problems believing aspects of the story that some other reviewers found far-fetched. Even though I lived in Kotz, I was not familiar with the story. I thought the author did a good job of tying the story together from a variety of sources. I don't think it would have held my interest for much longer, but it made a good audio short story.
Overall: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this listen. Midnight Son is, on the surface, a True Crime book about Alaskan actor-turned-fugitive Teddy Kyle Smith. Beneath that, it is a story about Alaska, its people, and their beliefs. I appreciate a book that teaches me something new, and James Dommek Jr. took a remote and isolated Alaskan community and brought to life the culture, the people, and the wilderness to the lower 48 (and the rest of the world). He could have told me any story at all, and I would have enjoyed learning from him.
Writing style: 4 stars
This audiobook was written and intended to be listened to. Dommek speaks casually, and accessibly, bringing the listener into the tradition of Alaskan story telling. I loved that Dommek interspersed his narration with real audio recordings wherever possible - either from public events that had recording available, or from his own investigation (including some of the unproductive phone calls that ended in abrupt dial tones). From the interview snippets, to the outdoor sound bites to the traditional music on transitions, the soundscape of this work was as much a part of the writing as the words themselves.
Story: 3 stars
As I said, the story was not the star of this book. I don't think it was meant to be. We know Teddy's ending at the beginning, though the details of his story that are revealed are equal parts frustrating, heartbreaking, and chilling. The mystery and legend of the Iñukuns weaves throughout the book, sometimes as plot point, sometimes as metaphor, and I was entranced.
But of course, one of the big takeaways from the book is not about Teddy or Alaskan spiritual beliefs, but about the disregard of Alaskan Natives in the modern US Judicial system.
I really enjoyed this listen. Midnight Son is, on the surface, a True Crime book about Alaskan actor-turned-fugitive Teddy Kyle Smith. Beneath that, it is a story about Alaska, its people, and their beliefs. I appreciate a book that teaches me something new, and James Dommek Jr. took a remote and isolated Alaskan community and brought to life the culture, the people, and the wilderness to the lower 48 (and the rest of the world). He could have told me any story at all, and I would have enjoyed learning from him.
Writing style: 4 stars
This audiobook was written and intended to be listened to. Dommek speaks casually, and accessibly, bringing the listener into the tradition of Alaskan story telling. I loved that Dommek interspersed his narration with real audio recordings wherever possible - either from public events that had recording available, or from his own investigation (including some of the unproductive phone calls that ended in abrupt dial tones). From the interview snippets, to the outdoor sound bites to the traditional music on transitions, the soundscape of this work was as much a part of the writing as the words themselves.
Story: 3 stars
As I said, the story was not the star of this book. I don't think it was meant to be. We know Teddy's ending at the beginning, though the details of his story that are revealed are equal parts frustrating, heartbreaking, and chilling. The mystery and legend of the Iñukuns weaves throughout the book, sometimes as plot point, sometimes as metaphor, and I was entranced.
But of course, one of the big takeaways from the book is not about Teddy or Alaskan spiritual beliefs, but about the disregard of Alaskan Natives in the modern US Judicial system.