“Powerful. . . . a revelation.” —The New York Times “With a literary authority rare in a debut novel, it places Native American voices front and center before readers’ eyes.” —NPR/Fresh Air One of The New York Times 10 Best Books of the Year and winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award, Tommy Orange’s wondrous and shattering bestselling novel follows twelve characters from Native communities: all … follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. Together, this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American—grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism. Hailed as an instant classic, There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary and truly unforgettable.
One of the Best Books of the Year: The Washington Post, NPR, Time, O, The Oprah Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe
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This is a very well-written insight into the lives of Urban Native people, a culture unknown to me and, I suspect, most people. The writer tells the stories of broken people, trying to survive in a world hostile to them. I’m glad I read it.
This book sheds light on historical atrocities that have left astounding scars and traumatic outcomes. Told from various perspectives all narratives fit together in a way that is both haunting and thought provoking. It questions the barriers of privilege, race and culture. This breakthrough novel underscores the values of tradition and roots.
Hated it, did not finish it and return for my money back.
A lot of characters which can be confusing, but its a good read about how native Americans see and deal with the current US.
The writing in this book is imaginative and wild, at times. Beautiful, novel lines that you have to stop and read over again. This is not a “feel good” book, but one that teaches us about the lives of Oakland Cherokees. It’s one of those books that you have to read again to be sure you get it all.
Astonishing portrait of today’s Native American youth in Sacramento. Trying to live in a modern world without ignoring or destroying their past culture.
Characters tug at your heart. Well written, insightful, a page turner.
This book will remain with you as you try to analyze the events and why and how they occurred.
This is a phenomenal must debut. Tommy Orange will be a household name one day. His writing is intimate. If you like Louise Erdrich and Sherman
Alexie… you’ll love this novel.
It was good and interesting but not spectacular. The author have a realistic view of the Native American experience as it relates to assimilation into the American experience. The ending left me wanting
Really enjoyed reading this book but I hated the realistic ending.
Awesome read
Not my favorite genre. Predictable
Terribly written, not worth the time to read