A review by zenzi2read
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

dark emotional reflective sad 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

4.0

Though the premises unique, and the life of a sex worker seems like it could be a scintillating one , Johnny’s day today sex lack sensuality, and are often uncomfortable to witness
The tension in the story is not truly with a person, but with a community and its Eurocentric homophobia. One of the things that make the story wonderful is that Johnny is certain of his rightful place in his community as two spirits. Even when his right to exist and love Are denied his grandmother infused him with the confidence he needs to pursue a life off of the reservation. 
This book is written in a first nations, oral traditions style. That can make the verse field story difficult to follow. For most of the book you feel like you’re listening to Johnny’s side quest for money and love and then you hit the third act in our  rewarded with. And emotional breakthrough. There’s a lot of love about the story, but the pacing is challenging.
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