A review by booksandbujos
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.25

I really liked reading this book. It was an enjoyable experience overall. The narrative was nonlinear and at times it was a little hard to distinguish between the dreams, present day, and reflections/ recollections. Though, Joshua Whitehead’s writing style made it all feel like a fun ride, like I was just along for whatever way Jonny’s mind wandered and he felt like the story should go. It really didn’t feel confusing as I was just enjoying being brought along through it all. 

 

It spends a lot of time discussing his memories of his grandma (kokum) and I really love their relationship. I think she was one of the only people who truly saw Jonny from an early age and was always in his corner, no matter what. I also liked his relationship with his mom. She was not always the best at being a mom, but I could tell she really cared for Jonny and was trying her best to raise him, and include his indigenous culture in his life as much as she could. 

 

Really great book and I can’t wait to read from Joshua Whitehead more!