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fictionfiend74's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
3.0
kshertz's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was an extremely quick read and I really would’ve loved to know more about the characters and been able to get more invested in them. I felt like it gave me a good look into the life of this city and the people there but in the end I didn’t really understand exactly what happened. I didn’t really know what I was meant to be learning from the book in general.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Violence
bookish_teacher23's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
kellyjcm's review against another edition
4.0
This story was different from what I was expecting. It is focused a lot on the main character, Rain, and her struggle with grief following the death of her best friend, Galen. Since I knew this was by a Native American writer, I think I expected it to be the focal point. It wasn't; instead, it is worked throughout the narrative naturally. Just as it should be.
Rain deals with her grief by hiding, physically and emotionally. Ms. Smith skillfully uses certain literary devices, such as the camera as a symbol and the diary entries at the beginning of each chapter, to deepen the story and enhance the reader's understanding of Rain and her world.
Amidst her intense grief, Rain also deals with issues of honesty, friendship, and injustice. The supporting characters are well developed, and offer some humor for the reader, provide Rain with necessary perspective, and realistically depict a small community.
I was happy that the novel did not tie up every single plotline, but left a lot to the reader's imagination and interpretation. Most importantly, the novel ends with hope. Rain will never live in a happily ever after, especially after losing Galen and her mother. I do think Rain will live in a future rich with family, friends, and beautiful photography. That's my interpretation.
Rain deals with her grief by hiding, physically and emotionally. Ms. Smith skillfully uses certain literary devices, such as the camera as a symbol and the diary entries at the beginning of each chapter, to deepen the story and enhance the reader's understanding of Rain and her world.
Amidst her intense grief, Rain also deals with issues of honesty, friendship, and injustice. The supporting characters are well developed, and offer some humor for the reader, provide Rain with necessary perspective, and realistically depict a small community.
I was happy that the novel did not tie up every single plotline, but left a lot to the reader's imagination and interpretation. Most importantly, the novel ends with hope. Rain will never live in a happily ever after, especially after losing Galen and her mother. I do think Rain will live in a future rich with family, friends, and beautiful photography. That's my interpretation.
katrinaeames's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
3.0
laphenix's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting as an art, not so much a story, with a comfortable ending.
mrskingisreading's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
danadoesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-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? It's complicated
Thank you to LibroFM for the gifted audiobook through their Educator ALC program! All opinions in this review are my own.
I didn't realize until the author's note that this was a revised and rereleased story. It shows how with a little updating, stories like Rain is Not My Indian Name are timeless.
I didn't realize until the author's note that this was a revised and rereleased story. It shows how with a little updating, stories like Rain is Not My Indian Name are timeless.
runningkar's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5