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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I struggle with rating this book properly, as it moved me a lot more than other books that I have given the same rating to in the past.
The story has many different layers, and is extremely easy to read despite some very difficult topics. The only thing that brought this rating under a 4 star for me was the fact that the story was heavily influenced by hockey, and I thought it to be too much so at times. I was expecting a read that focused much more on residential schools, and so was surprised at how immersed into the game of hockey it became.
However, the reasoning behind this becomes very clear at the end of the book, which got me in all my emotions.
All in all, highly recommend this read for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of the history of residential schools in Canada, and the systemic racism that is unfortunately deep-rooted in Canadian culture. I look forward to reading another Wagamese book in the future.
I struggle with rating this book properly, as it moved me a lot more than other books that I have given the same rating to in the past.
The story has many different layers, and is extremely easy to read despite some very difficult topics. The only thing that brought this rating under a 4 star for me was the fact that the story was heavily influenced by hockey, and I thought it to be too much so at times. I was expecting a read that focused much more on residential schools, and so was surprised at how immersed into the game of hockey it became.
However, the reasoning behind this becomes very clear at the end of the book, which got me in all my emotions.
All in all, highly recommend this read for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of the history of residential schools in Canada, and the systemic racism that is unfortunately deep-rooted in Canadian culture. I look forward to reading another Wagamese book in the future.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
As sad as this book is, I think that it should be mandated in Canadian schools because it has such an important message and still, a lot of Canadians don’t realize the damage created by residential schools and how it still affects so many First Nation people. This book doesn’t focus on residential schools per se, but it shows how the abuse eats away at every aspect of a person’s life, and how eventually, they cannot run away from the pain any longer. This is a book about survival, hope, and joy.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Alcohol
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault
A simple reader that digs deep. Incredible narrative and an emotional ocean. A book that makes time not make sense.
This is essential reading, and could be excellent intro for older white men who have a deep love for hockey but an ignorance of the horrors Canada inflicted on Indigenous Peoples.
At times beautiful and harrowing in equal measure.
At times beautiful and harrowing in equal measure.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No