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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This coming-of-age story was an interesting whirlwind of a story. I really liked the main character Jared and felt so much sympathy for him at different points of the story. He is such a good kid but dealt a really crappy hand when it comes to parents. Despite the obstacles that crop up again and again, he is resilient. Jared finds solace with his neighbour Mrs. Jax and her wisdom and makes each of his relationships work although he is often the one person putting in the most effort.
The book also explores indigenous culture and themes through the character of the Trickster who visits Jared in the late half of the book. The magic was a bit strange as was Jared's encounter with the otters. This book is the first in a trilogy so I am looking forward to seeing where and how Jared develops. He is an easy character to root for as he is so likable.
The book also explores indigenous culture and themes through the character of the Trickster who visits Jared in the late half of the book. The magic was a bit strange as was Jared's encounter with the otters. This book is the first in a trilogy so I am looking forward to seeing where and how Jared develops. He is an easy character to root for as he is so likable.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
I've never read a book like this before. I really enjoyed the character driven aspects of the book but found the magical realism hard to follow toward the end. I think perhaps as a non-Indigenous person the Indigenous perspectives woven in weren't as accessible to me but I think vital to take in stories that aren't about your own worldview. An important and interesting read!
Picked this one up because I really liked Monkey Beach and it is on the Canada Reads list. Pretty great, although some of the intoxicated scenes felt repetitive. Did love the turn toward the end full of revelations about characters (no spoilers!)
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a really good book. The fact that it took me 6 months to finish in no way reflects on the quality of the writing. It’s just that we are in the middle of a pandemic, I live in Winnipeg (come see Canada’s most racist city!), and the graves at Kamloops, and climate change, …it’s just a pretty dark time, and this is a very serious book. I had to read it slowly, and only during the daytime. Reading it before bed kept me up. My other pandemic reading has been pretty light subject matter.
So, the book. It is so good. Jared is such a great character. Funny, smart, vulnerable, tough, kind, fucked up, together, such a rich portrayal of a complicated kid. All the other characters are fantastic too. And as a parent of young adults, she writes realistic teen dialogue. It just snaps.
It is a very intense book. It deals with the sequelae of residential schools, addiction, violence, dysfunctional families, and just the general fallout of our colonial system. Some of the violence is very graphic, one scene in particular made me put the book down for a few days. But none of the book is gratuitous, I never felt like it was sensationalistic. Life is very intense for a lot of people. I want to hear those stories too, I just sometimes need to take them in a little more slowly.
The writing is sharp, funny and evocative. I loved the weaving in of the spiritual elements. And in spite of the chaos swirling around Jared, I found it really hopeful. I am pulling for Jared and all his friends and family. And there are so many laugh out loud moments, Ms. Robinson is really, really funny.
I will definitely finish the trilogy, and look forward to reading another of her books, Monkey Beach.
P.S. how are the top two liked reviews of this book two star reviews?.?? What the what? Come on people, let’s ‘like’ the more positive reviews and move them up to the home page for the book.
So, the book. It is so good. Jared is such a great character. Funny, smart, vulnerable, tough, kind, fucked up, together, such a rich portrayal of a complicated kid. All the other characters are fantastic too. And as a parent of young adults, she writes realistic teen dialogue. It just snaps.
It is a very intense book. It deals with the sequelae of residential schools, addiction, violence, dysfunctional families, and just the general fallout of our colonial system. Some of the violence is very graphic, one scene in particular made me put the book down for a few days. But none of the book is gratuitous, I never felt like it was sensationalistic. Life is very intense for a lot of people. I want to hear those stories too, I just sometimes need to take them in a little more slowly.
The writing is sharp, funny and evocative. I loved the weaving in of the spiritual elements. And in spite of the chaos swirling around Jared, I found it really hopeful. I am pulling for Jared and all his friends and family. And there are so many laugh out loud moments, Ms. Robinson is really, really funny.
I will definitely finish the trilogy, and look forward to reading another of her books, Monkey Beach.
P.S. how are the top two liked reviews of this book two star reviews?.?? What the what? Come on people, let’s ‘like’ the more positive reviews and move them up to the home page for the book.
very fun read— I’m attached enough to the characters that I’ll definitely get to the rest of the trilogy eventually.
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
funny
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Abandonment, Alcohol