A review by anna_mayes
There There by Tommy Orange

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

There, There by Tommy Orange

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“You gotta know about the history of your people. How you got to be here, that’s all based on what people done to get you here.”

There, There follows twelve characters as they prepare for the Big Oakland Powwow. These characters all are on individual journeys that are fated to intertwine in unexpected ways. Dene Oxendene is looking to collect the stories of those at the Powwow in order to document the Native experience. Jacquie Red Feather is on a journey to reunite with her family after leaving them in shame. Orvil taught himself how to dance and is hoping to win money for his grandmother and brothers. These are just a few of the stories told in There, There

It is important to read about cultures other than your own in order to better understand people. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the way that each character had their own story, but the stories were also intertwined. It shows how we all have individual experiences, but we have a larger shared experience as a culture. There, There was a quick read for me, but also had moments that were hard to read. Not because they were boring, but because the content was very emotional. The ending left me wanting more in a good way. I wanted to know that all of the characters would be okay. I became attached to them and started playing scenarios in my head that could have happened after the book ended.

I recommend this for everyone. 

Content Warnings: Abuse, Murder, Suicide, Drug Addiction, Gun Violence
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