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izgabo's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.0
caleb_tankersley's review against another edition
3.0
Despite what everyone else and their mother has reviewed this book as, I didn't think it was anything brilliant. It was barely readable at all. Alexie covers some great topics, and a few, two or three, of the stories are impressive. However, the good stories are virtually drowned in less-than-stellar stories that are far too long and boring and all sound the same. I literally fell asleep reading parts of this. I think Alexie has fallen under that unfortunate enchantment we see so often in modern literature: he should have been a speaker, a comedian, something like that. Not a writer.
erincataldi's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know how I made it through life not having read this book. It had a profound impact on me, the lyrical prose, beauty, heartbreak, and cultural awareness that this book brings is beyond impressive. A collection of short stories about growing up on the Spokane reservation and dealing with alcohol, corrupt government agencies, tradition, love, basketball, culture, and more. Some stories make you laugh but many more make you depressed. It's a book that demands to be felt and is wonderful in getting people to understand at least a little bit of the struggle that Native Americans deal with on a daily basis. Alexie is a gifted storyteller and weaves his words to create dozens of poetic and moving stories that readers will think about long after they finish the book. I can't wait to watch the movie adaptation, Smoke Signals. I hope it does the book justice!
stinalynn24's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. He wrote with such honesty. It was like listening to others' stories that I've heard about growing on a reservation. The little I've seen since I've moved to one with my fiance. The things I've seen and heard. I have recommended this book to everyone that I know. And will continue to do so.
x_tora's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
tinyshedchan's review against another edition
3.0
A generous 3/5 stars - this book isn't a genre I would normally pick up, but I had to read it for school (to teach). I think a lot the themes are important and it does a good job of highlighting the Native American experience. It was great for students to identify commonalities between themselves and the stories in the book - racism, bullying, alcohol, culture, tradition, family dynamics, relationships, death, etc. That being said, I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style and I am going to consider this more of a 'learning' type read rather than a 'enjoyment' read.
donasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Alexie became one of my top ten after the first story I read out of this collection. The rawness and vulnerability in Alexie's voice lend gorgeously to the stories of life on the reservation. So many of his pieces, while revealing the reality of his characters' lives, also allow a glimpse of the humor and camaraderie that sustains them. Read this book, if you're in the mood for beauty, tragedy, and comedy.
bikes_books_yarn's review
4.0
This book snapped me out of my Junk-food-reading a little bit and made me remember why I like a well written book that is not just about vampires doing it with each other and with wolves and showers... You get the drift.
It's one of those books where you reread a paragraph because it speaks to you - and you wonder if you should mark the page. Very enjoyable. I would recommend it!
It's one of those books where you reread a paragraph because it speaks to you - and you wonder if you should mark the page. Very enjoyable. I would recommend it!
squidjum's review
5.0
Books and beer are the best and worst defense. -Alexie Sherman
How much do we remember of what hurts us most? I've been thinking about pain, how each of us constructs our past to justify what we feel now. How each successive pain distorts the preceding. - Sherman Alexie, "Family Portrait"