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charity_ix's review
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
I loved the stories in this book so much! I thought 14 people would be too many to follow initially, but it worked out perfectly fine and the way everyone connected was so satisfying. I loved how the book had a casual vibe but was also part of a larger event, the powwow. Although this book is fiction, I learned so much about urban Native American communities and culture, specifically in Oakland. My favorite stories definitely were Jaqueline, Opal, and Orvil. I also just thought the themes were so fitting and heartbreaking, but also realistic. This did take me a while to read, not because it was boring but just because I've been busy with the holidays and finals. The pacing is done well, but the whole plot to rob the powwow was lost on me. I liked some parts of it, but others I didn't understand or found it uninteresting. I also thought the actual powwow itself was slightly anti climatic, but the ending was tragically perfect in my opinion. Overall it was an amazing book with beautifully written stories about the Native American community in Oakland. I would read more from the author in the future for sure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Rape, Gun violence, Addiction, Grief, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Trafficking and Genocide
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