Greg
asked:
I've enjoyed other books about Native Americans, like "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". I'm seeing rave, 5-star reviews for "There There". Is it because of the subject, which certainly needs addressing and it would benefit many of us to understand more about Native Americans? Or is it because readers really loved the book itself?
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There There,
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Olivia G
Thinking that "There There" is being highly lauded purely because it focuses on modern Native American life in a way that is unique to many readers is reductive and offensive to this work and the author. As the jacket mentions, this novel may one day be required reading in American schools not only because of its nuance and thoroughness in portraying contemporary, urban Native American life but also because the ways in which Orange weaves together these stories are profound and lasting. It's one of the most meaningful novels I've engaged with, and I look forward to Orange's future works.
Emma
Apart from what already has been said, it's worth mentioning the voices of the characters. All are different, and all are profound. That's what got me from the get go: the unique gripping voice(s). And, on top of the subject (Indians today) , the voices, and the already praised structure, I would recommend it for the style, the word choices, the many little quaint details that make it real and that make it Literature.
Ed Bernard
Apart from the actual content of the book and what it says about the Native experience, the book is stunning structurally -- not just intertwining 12 fully realized stories, but jumping around in time and uncovering relationships that may not be immediately apparent. This book could be about any group of people and still be brilliant. Read it, you won't regret it.
Sylvia
I gave it 3 stars. It’s unique and beautifully rendered, but It didn’t weave the stories in a satisfying way. Too many characters and not enough depth. It is already on reading lists and will have staying power because of its unflinching portrayals and poetic passages. Hurts in a way that doesn’t block hope or reinvention.
Ashek Haq
It deals with the present. All my understanding of the community was zero. Its a great place to understand the current state which is quite depressing. The book itself is good too.
Josephine Briggs
It really needs to be talked about, discussed. Mr Orange puts into his characters heads how they feel about being Indian, different than others and how they were treated. This book would be good discussions at Book Clubs. Much to think about.
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