Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
As a memoir, I felt great pain for Harjo. If it had been fiction, however, I would have said it relied on tropes, stereotypes, and predictable plot. That this is her life makes me sad.
Haunting, magical, thought-provoking--everything a great memoir should be.
This memoir covers her life from birth to the birth of her second child, however, she lives several lifetimes in that short time. There is no magical realism in this story. It's all real, whether she's telling us of her own birth or sharing a visit with an ancestor. It all happens to Ms. Harjo.
Also strong recounting of decisions made--good, bad and neutral--and how they shape our lives for years to come, told without judgment or regret. We see how quickly our realities and fortunes can shift based on the most banal decisions.
My only disappointment is with myself. For I've read Joy Harjo's poetry, but never an entire work of hers at once, and what a failing that is on my part.
This memoir covers her life from birth to the birth of her second child, however, she lives several lifetimes in that short time. There is no magical realism in this story. It's all real, whether she's telling us of her own birth or sharing a visit with an ancestor. It all happens to Ms. Harjo.
Also strong recounting of decisions made--good, bad and neutral--and how they shape our lives for years to come, told without judgment or regret. We see how quickly our realities and fortunes can shift based on the most banal decisions.
My only disappointment is with myself. For I've read Joy Harjo's poetry, but never an entire work of hers at once, and what a failing that is on my part.
Sublime.
I had recently read her "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Poems" when I found out that she was appointed as our Poet Laureate so I ordered this, her memoir. Her language is evocative and transcendent. I couldn't put the book down.
I had recently read her "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Poems" when I found out that she was appointed as our Poet Laureate so I ordered this, her memoir. Her language is evocative and transcendent. I couldn't put the book down.
emotional
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Joy's Crazy Brave is such a powerful walk through of her lived experiences. Her storytelling is gripping and awakening. Her words eloquent and vivid. She, as a narrator and storyteller, is passionate and almost musical in her rhythm and delivery. Stunning story, beautiful performance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm
Writing like I haven’t read before. Beautiful weaving of story, history, memoir, poetry, dreams. I can’t wait to read more from Joy Harjo.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced