[Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.]
Jade Daniels is back, baby! But 4 years have passed s[Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.]
Jade Daniels is back, baby! But 4 years have passed since the last installment and she's grown a lot. She's in therapy, she has a steady job, and she's settling into life back in Proofrock with her best friend, Letha. But Proofrock isn't quite done with Jade just yet...
Another mysterious slew of deaths is haunting the town. And Jade is doing everything in her power NOT to get involved. These can't be the slasher-esque killings she's experienced twice before, right? But if it is, what is she willing to do to protect the ones she loves and end the cycles of violence she's endured her whole life? How far is she willing to go when that means maybe losing the parts of yourself you've worked so hard to fix?
After a brief detour into more characters' POVs in Book 2, Book 3 in the Indian Lake Trilogy is fully Jade Daniels' story. And it feels SO good to be back in her mind. The growth she's had from Book 1 to now is astounding, and that growth feels natural because Stephen Graham Jones has done such a good job developing her voice. At her core she's still the same old Jade with the same old knowledge of slasher films and genre conventions; but she's also more mature, wiser, more experienced, more wounded, and striving to make a peaceful life with what little she has left. I felt like this portrayal of someone who has gone through so much trauma was done so well.
Because Jade is Jade, she doesn't turn into the villain and seek revenge, but she can't quite see herself, still, as the hero, the final girl. She just wants the film to end and for everyone to get on with their lives.
This plot too! It is so full circle. Trust me, you might want to re-read books 1 and 2 before reading this final installment. Because boy are there a LOT of important connections being brought together in this book from what we've learned and experienced before.
I will say, as someone who didn't do that before picking this up, I struggled at times and did a lot of Reddit/Wikipedia-ing to remind myself who's who. Jade treats her backstory like she treats the slashers she constantly references: it's up to you to remember and recall the details because she isn't holding your hand. That could be frustrating for some readers, but I found it refreshing that SGJ throws you right in—and if anything it makes me want to re-read the entire series, like immediately.
The emotional core of this book is strong; probably the strongest of the 3 books. I was stressed at the end because I felt so emotionally invested in what was happening. And the body count in this book: is it the highest of them all? I'm not sure but it sure felt like it...
I think SGJ nailed this ending. I loved it so much, I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I know the series as a whole has its flaws and definitely isn't for everyone, but I love how unique these stories are, how interesting and strange the writing style is (if you struggle with it at times, you aren't alone—maybe try the audiobooks!) and how special it is to spend 3 books with a character in horror. SGJ is a modern day master of the genre!...more
In the vein of Tommy Orange's There, There and Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing. A beautifully rendered collection of stories that weave together the life of oIn the vein of Tommy Orange's There, There and Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing. A beautifully rendered collection of stories that weave together the life of one man of Native American & Mexican descent, told through the perspectives of his relatives.
Each chapter, the whole book being told over the span of about 35 years, has a distinct voice told through a new character each time. Along the way we discover more and more about our main character, Ever, and his family tree.
Hokeah has an incredible ability to bring you immediately into a new point of view while still contributing to the larger story with each passing page.
I found, of course, that as these effectively function as 12 short stories, some were more interesting than others; but regardless, all have a meaningful contribution to the collection and are expertly told.
If there's one thing Richard Wagamese knows how to do it's make you feel. He is able to tap into the emotional core of his characters, and in turn tapIf there's one thing Richard Wagamese knows how to do it's make you feel. He is able to tap into the emotional core of his characters, and in turn tap into the reader's very soul, better than many authors I've read from. And while his craft and storytelling isn't always technically perfect, it's that raw, undefined quality that shines through his stories that makes them so memorable and powerful.
In Ragged Company we follow five protagonists, four of whom are homeless: One for the Dead (Amelia One Sky), Timber, Digger and Double Dick. During a particularly bitter winter storm the group seeks shelter in a movie theater where they meet soon-to-become fifth member of their ragged company: Granite, a retired journalist. After Digger discovers an unclaimed lottery ticket that ends up winning them $13.5 million, we follow this crew as we see how life off the street brings old memories and troubles to the surface, and how they lean on one another to overcome their past traumas.
Within each of the four main parts of this novel are smaller sections that regularly switch between all five protagonists who all have distinct narrative voices. I enjoyed hearing from all of them, even if, compared to other Wagamese novels I've read, it was an adjustment following so many characters. We learn a lot about their presents and their pasts through each section, as Wagamese slowly doles out information.
My only minor quip with this story is its tendency to lean into melodrama. Perhaps because of the nostalgic quality and reflective tone of the story, it can tend to come across as cliche or platitudinal, with characters either speaking or narrating in quotes that you imagine printed on a poster about life, love, family and home. Don't get me wrong, I think it's beautifully written, but it does come across occasionally as a bit simplistic.
But I'm biased because I love Wagamese and trust that by the end he will weave it all together to make an unforgettable story. I also trust him to handle this material, especially about the homeless experience (and Granite's job as a journalist) because of his personal experience with these things; at least, more trusted than other author's who might try to tackle the same subject matter.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as someone's first Wagamese—it's a bit longer than his other works, more meandering/meditative and character-driven—but it's a fine addition to his oeuvre and one I'm glad to have read!...more
i just vibe with SGJ so much. loved this!!! summer slasher vibes were immaculate and the emotional core of the story was strong. he always nails the ei just vibe with SGJ so much. loved this!!! summer slasher vibes were immaculate and the emotional core of the story was strong. he always nails the ending! that's what really pushed it over for me. plot twists, gruesome kills, strong friendships. just all around a good time...more
I read There, There not long after it came out in 2018 and it's lived in my head ever since as one of those exceptional debuts that really made a big I read There, There not long after it came out in 2018 and it's lived in my head ever since as one of those exceptional debuts that really made a big impact. This is the long awaited second novel from Tommy Orange coming out earlier this year, and I've sort of put it off for no particular reason until now. I will say, it has many of the same elements I loved in Orange's debut (great sentence-level writing, vivid characters, and compelling narrative) but packaged in a somewhat different structure.
The book's first 1/3 or so is historical fiction—and I loved it! It's set around 1864 when the Sand Creek Massacre occurred. I hope Orange continues to explore historical fiction because truthfully, that whole section could have been its own book and expanded on, and I'd have gladly read 300+ pages of it! We follow a character named Jude Star whose descendants we meet in There, There. Then in the back half of this book we jump in time to the events afterThere, There and follow some of the familiar characters as they unpack what the trauma of the previous novel has done in their lives.
It's a sort of prequel and sequel simultaneously which is an interesting idea and one I don't think I've ever read before, but not one either that I think particularly worked for me. I've seen other reviewers say that the two parts of the book should have been separate books in a sort of loose trilogy, and I completely agree. It's not that I didn't like either part; I really enjoyed both for the most part (though the 2nd half felt more dragged out and meandering where the historical bits had a clear linear focus I appreciated). But there just wasn't enough connection beyond genealogy/lineage to draw the two halves of the story together for me. Bits felt unresolved, and I think the concepts he's exploring of generational trauma, epigenetic trauma even, were fascinating, but the book felt like it sort of faded out in the end.
I think this could be read without reading There, There but shouldn't be. You will be missing a lot of the emotional context that I think this book lacked because it relied on you having that knowledge from its predecessor.
I am interested to see what Orange does next. I would love for him to write a short story collection because in a way, his first 2 novels have been that, but attempting to tell a larger story. But I think his strength lies in his strong voice and character work, not plot, so I'd love to read something a bit more tightly focused like short fiction from him....more
DNFing this *just for now* - I absolutely will come back to this someday and start over. I started this on a plane ride at the start of vacation and tDNFing this *just for now* - I absolutely will come back to this someday and start over. I started this on a plane ride at the start of vacation and then didn't read anything for over a week so I forget a lot of what I read and to do this justice will revisit some other time. I liked what I read but am just not in the mood to restart it right now!...more
Heavily inspired by Richard Wagamese's own life, his debut novel Keeper'n Me tells the story of a young Anishinaabe man who was taken from his family Heavily inspired by Richard Wagamese's own life, his debut novel Keeper'n Me tells the story of a young Anishinaabe man who was taken from his family at three years old and raised in the city. Twenty years later he is finally reunited with his blood relatives and begins to learn what it means to live a Native life (with a lot of similar themes/messages as Wagemese's memoir One Native Life).
I always enjoy Wagamese's writing. While I think this might be the most straightforward and simple of his stories, as a debut it captured a lot of what Wagamese would go on to keep writing about: identity, connection with nature, the importance of family, Native traditions, hockey/sports, and ceremony. He's also at his best when describing the landscape. I'm always enthralled when Wagamese spends time setting the scene, pulling the reader into the natural world with his characters. Their discovery feels like the reader's discovery too and it's a pleasure to read about.
While this might not be my go-to recommendation for Wagamese's work (I still think Indian Horse is one of the best books I've ever read), it's quite a moving debut novel that hints at his early fascination with storytelling and its role in his life and the lives of his characters....more
White Horse tells the story of 35 year old Kari James, an Urban Indian who lives in Denver, Colorado. She loves frequenting a dive bar called the WhitWhite Horse tells the story of 35 year old Kari James, an Urban Indian who lives in Denver, Colorado. She loves frequenting a dive bar called the White Horse, reading Stephen King books, and listening to heavy metal music. When she was a baby, her mom disappeared and her dad was in a car accident that left him with brain damage. She essentially raised herself and took care of her father, with little support. She went through a rebellious phase as a teen in which she also lost her best friend, Jaime. Now, as an adult working two jobs to make ends meet, she is forced to revisit her past and uncover secrets she's been happy to leave buried.
This book had so much potential. It's billed as a horror/thriller with indigenous folklore in the veins of Stephen Graham Jones (who I adore). It's blurbed by SGJ, Grady Hendrix and Silvia Moreno-Garcia. And the atmosphere of this book is great. I liked the setting of the dive bar, and there are homages to The Shining by Stephen King all throughout. But the rest of the book left a lot to be desired.
From the start, I felt like I could just never get into the groove of this book's plot. It tries to balance a family drama with a horror/folklore storyline but doesn't do the groundwork to get you familiar with the characters and why you should care about them. I felt like the relationships and their shared history were not explored enough. Then things started happening, sometimes conveniently, and the characters don't always question or explore them in a way that felt natural. This allowed things to happen to advance the story but not deepen the themes or characters as real human people. For me that's really critical for a story; so although it was easy enough to read and the plot had interesting elements, it never gripped me in a way that I want from a story.
I don't really feel comfortable giving this a star rating at this time because about 100 pages in I was considering DNFing it. But I pushed through because I wanted to see how it ended and ultimately was a bit underwhelmed. I think it relied a bit too heavily on referencing The Shining, and then wrapped up really quickly in the end. It just didn't feel like it had enough depth for me. I wanted Kari to grapple more with things, to have more emotional moments that didn't feel like cliches.
I did read an Advanced Reader's Copy, so I'm not sure if any of the issues I have with the book will be changed in the final version. I wouldn't deter readers from seeking this one out, but it's also not necessarily a new horror favorite. I wanted to love it but just didn't, sadly....more
I love Louise Erdrich! She's such a great storyteller, and at the sentence level, she's a brilliant writer. It's such accessible writing but so profouI love Louise Erdrich! She's such a great storyteller, and at the sentence level, she's a brilliant writer. It's such accessible writing but so profound. This story is a moving narrative about redemption, about the ghosts that haunt us, and about the COVID-19 pandemic. I would say if you are not interested in reading about COVID and how it deeply affected families touched by the virus, this might be one you want to skip. However, I think the way she brought me back to the time in late 2019 and into 2020 when the world felt like it was changing drastically every single day was masterful. Although it meanders a bit and definitely juggles a lot of topics, I think Tookie as the heart of the story was a sympathetic and endearing and well rounded main character. It's also kind of meta as the story is largely set at the real bookstore that Louise Erdrich owns and operates in Minneapolis!...more
This was the first book of Stephen Graham Jones’s that I just didn’t really vibe with. It’s not bad by any means, I just think this would’ve worked beThis was the first book of Stephen Graham Jones’s that I just didn’t really vibe with. It’s not bad by any means, I just think this would’ve worked better as a short story or novella. The timeline jumped too much for me between past and present—in fact there doesn’t seem to really be a ‘present’ storyline at all, it’s just a bunch of chapters told in various times of this boys life. You slowly piece together information about his life and his family, which I did appreciate. But overall while I respect SGJ as a writer and crafter of sentences, this story didn’t do as much for me as others I’ve read from him. ...more
Amazing! Such a powerful story and so unique. That’s my favorite thing about Stephen Graham Jones’s books: they’re all incredibly special. Guaranteed Amazing! Such a powerful story and so unique. That’s my favorite thing about Stephen Graham Jones’s books: they’re all incredibly special. Guaranteed you’d never read anything like this before. And he’s so consistent in his ability to churn out good writing, strong characters, and a solid story. This one was not as ‘horror’ focused as other ones I’ve read from him, so if you’re looking for a harrowing story about generational trauma and dealing with a parent passing away when your young, this one does it beautifully. ...more
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own. Release date: February 7, 2023
Stephen Graham Jones returnsThanks to the publisher for an advanced copy for review. All thoughts & opinions are my own. Release date: February 7, 2023
Stephen Graham Jones returns to the town of Proofrock, Idaho in the follow up to his 2021 novel, My Heart is a Chainsaw. Without spoiling any of the events of Chainsaw, I will say this one picks up four years later. Some things in the town have changed, but history has a way of repeating itself. And once again, a killer is on the loose and wreaking havoc. Which 'final girl' will be the one to take down the killer this time?
I love SGJ's brand of horror. It's much more human, much more unpredictable than other writers in the genre. It's also written in a more literary style which I admire. There's no denying he is a master at writing slasher-style kills in a way that makes my skin crawl. Reading some of the descriptions in this was so unsettling and unique; it really sets him apart as a horror writer.
I also love Jade as a main character. She's the emotional glue that keeps this book together, and ties into the first book, of course, and I can only assume will continue into the third and final book of the trilogy eventually.
However, this one felt a bit long and convoluted at times. Plot-wise, I was confused for a good portion of the book. Even in the end, I'm not totally sure what exactly happened. I wish things had been explained a little more clearly. And this book sits at nearly 500 pages and feels like it. It expands the cast of characters even more than the first book in the series, and while I appreciate it did something a bit different with these people, I would've liked a bit more focus and attention on Jade in the end. I think it could've been edited down a tiny bit to keep things streamlined, but that's just my preference!
All in all, I will continue following SGJ in whatever he puts out. He's such a compelling, original writer that I am happy is so prolific!...more
Stephen Graham Jones delivers a killer (ha ha) novella that once again subverts your expectations of the slasher/horror genre!
One night, Sawyer and hiStephen Graham Jones delivers a killer (ha ha) novella that once again subverts your expectations of the slasher/horror genre!
One night, Sawyer and his close friends (JR, Tim and Danielle) sneak a mannequin into the movie theater where their friend Shanna works. Except, at the end of the movie, the mannequin stands up and walks out...on his own. From that point on, things take a dark and sinister turn, and Sawyer believes it's up to him to resolve the conflict begun by this seemingly harmless prank.
SGJ is so good at writing it's kind of crazy. He writes in this very colloquial yet still literary manner that just keeps you turning the pages. I love it so much, not only because it's very readable but it also reads like no one else; when you are reading an SGJ book, you know it.
The idea of found family, loyalty, and the end of childhood explored in this book were just perfect in this novella format. It didn't need to be any longer, and any shorter would have felt lackluster. It's got creepy vibes for sure but isn't too disturbing (at least for my taste).
So far, SGJ has yet to disappoint me and I definitely plan on reading as much of his work as I can!...more
DNF @ page 50. I'm sure I'll come back to it some day. I really enjoy Erdrich's writing, but I picked this one up from the library on a whim and am juDNF @ page 50. I'm sure I'll come back to it some day. I really enjoy Erdrich's writing, but I picked this one up from the library on a whim and am just not in the mood for it right now....more
It's only March but I can already guarantee this will be in my top books of 2022. Considering Medicine Walk was my favorite read of 2021, it's safe tIt's only March but I can already guarantee this will be in my top books of 2022. Considering Medicine Walk was my favorite read of 2021, it's safe to say Richard Wagamese is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors.
This book made me cry uncontrollably in the end, which has literally never happened before. I think once or twice I've gotten misty-eyed while reading a book, but no book has ever moved me as much as the last 20 pages of this novel.
The story follows Saul Indian Horse, a young Ojibway boy growing up in 1960s Canada. He's taken from his family and put in a residential school where he falls in love with hockey. We hear from Saul later in his life as he recounts his upbringing, the trauma he endures, and how hockey helped him cope while he and his fellow students suffered at the hands of the clergy that run the residential school.
If you know anything about the history of residential schools in Canada, you will understand how difficult this book is to read at times. Trigger warnings for (view spoiler)[physical and sexual abuse, child death, racism (hide spoiler)]. However, it's an incredibly important story to tell and Wagamese does it so powerfully and respectfully.
I absolutely loved reading from Saul's perspective. He felt like a real person, and the journey he goes on, both externally and internally, was profound. It's because of that depth Wagamese wrote into Saul's character, and how we were able to see him through his highs and lows, that made me so attached to him.
Along with a moving plot and great characters, this story was so beautifully written. Wagamese's writing, especially his descriptions of nature, come to life off the page. The writing is almost poetic in nature, and you can hear the babbling brooks and feel the harsh winds of Winnipeg.
A new all-time favorite and makes me even more eager to keep reading Wagameses work!...more
Stephen Graham Jones has done it again. As with The Only Good Indians, he's written a compelling, fun, heart-wrenching and disturbingly beautiful stoStephen Graham Jones has done it again. As with The Only Good Indians, he's written a compelling, fun, heart-wrenching and disturbingly beautiful story that flips the genre on its head.
Jade is a young indigenous girl, about to finish high school in her rural mountain town of Proofrock, Idaho. She's OBSESSED with slasher films—not just horror, but specifically thrashers. So naturally as the resident outcast with her own personal demons, she sees everything through the lens of the camera. Her slasher obsession colors her perspective of everything she witnesses going on in the town, so when mysterious events begin to occur and new faces show up in town, Jade takes it upon herself to follow the plot points of the real life slasher film happening around her... except are things truly as they appear? And is Jade the main character, the villain or the one directing the camera itself?
SGJ is so good at putting you in Jade's head. It's disorienting, honestly a bit confusing at times, but such a well developed and vivid perspective with which we see the world around her. As the story progresses, you truly don't know fact from fiction and whether the events are Jade's eyewitness account or wish fulfillment. It's the perfect example of a loveable, flawed unreliable narrator.
The end of this book was unexpected for me, and I think because some of the earlier information didn't feel super critical until later, I didn't hold onto some of the details that may have made the ending feel more impactful. I think part of that is due to the writing style which I can't even begin to describe. SGJ has such a unique voice, at least in this and The Only Good Indians that is almost stream of consciousness, very playful, and at times confusing. I do love it, but also found it hard to follow on occasion. I think if I'd had the audiobook to read along with it would have been a perfect reading experience.
All in all I found this to be the perfect book after reading a few duds. This got me out of a reading slump, kept me engaged, excited and horrified all at the same time.
I don't read a lot of horror books because I assume, like with horror movies, they are mostly about the thrills and not necessarily character focused I don't read a lot of horror books because I assume, like with horror movies, they are mostly about the thrills and not necessarily character focused or having strong writing. If there are more horror books like this, then I definitely want to read more!
This story follows four young Indian men who are haunted, both literally and figuratively, by a choice they made 10 years before the start of the novel.
Broken into 3 sections, the novel shows how these past actions have repercussions in the present day. I don't want to say too much more about the plot because it's a wild ride that's best discovered for yourself! But I will say, this had some truly shocking moments in it that had me gasp while reading.
The ending is a bit too on the nose for me, but I think it made sense for what the book was trying to do. It felt a bit predictable, after some otherwise unpredictable moments earlier on in the novel.
Nevertheless, Stephen Graham Jones is an excellent writer, and the descriptions of horror in this are quite gruesome (warning: lots of depiction of animal death/mutilation). All in all, a highly engaging and shocking read with a deeper message than I was expecting!...more
In this memoir, published in 2008, about a decade before Wagamese’s death, he writes about his move from the city to the country. Along with his partnIn this memoir, published in 2008, about a decade before Wagamese’s death, he writes about his move from the city to the country. Along with his partner, Wagamese moved to a cabin outside of Kamloops, BC.
Through this memoir, Wagamese reflects on his surroundings as it pulls him into memories from his disjointed childhood as an indigenous child in the Canadian foster care system. He utilizes short chapters to talk about topics such as nature, human connection, music, education, and so much more. In everything he has a tenderness and respect for each person, animal and landscape he comes into contact with.
I absolutely love Wagamese ethos. He has this quality in his writing that demands attention without ever being pushing or domineering. He has so many stories to tell and wisdom to share and it’s evident in each chapter of this book. I do think it becomes a bit redundant toward the end, with many of the chapters ending in a very direct moral or lesson he took from his experiences. However, the lessons learned are so invaluable that I can overlook the oft simplistic delivery.
If you like memoir, and are looking for one with a unique structure, focused less on a linear timeline and more thematic groupings, this is a must read!...more
WOW. Okay, I was not expecting to love this so much and for it to be added to my favorites shelf. But I'm so happy to say this was one of my favorite WOW. Okay, I was not expecting to love this so much and for it to be added to my favorites shelf. But I'm so happy to say this was one of my favorite 'new-to-me' books I've read in ages! It was my first time reading Wagamese and will absolutely not be my last; in fact, I now plan to read everything he's ever written after this.
The story follows Franklin Starlight, a 16 year old Ojibwe and Cree boy who lives with an older white man in a rural farm in British Columbia. As the novel begins, Frank is on his way to a small milltown to visit his dying, alcoholic father. From there, they set out on a journey that will force them both to face the past and share things they've never said before.
I am a sucker for a father/son story and a western. So this really brought everything together into one of the best books I've read in a long time. The characters felt so real to me. Frank's sadness was palpable, and while Eldon, his father, is a flawed person who makes many bad decisions, there's a sort of grace in Wagamese's writing for this man. Throughout the novel there is a quiet beauty, something almost tangible in the feelings of these characters that jumped off the page.
The descriptions of the natural surroundings, from the creeks and rivers to the spruces and pines, deer, elk and bears, and the manual labor the characters perform—it's all so gorgeously written. It's not flowery or overwritten, however. The novel is not even 250 pages but Wagamese takes us on a full journey across time and into the deepest, most secret parts of these characters' lives. His economy of language is astounding, like a poet or journalist who doesn't beat around the bush but gets right to the heart of the matter.
I tried to savor this book because it wasn't long and I knew I'd be sad when it was over. That's the best feeling when you read a book, and though it's done now, I know I'll revisit it again in the future and have many more of Wagamese's books to look forward to! Obviously, I can't recommend this one highly enough....more
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