caroline__h 's review for:

Heads by Harry by Lois-Ann Yamanaka

5.0

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Heads by Harry was a bittersweet read, but I loved it. The taxidermy shop, the evocative descriptions of Hilo, the characters and their relationships—all those elements drew me in and wouldn't let go. I rooted for Toni to forge her own path through the misogynistic, often violent world she grew up in, to find love and acceptance, and prove her worth to her father and siblings. It was difficult to see her struggle and fall short of other people's expectations, but Yamanaka writes with both ironic distance (Toni doesn't make excuses for her choices and admits that she's often jealous, bitter, and desperate for attention) and warmth, revealing that Toni is resourceful and courageous. This is easily a favorite of mine and I look forward to coming back to it again and again.