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adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
The message about MMIWG+ in this book is so important. I also LOVED the conversations among friends and family - they were so authentic and I was definitely code switching with my Native accent. It was also consistent throughout the book. I thought the plot was trying to do a whole lot as the book went on, but I really enjoyed it.
Quill has lived on the Red Pine reservation in Minnesota her whole life. She knows what happens to women, women like her. When she hears a scream one morning, and only an earing left behind she begins to wonder.
Then another woman goes missing so Quill begins to investigate.
As she closes in on the truth about the missing women, someone else disappears. Can she figure this out before it’s too late?
This is one of those books that is an important read because it brings attention to the horrors that indigenous women face. The characters were likable, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I also did enjoy the story despite the numerous heavy topics. I did struggle with this one for a few reasons because the pacing is incredibly slow, and for such a heavy topic I needed it to be quicker. The author also included phrases in a different language without translation. I have no issue with including other languages in books, it helps make for a more authentic experience, but in the case of this book I had no idea what was being said because the context was also missing so I was just left missing pieces of the story. I also found the book written in a novice type format. While I knew this was an adult novel, it felt that the writing style was more middle grade in how simplistic it was (not that I would recommend this book to middle grade at all).
Thank you to Bantam books, Random House Publishing – Ballantine and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Then another woman goes missing so Quill begins to investigate.
As she closes in on the truth about the missing women, someone else disappears. Can she figure this out before it’s too late?
This is one of those books that is an important read because it brings attention to the horrors that indigenous women face. The characters were likable, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I also did enjoy the story despite the numerous heavy topics. I did struggle with this one for a few reasons because the pacing is incredibly slow, and for such a heavy topic I needed it to be quicker. The author also included phrases in a different language without translation. I have no issue with including other languages in books, it helps make for a more authentic experience, but in the case of this book I had no idea what was being said because the context was also missing so I was just left missing pieces of the story. I also found the book written in a novice type format. While I knew this was an adult novel, it felt that the writing style was more middle grade in how simplistic it was (not that I would recommend this book to middle grade at all).
Thank you to Bantam books, Random House Publishing – Ballantine and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What an rollercoaster of emotion! This was a top read for me. From the beginning it was a hard story to set down. Very well written, emotionally gripping plot, steady pacing, great character development, a memorable read. The FMC was super relatable and super frustrating at times (probably because she was so relatable). Her dedication to her friends and her family were palpable. I definitely cried during some chapters. Prompted me to look for ways to contribute to and/or support those who are trying to combat and bring awareness to MMIWP. Any suggestions are welcome! Definitely recommend reading, will be reading more from this author in the future!
This was a really enjoyable read. I will issue a trigger warning that this book does deal with domestic abuse/IPV (amongst other topics, but those other topics I feel are adequately covered in the book description). To do my best to avoid spoilers, I won't go into much detail. But if this would be triggering for you I don't think this is the read for you.
Then, on a different note, there are still many unanswered questions by the end of the book. I personally still thought that it wrapped up quite well, and the unanswered questions didn't actually bother me (though I really hope that Rendon writes a sequel and that we do get some answers!), hence the 5-star rating. But I know that this bothers some people, so want to give that fair warning in this review.
Still, it is an incredible book and touches on such important topics. Rendon's writing is also fantastic. I hope to read more from her. But my local library doesn't carry her other books, so will need to wait to buy them, or maybe I'll try submitting a "Gotta Have It" form :/ (this book has been doing really well at the library it seems, so maybe they'll consider it).
Then, on a different note, there are still many unanswered questions by the end of the book. I personally still thought that it wrapped up quite well, and the unanswered questions didn't actually bother me (though I really hope that Rendon writes a sequel and that we do get some answers!), hence the 5-star rating. But I know that this bothers some people, so want to give that fair warning in this review.
Still, it is an incredible book and touches on such important topics. Rendon's writing is also fantastic. I hope to read more from her. But my local library doesn't carry her other books, so will need to wait to buy them, or maybe I'll try submitting a "Gotta Have It" form :/ (this book has been doing really well at the library it seems, so maybe they'll consider it).
dark
mysterious
tense
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault
ARC by Netgalley - Kindle
I am reminded that some stories are a blog post, some are a short story, some are a book, etc. This felt like it had a lot of filler in it and would have made a great short story. Lots of running and driving around that did not advance the plot.
I am reminded that some stories are a blog post, some are a short story, some are a book, etc. This felt like it had a lot of filler in it and would have made a great short story. Lots of running and driving around that did not advance the plot.
This book had a great pace and was very atomspheric and wrapped in indigenous culture. I loved the wintery scenes, added to the spookiness of the book.
A Mystery with the pace of a thriller. Main focus was the MC who was passionate about standing up to find the kidnappers of the women and children in this community. Quill, may get involved at too much of a cost. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and all of a sudden. I enjoyed Quill's stubborn nature and standing by her beliefs but also struggled with the responsibilities required. Such a hard struggle and thought provoking. We need more books like this one.
I loved the book club questions provided in the back of the book.
A Mystery with the pace of a thriller. Main focus was the MC who was passionate about standing up to find the kidnappers of the women and children in this community. Quill, may get involved at too much of a cost. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and all of a sudden. I enjoyed Quill's stubborn nature and standing by her beliefs but also struggled with the responsibilities required. Such a hard struggle and thought provoking. We need more books like this one.
I loved the book club questions provided in the back of the book.