chamilton3396's review against another edition
3.0
The world that this novel created was exquisite. Detailed in the right amount to be immersed, but not weighed down by too many descriptions.
I enjoyed the read - especially the earlier half. It was a good read and clearly from a remarkable author, but for me personally stayed at three stars.
(also the introduction almost made me out the book down!! Don't let it fool you)
I enjoyed the read - especially the earlier half. It was a good read and clearly from a remarkable author, but for me personally stayed at three stars.
(also the introduction almost made me out the book down!! Don't let it fool you)
pomegranateicecream's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
sophia_ehli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
mmueller25's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreakingly beautiful and complete in its depiction of what it means to be human, and such a hard look at being Native American. LOVE!
vchiasson's review against another edition
3.0
Read this for my North American Studies class. Bit difficult to read since the novel is written in a non-linear way. A second reading will probably help to understand the novel completely.
pearamour's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
edencruix's review against another edition
5.0
Ceremony is a MUST READ. It is powerful and transformative. It is in itself a ceremony for the reader. It gives you a glipmes of the truth and once you get to the end you are a different person. It is kin to Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping which has made a lasting impression on me. I still can not go a week without it coming across my mind. The hard part is holding that truth in your mind in a world which is intent on making you believe the lies.
pipercurda's review against another edition
4.0
*recommended by hayley*
if you want a better review for this go read hayley’s because she nailed it. and i’ll just be echoing her by saying this should be required reading in any american lit class because it is so essential to understanding the plight of the people to which this country actually belongs.
particularly struck by tayo’s experience of biculturalism and the resulting prejudices against him. also a great commentary on ptsd, alcoholism, and the ways war serves to make people on the margins feel like they’re accepted by their country when, in actuality, they are only being used by it.
the plot is extremely nonlinear, but almost never too confusing. honest prose mixed with traditional Native American poetry/storytelling interspersed throughout so you’re never allowed to forget that this book is distinctly Native American.
if you want a better review for this go read hayley’s because she nailed it. and i’ll just be echoing her by saying this should be required reading in any american lit class because it is so essential to understanding the plight of the people to which this country actually belongs.
particularly struck by tayo’s experience of biculturalism and the resulting prejudices against him. also a great commentary on ptsd, alcoholism, and the ways war serves to make people on the margins feel like they’re accepted by their country when, in actuality, they are only being used by it.
the plot is extremely nonlinear, but almost never too confusing. honest prose mixed with traditional Native American poetry/storytelling interspersed throughout so you’re never allowed to forget that this book is distinctly Native American.
riojhoney's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I really wanted to love this book. It’s the first thing I’ve read in a long time written about the American Indian experience, and I thought it had some fascinating things to say about the Laguna’s relationship with white people and their own cultural heritage. I found myself profoundly confused at many times, but I think the novel is written to upend Western expectations and disorient readers. It’s beautifully written, but maybe doesn’t have much plot substance under that.
petrichorandcoffee's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Perhaps my favorite book. Truly incredible. I think it should be taught alongside Catch-22 and Slaughterhouse Five as reflections of how PTSD affects time and memory.