Where Rivers Change Direction

by L. Bundrock

For nearly thirty years, Tana McCabe has been trapped in suspended animation, just like the beetle encased in resin she wears around her neck. But one warm, summer night, on a remote stretch of highway in Montana, Tana unexpectedly breaks free from the expectations draped over her by her swiftly unraveling family and conservative hometown politics. Tana, a white woman, falls in love with Colette Little Crow. Her coming out as a late-blooming Gay woman is messy, painful, and full of fumbles only surpassed by those of her evolving family.

Set on the slopes of the continental divide, in a place the Blackfeet call the backbone of the world, Where Rivers Change Direction is the awakening story of a woman who cannot remain bound to one place or identity. Tana’s love with Collette ultimately cleaves her heart in two and she must decide whether to try to piece it all back together, or cross geographic and cultural divides to start over. Where Rivers Change Direction explores the meaning of home, the consequence of our choices, and the complicated influences - some centuries old - that pull us in one direction or another.

Genres: Fiction

266 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2022

Reviews

[Tom Diehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully composed novel of growing up queer in rural America, specifically Montana. Bundrock has a tremendous talent for establishing a sense of place and the things (both living and non-) that inhabit it. She's also really funny--genuine wit, not just being clever.

The opening chapters use an episodic structure that tells us so much more about Tana and her family/acquaintances than we could have learned from a more "flowing" approach. These episodes work well with the overall structure of the writing: brief chapters, brief paragraphs, brief sentences--it's all of a piece. The characterizations of Tana's family members, past and present, are spot on. Even though they're in the background, I felt I knew them almost as well as I knew Tana.

While the love stories are well drawn and had me cheering for Tana's ultimate happiness, it's her discovery of herself as a queer woman and finding a space that honors her past, present, and future that brought me real joy.

[DiegoYYC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, even if it is outside my typical genres. The setting in a small town in Montana is very charming and full of insight. The personal experiences and first hand knowledge of the author about the little details of living in a similar place really show and add flavour to the story, giving it a unique perspective.

Tana from Montana (my favourite catchphrase from the story) is a very likeable character with complex family dynamics that makes you love and hate the people surrounding her. The book does spend a bit of the first chapters focusing on Tana’s family. I enjoyed the most when Tana was the focus of the action and got to discover her true character one experience at a time. Her relationship with Colette Little Crow is beautiful.

[Tonya Copenhaver Smith-Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story! I connected to it on a human level. From the complicated relationships we can have with our families and the different personalities within it, to finding our true selves, I loved this book! And for anyone who has grown up in a smaller town, there is so much to relate to. I smiled to myself, laughed and cried as I read the story of Tana (from Montana). When I reached the last few chapters I set the book down for a few days because I didn’t want it to end! Eventually I had to finish it, because I missed being immersed in the story. I can’t wait to buy and share Where Rivers Change Direction with my friends. Looking forward to L. Bundrock’s next book!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was leery about reading When Rivers Change Direction; the author was coming to our book group meeting, and who wants to discourage a first time novelist? No worries. I liked so much about this well written, honest and often
funny novel. Familiar with the Montana setting, I could easily call up the rugged and beautiful
surroundings of Tina McCabe, the novel’s main character, and my childhood in small town America
underscored the accuracy of the author’s description of growing up in Finch, Montana. This is a coming out story for all to read. Respect is paid to our coming to terms with where we are and who we are.

[Allan Timlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and am happy to have discovered this author. Im a slow reader but enjoy reading and am trying to read more.
The story and characters captured me almost immediately.
Bundrock is a great storyteller and pulled me in with their descriptive and poetic language.
I chose the book because of the LGBTQ genre and my Montana roots and enjoyed the exploration of both.
Highly recommend

[Amanda Grindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding fictional memoir that accurately portrays the challenges of finding authenticity while living in a small place where everyone knows everyone. It was a joy to follow Tana through their journey of discovery to come home to themselves and to their community. A beautifully portrayed story, with characters so real, I felt I knew them, this book was a balm to the soul. Thank you L. Bundrock for bringing this work into the world!

[Darla Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, Bundrock has a way of describing rural Montana in the 80’s that transports you back in time. A great read for anyone who loves nature, adventure, love stories or tragedies. It is all of these and more wrapped into a enlightening story about growing up queer in a time and place where it wasn’t discussed or maybe even understood.

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story of finding one’s place in the world. I found myself smiling at Bundrock’s insightful descriptions of human behaviors and the way she connects the characters to the contrasting landscapes. The author uses wonderful prose to weave Tana’s story of discovery. It’s a big, wide open story, like the landscape its set amidst.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapter titles, the strong emotion , the pitch perfect adjectives and a beautifully told story of a woman's heart add up to a book you will fly through. The strong portrayal of Montana helps me understand why people from there hold the state so close. Write another book L. Burdock !!!!

[SKIRB253 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great character development. Beautiful imagery throughout. Stayed up late reading because I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, engrossing coming-of-age story for queers from the sticks everywhere.