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zulm4's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
3.5
This book tackled some interesting themes and topics, including conversation of indigenous culture and politics, and I enjoyed reading it. However, looking at the book more critically, I felt there were some flaws in the storyline. I also hated the way that Daunis leaned into the dynamic of being "one of the guys" and feeling superior than the girls who came to support their boyfriends' hockey games. It seemed that the worst thing she could be was an "angler fish" and I really would have liked to see more character growth and feminist solidarity by the end.
It does feel very YA in the way the story develops. I just couldn't bring myself to accept how the relationship between Jamie and Daunis was generally portrayed. It just felt extremely problematic, with Daunis not seeming to understand (or be willing to understand) the gravity of the situation. This is an 22 year old man who you do not know anything about, who planned to manipulate you in order to advance his own career. I'm glad they didn't end up together, even though it was alluded that it might happen in the future. It just made me feel so icky and I wish the author had given Daunis the autonomy and character growth to more seriously challenge and question the situation that these grown men had put her in. It wasn't just Grant who took advantage of her, it was all of the men - Ron, Levi, Mike, Jamie, etc. This whole storyline just felt very irresponsible.
The book also covers some very heavy themes, including SA. Although I somewhat get what the author may have been trying to do with Daunis' character in terms of showing her growth after being raped and becoming part of an unfortunately large group of similarly abused women within her community. I just wish there was a larger analysis of the patterns and systems that perpetuate these abuses that never receive justice, rather than showing her as just another victim.
One of the book's most redeeming qualities was the conversations on Ojibwe culture, tradition, and the insularity of the tribes, even to someone who clearly has such deep connections and roots. I also enjoyed how strongly Daunis cared about her family and the many genuinely good relationships that were shown.
It does feel very YA in the way the story develops. I just couldn't bring myself to accept how
The book also covers some very heavy themes,
One of the book's most redeeming qualities was the conversations on Ojibwe culture, tradition, and the insularity of the tribes, even to someone who clearly has such deep connections and roots. I also enjoyed how strongly Daunis cared about her family and the many genuinely good relationships that were shown.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
kallisaidwhat's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was an interesting mystery read, especially as the first one I read that took place within a Native American community. The familial bonds were strong in this book and I loved seeing how connected Daunis was to her family and her tribe, even if as she faced scrutiny from others in her community and the difficulty that comes with simultaneously feeling like too much and not enough. It ended a bit differently than I’d expected, and there were some parts I didn’t love, but overall a solid read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
forzasusan's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence
pastelplanet's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Physical abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Car accident
Minor: Confinement
dweoport's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
EVERYONE should be reading and talking about this book forever. Boulley's writing is so engaging, clear, and creative - I had been recommending this book to others within the first 50 pages or so. Unforgettable storyline that, while with predictable twists, leaves you on the complete edge of your seat, turning page after page just because you NEED to know what happens next. I love Daunis, I love her community, I love the history and relationships and the stories that she shared with us. Boulley's background in storytelling is evident throughout her writing, and she places so much care into making readers think beyond the black-and-white lens that is often inherent in stories about substance abuse and racism. The mystery/investigation felt so well-planned, and I was on the same train of thought as Daunis when she was uncovering more and more secrets, the surprise and shock was incredibly infuriating and so extremely satisfying (I knew it! I knew exactly what was going on and it made me so mad!). I cried, he crew, we both crode, especially during the scenes when Daunis was being supported by her Elders, and the ending was so succinct, beautiful, and thoughtful. I'm so glad I picked up this absolutely fantastic story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship
emiiiiiiii's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Racism, and Rape
shellbell_04's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
lucidfairyk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Started slow, it by about 25% in I wanted to know if my hunches were right. An enjoyable read, and beautiful look into the traditions of native people. Should be read by adults even if technically a YA. Tough topics handled with care.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
reike's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
sahra_till_rose's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail