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"Crooked Hallelujah" by Kelli Jo Ford is a novel that explores the lives of four generations of Cherokee women as they navigate poverty, religion, and identity. Set in Oklahoma and Texas during the 1970s and beyond, the story follows Justine and her daughter Reney as they move from their reservation to seek a better life. The novel delves into the harsh realities of American poverty and how faith becomes a lifeline for these women.

Ten books I already own that I want to read this year. What should I start with?

I'm struggling with how to write this review.

I was into this story about mothers and daughters from the first page.

It is beautifully written and there are many memorable, moving scenes.

After the halfway point, though, I found myself trying to figure out who was speaking, why this new character was introduced, and why the author changed the format.

I'm glad I read it and I'm glad I'm done.

I needed a break from The Hiawatha, I haven't given up, I just needed to get that rush I get from reading an intense book. I needed a fix! 😁 So this came in the mail today, just in time. I'm super excited about this one. 🤞🏽

The story of Justine―a mixed-blood Cherokee woman― and her daughter, Reney, as they move from Eastern Oklahoma‘s Indian Country in the hopes of starting a new, more stable life in Texas amid the oil bust of the 1980s.
#hallelujahchorus #decembersong

This book is set in Oklahoma and Texas, but it reminds me of where my family is from in Ohio. Not the landscape but the feeling of fate at work, of holding tight to what you can because the world is not doing you any favors. There's this sense that maybe the end of the world doesn't happen all at once but starts slowly in particular locations, bellwether towns that herald the accelerating approach of disaster. Depressing book, but excellent.

The tostada beans are being slow to cook, but that just means more time to read.

I really enjoyed this book about mothers and daughters, Fundamental Christianity and Native America. I don‘t think I‘ve ever read a novel that explores all these topics, and Ford does it in such a way that you see glimpses of other people you know. I think this is her first novel and I am excited to read more of her work.

1. My most recent #getbr Tailored Book Recommendations selections. Tagged plus In the Dream House and Red Pill.

2. I didn't buy or receive any, but I wrapped and mailed out birthday and Christmas books to all of my nieces last week. The eldest is 6 years old so they don't really think too much of my being the self-proclaimed Book Aunt right now, but I bet I'm going to be super cool to them in a few years.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1. Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford, Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

2. Making Gay History by Eric Marcus (I recommended this book to someone who asked me how they could be a better ally)

3. The Widow by Fiona Barton

This is a beautiful story set partially in Eastern Oklahoma, a place where I spent most of my childhood. I search out books in this setting written by Indigenous people.

This book really hit the nail on the head with its telling of the displacement of beautiful, strong women. It is a generational story of the bonds between mothers and daughters centering on their fierce love, disappointment, hardship, and much more.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
This debut novel follows the story of Lula, her daughter Justine who is half-Cherokee, and her daughter, Reney. Set in Texas and Oklahoma,the novel delves into motherhood and families. It also shows the strength of women against social forces as well as battling natural disasters like tornadoes and wildfires.
This would have been better as a short story collection. Between a pick and a so-so.

Thank you @Cupcake12 for the tag and @BayouGirl85 for the questions. #talkaboutittuesday

The tagged book is a Netgalley ARC. So far, it‘s ok 😊

This novel follows four generations of Cherokee women from the 1970s into the near future, mostly focusing on their relationships with each other. One mother, Justine, leaves the comfort of her family to try to make a better living in Texas with her daughter Reney, and those two are largely the focus.⤵️