pickThere's no way I'm going to do this book justice in attempting to explain why it should be read.
This isn't about the quality of the writing, though it's staggering to recognize a young woman wrote this and conveyed such a strong feeling of being present at the moments of growing up, those early years of childhood innocence and joy, considering everything that came after, the brief moments of pure storytelling relaying family foibles, 1/?
“Dreams are so important in one's life, yet when followed blindly they can lead to the disintegration of one's soul.“ 💔
“I used to believe there was no worse sin in this country than to be poor.“
pick4⭐️ Despite having not read The Break, I really enjoyed this book (had to read a summary of The Break to understand certain aspects of the book). I really liked how the author drew the characters and made you feel comfortable with the characters and their stories, even if they were severely flawed. #2025 #family #familydysfunction #canadian #metis #fiction #manitoba #bookclub
so-soFive generations of Metís women, how their lives intersect & separate, the cycle of family trauma, & the connection of life to earth.
Honestly, this was lovely to listen to, but occasionally so confusing I had to rewind several times. POVs of the women, bison, dogs, a car, the Earth itself made for an interesting, intense, inspiring, & very confusing read. This is not a book to listen to while trying to do other things.?????
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day which recognizes the atrocities and multigenerational effects of residential school, that the forceful assimilation of Indigenous communities is cultural genocide.
Today, I'll be starting this memoir about the Metis author's harrowing young life as an Indigenous person in Canada. 🧡
pickThe emotions from this story are hard to explain. It is the sort of book that builds empathy. The character's pain sits in the chest while you are drawn in. The matriarchal community comes through strong, just as the characters must be. The hope that comes through their ceremonies is beautiful and awe-inspiring. I'll be reading the rest of this trilogy but need some space between.
pickVery interesting comic.
For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:
https://youtube.com/shorts/0mraic5PE_Q?feature=share
Enjoy!
pickWhat a lovely story. And very unique, despite its homage to The Secret Garden, and not just in place and character. Positioned with teens rather than children opens the door for romance, and Mary and Sophie are so sweet as they discover first love. Despite the horror and pain of the Craven storyline (no spoilers!) this book is largely a pretty picture of Ontario‘s North, with beautiful gardens, of course. I liked it quite a bit more than expected!
I've never encountered such a comprehensive overview of all the issues that can negatively impact Indigenous woman in one self-portrait, only to be floored by the same person's quiet resolve to work for the solace and improvement of her community, all while recognizing how many government programs have failed them, 5d
Campbell's new afterword is full of joy that there are so many examples of Indigenous art, writing, tradition-sharing, etc working towards decolonization. 5d
⚠️racism, misogyny, domestic abuse,child abuse, substance abuse, death in childbirth, death of a parent, SA, withdrawal, internalized racism, mental health concerns, generational trauma, self-harm, institutionalization, separation of children 5d