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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
3 star for me not because it is a bad book, but because I am not a big fan of vigilante crime novels. But I did love the perspective and how it brought attention to various issues that reservations face.
there was so much nuance and discussions within this story!!!!!!!! there are hella tw listed next.
(death of a child, sexual assault (mentioned), pedophilia (mentioned), violence, murder, abuse, bullying, drugs. sorry if I miss any!)
but many of the discussions surrounding the loss of tribal land and the lack of federal prosecution when it comes to violent crimes on reservations, the interwoven Lakota traditions, and Indigenous history in a thriller was so good.
(death of a child, sexual assault (mentioned), pedophilia (mentioned), violence, murder, abuse, bullying, drugs. sorry if I miss any!)
but many of the discussions surrounding the loss of tribal land and the lack of federal prosecution when it comes to violent crimes on reservations, the interwoven Lakota traditions, and Indigenous history in a thriller was so good.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.5 stars. A super cool story with incredible insight on life on a reservation. The writing could’ve used some polish. Found several explanatory phrases repeated throughout, but also explanations that were left to the end that should’ve been at the beginning. Some of the dialogue felt stiff at times. But overall very enjoyable!
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
Thank you to Ecco Books for the gifted copy!
This was easily one of my favorite books of 2020! I absolutely loved reading genre fiction by an Indigenous author. It was also the only book of 2020 that made me cry!
WINTER COUNTS is a groundbreaking thriller about a vigilante on a Native American reservation who embarks on a dangerous mission to track down the source of a heroin influx in his community.
What I Loved:
+ I’m a big fan of having characters to root for, and I was totally behind Virgil, Nathan, and Marie. I felt it was a good blend of character-driven and plot-driven
+ The pacing was great, with never a dull moment. I finished in a couple of days because I had to know what happened to the characters I loved
+ I appreciated that the author showed Virgil Wounded Horse outside of stereotypical male characteristics. Yes, he was tough and rough, but he showed a softer, more emotional side with Marie and especially Nathan that I appreciated. That final chapter had me in TEARS!
+ I loved the glimpse and insight into reservation life that Weiden portrayed, and I appreciated being able to journey with Virgil as he grappled with his Indigenous identity and how he fit in.
And that’s all folks. Nothing I disliked. Please pick this one up and support our Indigenous authors!
TW: mention of rape, drug overdose, mention of spousal abuse, mention of miscarriage, violence, racial slurs, torture
This was easily one of my favorite books of 2020! I absolutely loved reading genre fiction by an Indigenous author. It was also the only book of 2020 that made me cry!
WINTER COUNTS is a groundbreaking thriller about a vigilante on a Native American reservation who embarks on a dangerous mission to track down the source of a heroin influx in his community.
What I Loved:
+ I’m a big fan of having characters to root for, and I was totally behind Virgil, Nathan, and Marie. I felt it was a good blend of character-driven and plot-driven
+ The pacing was great, with never a dull moment. I finished in a couple of days because I had to know what happened to the characters I loved
+ I appreciated that the author showed Virgil Wounded Horse outside of stereotypical male characteristics. Yes, he was tough and rough, but he showed a softer, more emotional side with Marie and especially Nathan that I appreciated. That final chapter had me in TEARS!
+ I loved the glimpse and insight into reservation life that Weiden portrayed, and I appreciated being able to journey with Virgil as he grappled with his Indigenous identity and how he fit in.
And that’s all folks. Nothing I disliked. Please pick this one up and support our Indigenous authors!
TW: mention of rape, drug overdose, mention of spousal abuse, mention of miscarriage, violence, racial slurs, torture
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. It was awesome. I loved every fight scene. Better than any Jason Statham movie. Since it was a thriller is was suspicious of everyone actions and motives but I didn’t see THAT coming.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Yes