Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Bad Cree

I have never been one to get emotional over books. Except maybe the Vampire Diaries like a decade ago (don’t ask, I don’t remember much). But Jessica Johns has such a gift for writing grief and connection- human connection, connections of the natural world- that you can’t help but feel emotional for this family. 10/10 I’ll be on the lookout for the next Johns piece.

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lizard800's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Jessica John'sis truly an amazing writer. The way she is able to build a scene and transport the reader is really cool. I could relate to closely to many of the scenes she described (like the aunties all playing cards) and I felt like I literally had to snap out of it when the book continued on because I was so deeply transported back in my memories by the writing.

The book takes a little while to pick up, but when it does you're really in it. I thought the ending was really touching. Definitely reccomend. This book is worth the hype.

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nikkiferr's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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hanloc's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense

3.5

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astridrv's review against another edition

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The horror/magical realism felt quite classic (but well executed), the narrative arc quite predictable (and at times frustrating) but I was taken by how much heart there is in the story, how many details about family, grief, solidarity. The characters were so loving and the book is clearly driven by hope and healing.

"What else have we got to do with all this time but get it right?"

Also loved learning some Cree words and the fact that the chapter numbers were written in Cree. I initially picked this book because it is set in Vancouver, but most of it was set in the Prairies. Fortunately the writing translated the setting really well and I was immersed throughout.

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