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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
I think this book is exceptional. Ownvoices m/m indigenous representation is so important. The book is beautifully written and deeply emotional, with a nuanced exploration of Native spirituality and culture, poverty, suicide, and homophobia. It's dark, but ultimately hopeful. I can't speak to the authenticity of the representation, but I can say that the story felt very grounded in the setting and the culture of life on the reserve.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
4.5 ⭐️
Trigger warnings: homophobia, mentions of abuse, suicide, violence
This is as heart-breaking as it’s resilient. I haven’t seen the movie it’s based on, but I’m sure I would need a whole box of tissues if I watched it.
I don’t know why, but I always thought Indigenous people would be more accepting of LGBT+ people. Might be because they tecognise two-spirited as a valid gender. How wrong I was.
I’m not saying this is a representation of all Indigenous peoples, because it’s not. It’s a small picture of a single Anishinaabe reservation, where some follow their ancestral culture while others have turned their back on it.
And that’s where the whole power of this story lies. Reading it, I recognized all the problems that Indigenous peoples have been calling out for decades: drugs and alcohol, rampant abuse, rape, suicide, deceased and disappeared women. All in rates much higher than any other communities in Canada.
The heart breaking part is knowing this is real. This is an ongoing problem that Indigenous peoples face constantly. The resilience comes from Shane’s refusal to accept it. Even when he gives up, he doesn’t. Not really. And it doesn’t change everything, but it makes things a little better. And a little can go a long way.
Trigger warnings: homophobia, mentions of abuse, suicide, violence
This is as heart-breaking as it’s resilient. I haven’t seen the movie it’s based on, but I’m sure I would need a whole box of tissues if I watched it.
I don’t know why, but I always thought Indigenous people would be more accepting of LGBT+ people. Might be because they tecognise two-spirited as a valid gender. How wrong I was.
I’m not saying this is a representation of all Indigenous peoples, because it’s not. It’s a small picture of a single Anishinaabe reservation, where some follow their ancestral culture while others have turned their back on it.
And that’s where the whole power of this story lies. Reading it, I recognized all the problems that Indigenous peoples have been calling out for decades: drugs and alcohol, rampant abuse, rape, suicide, deceased and disappeared women. All in rates much higher than any other communities in Canada.
The heart breaking part is knowing this is real. This is an ongoing problem that Indigenous peoples face constantly. The resilience comes from Shane’s refusal to accept it. Even when he gives up, he doesn’t. Not really. And it doesn’t change everything, but it makes things a little better. And a little can go a long way.
Honestly I wasn't a big fan of the book and wanted to give up on it. I felt like it didn't really go anywhere and it got boring fast. The last fourth of the book did get a bit better and more interesting, however that still wasn't enough to get at least three stars.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley and Annick Press.
You can read my full review on ReadingMaria.
What interested me the most about Fire Song was the fact that it was a movie and now turned into this book – usually it’s the other way around! I did find some parts in the book to be more suited for the big screen, but it wasn’t a huge issue for me. The plot is so real, too. Suicide-prevention and school accessibility really aren’t available for these kids; they have it so much harder than many other kids, so the reality of Shane’s situation is believable, and all the emotions are there that go with it.
What we never hear about is an LGBTQ community within Indigenous communities. It’s just not a thing that’ really brought up, so Adam has done a great job to bring light to these people who are, essentially, a minority within a minority. It was heart breaking to see the relationship between Shane and David go through so much turmoil JUST because of the families and location they were born in. They are never allowed to be themselves, and sneaking around can (and does) only get them so far.
You can read my full review on ReadingMaria.
What interested me the most about Fire Song was the fact that it was a movie and now turned into this book – usually it’s the other way around! I did find some parts in the book to be more suited for the big screen, but it wasn’t a huge issue for me. The plot is so real, too. Suicide-prevention and school accessibility really aren’t available for these kids; they have it so much harder than many other kids, so the reality of Shane’s situation is believable, and all the emotions are there that go with it.
What we never hear about is an LGBTQ community within Indigenous communities. It’s just not a thing that’ really brought up, so Adam has done a great job to bring light to these people who are, essentially, a minority within a minority. It was heart breaking to see the relationship between Shane and David go through so much turmoil JUST because of the families and location they were born in. They are never allowed to be themselves, and sneaking around can (and does) only get them so far.
An emotional tale of a young Indigenous boy, Shane, dealing with his sister's suicide, his mother's detachment from reality, and his own struggles to come out. As he yearns to escape the rez, Shane tries everything he can to get money for university in Toronto but the obstacles of life on a First Nations reservation keep getting in the way. This book brings to light the struggles of modern day Native youth, dealing with the scars of the past and the dismissal of aid and proper funding from the Canadian government. I definitely recommend this book.
dark
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
So here's the thing. I like this story. But didn't connect with the characters enough. I am reading a lot this month but I don't think that was why. A lot is happening but the emotional resonance wasn't there for me.
I do love that the story is own voices. I feel like the representation here is great.
I just think I'd love to see the movie for this soon. I think I'd connect to it more. The film has been on my watchlist for a while now but I wanted to read the book first when I saw there was a novelization. Will hopefully get around to watching the film in the next couple months. It will be an emotional one for me so I might take a bit longer to get to it. Still, definitely want to when I get the opportunity.
I do love that the story is own voices. I feel like the representation here is great.
I just think I'd love to see the movie for this soon. I think I'd connect to it more. The film has been on my watchlist for a while now but I wanted to read the book first when I saw there was a novelization. Will hopefully get around to watching the film in the next couple months. It will be an emotional one for me so I might take a bit longer to get to it. Still, definitely want to when I get the opportunity.