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marieintheraw's review
3.0
The premise is gripping; however, the writing style, unfortunately, left something to be desired by me.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however all opinions are my own.
hardlyworking's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.5
shaylaw's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
mama7301's review
I really didn’t get far in this book. It’s not that it’s a bad book. I’m just not in the mood for something so sad right now. Maybe another time.
amando's review
5.0
I loved this book. I'm also completely in awe that the author is also an award-winning filmmaker. I hesitate to even mention that fact because I'm not saying "it's a fantastic book for a filmmaker." It's just fantastic. Period.
I feel like I was able get an insider's view into the lives of Native American teens living on reservations in North America. Sometimes it's not an easy book to read (suicide and poverty are among the book's themes), but it always feels real and something that's important to listen to.
(Full disclosure: I work for the company that publishes Fire Song. I don't often--ever?--post reviews for books, but I think this one really deserves to find as many readers as possible.)
I feel like I was able get an insider's view into the lives of Native American teens living on reservations in North America. Sometimes it's not an easy book to read (suicide and poverty are among the book's themes), but it always feels real and something that's important to listen to.
(Full disclosure: I work for the company that publishes Fire Song. I don't often--ever?--post reviews for books, but I think this one really deserves to find as many readers as possible.)
sydneyfwhite's review against another edition
3.0
Fire Song is a story about a young Indigenous boy named Shane, who tragically loses his sister to suicide. While dealing with his own grief surrounding his sister's death, he must also take on the role of caregiver to his mother while she processes her grief. On top of this, Shane is in love with his long-time friend, David (the feeling is mutual). While Shane is ready to come out, David is not, and Shane believes the only way that he (and David) can be happy is by moving to Toronto for a better life.
This book gives readers an insight into life on the reserve, and demonstrates the ways in which community can come together to help, and sometimes hinder, emotional healing.
This book was good overall, and I was definitely invested in Shane's story. However, I was ultimately a little disappointed in the ending. I understand what the intention was with letting the ending be rather vague, but because of how much went on in such a short story, it would have been nice to have things concluded a bit more soundly.
Regardless, I'm happy I read this AND I didn't know that this was a film originally, so now I'm definitely going to go check it out!
This book gives readers an insight into life on the reserve, and demonstrates the ways in which community can come together to help, and sometimes hinder, emotional healing.
This book was good overall, and I was definitely invested in Shane's story. However, I was ultimately a little disappointed in the ending. I understand what the intention was with letting the ending be rather vague, but because of how much went on in such a short story, it would have been nice to have things concluded a bit more soundly.
Regardless, I'm happy I read this AND I didn't know that this was a film originally, so now I'm definitely going to go check it out!
saidtheraina's review against another edition
4.0
Shane is dealing with layers and layers and layers of shit.
His sister just killed herself. His mom won't leave her bed. The literal roof of their house is caving in.
His love life is a tangle too. His girlfriend wants more. The person he loves won't talk about leaving the reservation with him. Shane is running out of options.
This does NOT read like a book based on a movie. Which is something I mean as a compliment.
Obviously it's critical that the director/screenwriter is the author here. Jones writes from the heart.
The ownvoices intersectionality is what made me pick this up. And, although it's a tough read, I found it engrossing. And convicting. And real.
I took it out to local high schools for a recent booktalking tour.
His sister just killed herself. His mom won't leave her bed. The literal roof of their house is caving in.
His love life is a tangle too. His girlfriend wants more. The person he loves won't talk about leaving the reservation with him. Shane is running out of options.
This does NOT read like a book based on a movie. Which is something I mean as a compliment.
Obviously it's critical that the director/screenwriter is the author here. Jones writes from the heart.
The ownvoices intersectionality is what made me pick this up. And, although it's a tough read, I found it engrossing. And convicting. And real.
I took it out to local high schools for a recent booktalking tour.
"It seems like people are always saying There is help out there but not for you, not right now. ... An army of smiling people in government offices and band offices saying “we want to help!” and then explaining why they can’t." (pg. 30)
krystal_bythebook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
4.0
1.7.2024 - Great novel. Its subject matter is tough! I really enjoyed it. This is a book based on a movie, which I don't think I've ever done before. The main character is so well written.