There There - Background and General (No spoilers)

[Hugh]

This is just a quick starter for now - I am intending to start reading my copy as my first book of 2020 and will set up the spoiler threads and add reviews and links here tomorrow. So for now it would be useful to know who will be participating in the discussion and what you know about Tommy Orange.

[Bretnie]

I read it last year so my memory may fail me, but I'll participate!

I knew nothing about Tommy Orange going into the book, and admit that I still don't know much about him. He's speaking in Seattle in May as part of the library's "Seattle Reads" annual book selection, which should be an interesting event.

[Tamara]

I read it around 18 months ago and I loved it. I thought it was really well done. I'm not sure how much I can remember, but I'll try to participate. Fortunately, I posted a review on it so that should jog my memory.
I'm looking forward to the discussion.

[LindaJ^]

I read it in September 2018 and enjoyed it. I'll follow the discussion and pipe in if appropriate.

[Whitney]

I read it about 6 months ago, hopefully still fresh enough that I can contribute to the discussion.

[Clarke]

I'm on the last 100 pages. Orange is new to me, but Oakland is not!

[Kathleen]

Looks like I'm the only one who will be reading later in the month. I'll be back when I've started. Glad to see everyone enjoyed this one!

[Glenda]

I started reading this book yesterday (12/31). I haven’t gotten very far but will contribute to the discussion as much as I can. I had never heard of the author nor the book.

[Kathy]

I read this one last year and loved it. I plan to reread it later in January.

[Kathy]

Has anyone ever been to a Powwow? I have been to a few in North Carolina. Lots of dancing, crafts and food. They took place in smaller fairgrounds out in the country. Nothing like the larger arena of the Oakland Powwow.

[Elaine]

I intend to join the discussion as I’ve had it on my TBR list for a while now. I haven’t participated recently, so will reintroduce myself too.

[Tamara]

Kathy wrote: "Has anyone ever been to a Powwow? I have been to a few in North Carolina. Lots of dancing, crafts and food. They took place in smaller fairgrounds out in the country. Nothing like the larger arena ..."

Yes, I've been to some at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Dancing, crafts, foods, educational materials, and activities for children. It's usually held over a weekend in September.

[Guy]

I haven't participated in a discussion here in years, but I started listening to the audiobook of this just before Christmas and have very much enjoyed the first quarter, so I look forward to getting involved in the discussion

[Jessica]

Bretnie wrote: "I read it last year so my memory may fail me, but I'll participate!

I knew nothing about Tommy Orange going into the book, and admit that I still don't know much about him. He's speaking in Seattl..."

He is speaking here in Philadelphia as well in January, as part of One Book, One Philadelphia. Seems to be a popular book this year! I am also interested in knowing more about him then.

[Michelle]

I'm planning to read it this month, but I have a few other books to read first. It looks like something I'll enjoy. I don't know very much about the author!

[Suzy]

I listened to this in October and loved the audiobook, but found it hard to keep track of the characters and their stories. I have had a print copy on hold at the library and am pleased to see it's on its way to me. I will participate in the discussion! (Like several others in the thread, I haven't participated for a while in a 21st C Lit group read, so am happy to be back.)