New Book Alert: The Rez: An American Love Story by G. Michael Madison; Bleak, Moving, Realistic, and Uplifting Story About Life on a Pacific Northwest Reservation

Ñew Book Alert: The Rez: An American Love Story by G. Michael Madison; Bleak, Moving, Realistic, and Uplifting Coming of Age Story About Life on a Pacific Northwest Reservation

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews


Spoilers: G. Michael Madison's book, The Rez is one of those type of books in which the Reader must arrive prepared: with a box of tissues and the phone number to their local counseling service on hand. It is a somber realistic book about life on a Pacific Northwest Reservation. It is very honest and bleak about the poverty, illness, and broken families that exist in many of these reservations. However, it is also very moving with plenty of heartwarming and hopeful moments spread throughout.

The Tulalip Indian Reservation, Washington is seen through the eyes of Jonny Esque, the third son and one of ten children total, of Franc and Lois Esque. Jonny is a very shy sensitive boy, mostly silent because of a speech impediment and spends his time tagging along with his cooler more athletic older brother, Caj and being mothered and irritated by his seven sisters. One day while following Caj up the bluffs, Jonny finds himself in the white affluent neighborhood of Mission Heights. He immediately catches the eye of Nikki D. Thomas, a girl who is new to the neighborhood. Despite their different economic positions, family backgrounds, and her mother's disapproval, Jonny and Nikki D. become fast friends. That friendship lasts them through the turbulent times of the 1960's and their own personal problems and developing maturity.


The book is pretty straightforward how it portrays the daily life of the Esque family. Franc tries to be a leader, but receives failure at every turn, so he finds solace in the bottle. His temper makes the Esque home a tense one. The younger children hide from their father rather than risk provoking him.

Lois is a white woman who married Franc for love, but also to escape the sexual abuse within her own family. She appears as a sickly weak willed woman. However, she shows a lot of tremendous inner strength by protecting her children from Franc's wrath and by loving the Tulalip community and becoming a part of it.

The Esque children deal with their unhappy home life in various ways. They act out in school like Caj, take a parental role with the younger children like Claire, or keep to themselves feeling invisible like Jonny. Their oldest brother, Gray, has become a juvenile delinquent and is now residing in prison. It's a hard life and the family knows it.


There are several passages that reveal the hardship and poverty that the family goes through. They are on the brink of starvation a few times. When Lois becomes ill with a nervous breakdown, the children are separated and sent to various Indian boarding schools.

Jonny in particular has a rough time of it. The money that is supposed to be sent for his welfare is late in arriving. He has to suffer from other kids taunting him because he has to wear the same clothes and shoes every day. Madison pulls no punches in describing how hard life is for this family.

Even though, Nikki D.'s family is smaller and wealthier than Jonny's family, it is just as dysfunctional. Her father, Nick, is an alcoholic like Franc, but instead of turning his rages and frustrations outward, he turns inward. He is a meek quiet little man with a domineering wife who lives a life of quiet desperation.

Ginny, Nick's wife and Nikki D.'s mother, is the total opposite. She is scarred from her childhood as the daughter of a Chinese immigrant mother who delighted in verbally abusing her. In adulthood, Ginny focuses all her attention on pushing her daughter to succeed in school and be a part of a high social set. Even though, Ginny comes from an immigrant family herself and had suffered from insults because of her Chinese heritage, she fails to recognize her own racism towards the Esque family and the Tulalips. She refuses to let Nikki D. befriend them to the point of making a scene at Nikki D.'s birthday party when Jonny arrives.


Nikki D. however is determined to be Jonny's friend. The two recognize a kinship with each other because of their mutual dysfunctional backgrounds. Nikki D. Is so determined to be accepted among Jonny's peers that in one horrific passage, she hunts an animal to prove it. She also gets very confused the more mature she gets and the closer she grows to the Esque family. She develops a crush on Caj and has a platonic friendship with Jonny. However, she fails to notice that Jonny's feelings are anything but platonic.


Even though the book is bleak, there are some moments that keep it from being overly depressing. There are some really heartwarming passages. One of them occurs between Lois and Ginny. After Ginny evicts Jonny from Nikki D.'s party, Lois confronts her. The Reader is prepared for a takedown of a total racist bitch. Instead what happens is that both women reveal their insecurities and love for their children and a life long friendship is formed.

While Ginny is still pushy towards Nikki D.'s achievements, she emerges from this conversation as a better person that sees the error of her formerly racist ways. She becomes a true friend to the Esque family and helps provide financial aid to the Tulalip Reservation. Lois' inner strength and love for her children is also revealed in this passage, as she helps make this change happen.

There is also hope provided as the kids grow older and become more active in the world around them. Since the book is set in the '60's, it reveals the youthful energy of that time when young people were excited to get involved and be a part of the world around them. Those A-Changing Times are particularly shown through Nikki D. and Jonny.

Nikki D. is traumatized by the death of John F. Kennedy. This propels her to become involved with politics. She becomes an ardent Feminist and supporter of the Anti-War Movement. Her beliefs are tested when her new boyfriend, Beau enlists to fight in Vietnam. She is a woman of high standards and beliefs, but uncertain about what she wants. Does she want a steady high society boy like Beau, adventure and excitement with a known heartbreaker like Caj, or someone who is a good friend like Jonny? This sexual confusion frustrates her as she takes an active part in the world at large.

Another character who changes because of their involvement is Jonny. In fact, his is the strongest change for the better. He first gains strength at the boarding school when he becomes fed up with the mistreatment. He ties himself to a flagpole to protest the way he and the other Native American students are treated at the school.

As he matures, Jonny becomes an active leader at the Tulalip Reservation, the leader that his father wanted to but failed to become. Caj goes backwards when he returns from Vietnam, falling into the same alcoholic and unhappy marriage pattern that his parents fell in. Their sisters follow their own paths (which will be elaborated upon in the next book, Sisters). However, it is Jonny who emerges as the hero and the strongest character.

Jonny becomes a spokesperson for the tribe and raises funds for a new community center. His best moment occurs after a death in the family. At the funeral, Jonny the once shy kid who tried to be invisible, gives an impassioned eulogy sending love and blessings to his friends and family. Jonny's actions provide hope for the future that he won't make the same mistakes that his parents did and live a life of poverty and despair. Instead, he will lift his community upward.


There are two important symbols throughout the book that symbolize Jonny's trajectory. The main story is surrounded by a wraparound tale told by a storyteller about a mouse traveling amongst other animals to discover his true identity. The second is an eagle that flies overhead a few times and appears as a source of encouragement towards Jonny leading him to the next step in his life. It becomes apparent that Jonny started out as the mouse, nervous and uncertain and having to experience the world before he recognized his part in it. Then he became the eagle, strong, confident, and a leader that can soar above his despair and lead his tribe above that despair as well.

New Book Alert: Hot Wheels: Cool Assasins by J.O. Quantaman; Follow Up to Tense Exciting Series About Spies and Assasins is Superior to the Original

New Book Alert: Hot Wheels: Cool Assasins Book Two by J.O. Quantaman; Follow Up in Tense Exciting Series About Spies and Assassins Is Superior to the Original

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews


PopSugar Reading Challenge: A book with a robotic,cyborg, or AI character (Keri)


Spoilers: The first book to the Cool Assasins series, Loose Threads served mostly as exposition. It was written to pull the Reader into the intricate Futuristic world of space colonies, big government corporations that openly control Earth, and a group of misfits recruited as spies and assassins, called the Dog Breakfast Co-op(DB), that aspire to take down these corporate heads, one CEO at a time. The world building was so fascinating as it was introduced largely through the eyes of rookie, Nyssa Persson, that the action plot was slight and confusing. Mostly because it alternated with Nyssa's introduction and was set four years later from the rest of the story.


This volume in the series, Hot Wheels, appears to carry the motto, "Enough with the explaining! Let's get down to the action!" And, oh, does it deliver! Hot Wheels follows a much more straightforward plot set in 2076 than its predecessor and emerges the better for it. J.O. Quantaman gives us a DB attack on an international meeting of the CEO's called Transnats. This attack is told from the point of view of the DBs, the Transnats, and a few innocent bystanders who become more involved with the conflict the further along the plot goes.


The Transnats are certainly a corrupt nasty bunch that barely like each other let alone anyone else. They are spearheaded by W.A. "Double You" Rathbone, an antagonist who does not even appear for the meetings,b doesn't have to for the others to recognize his power. Just him listening into their conversations and his lifelike avatar being present is enough for
the others to recognize his power, even if they don't like him personally. With the hatred and mistrust amongst the Transnats, they almost don't need the DB to bring them down. Chances are, they will end up destroying each other.


They are the kind of people who you expect to find in these type of books who have these far reaching goals and darn it all, if they can't get it done. They have the money and power to control just about everything and everybody. Their plans are almost plausible. For example, a tech genius has the idea of creating an AI operating system called Ultimate Companion, or UC,t not only can be an attractive front for lonely people and extract personal information, but is also designed to shut down in 1,001 days so the consumer is forced to upgrade or buy a new one. In this day of newer faster technology and devices that seem to break down or have problems after a time, is there any doubt that could happen? This book just turns that into a conscious scheme.


The DB plot is excellent and is much better than the one in the previous book partly because it focuses on two of my favorite members of the Dog Breakfast Co-op. The first is Jen "Pix" Marov, a former circus performer who uses her acrobatic skills to climb large structures including the Personas Tower in Kuala Lumpur where the Transnats are meeting. The other character is Joanna AKA Jo and Kemosabe, a martial artist and driver who serves as Jen's getaway.

Jen and Jo are a pair of strong independent women that play off each other really well. Jen's stoic nature and dedication to her skills is tested by Jo's fast driving and intense sexuality. Whether the two are fighting antagonists, escaping to another country, or engaging in sexual byplay with some handsome sailors, they make for a great action comedy duo.

As for Nyssa, the star of the last book, well she is still a presence. She has adapted to life at the Co-op and has settled into becoming one of the gang. She harbors some guilt from her actions from the previous book and is is still hurting from previous abuse from men so her romantic life is still troubling her. However, her experience as a courtesan proves to be valuable as a honey trap. She also has a new assignment in teaching their OS, Keri, to act more human. Through Nyssa's influence, Keri is a brilliant but sarcastic AI with a quick wit and plenty of information.


Meanwhile the novel veers towards a couple of new characters. One is a truck driver, Tomas Redfoot who delivers some mysterious cargo and is confused when he learns that he will be transporting some "dogs" in the near future. Another is Raven Rocksong, a girl from the Haida Gwai band (tribe) from the Pacific Northwest. She plans to leave the band to study medicine, but an unfortunate encounter leaves her broken and paralyzed. There are brief intersections between Tomas and Raven and the others, but a deep secret is revealed that makes the connection stronger. Also, there is some foreshadowing that implies that these two lucky ducks will become closer to the DBs than originally suspected.

Hot Wheels is not only a great follow up to Loose Threads, it is superior. It took the world that was built in Threads and gave it movement, energy, and plenty of action.

Banned Books Special: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; The Story of a Spokane Native American Boy is Both Humorous and Heartfelt

Banned Books Special: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; The Story of a Spokane Native American Boy is Both Humorous and Heartfelt

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews

Spoilers: Sherman Alexie's National Book Award YA Novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian has the unfortunate and dubious distinction of having both book and author being banned and challenged at different times. The book has received accusations of “profanity, frank sexual discussions including masturbation, frequent alcoholism, and a negative portrayal of the home life of the Spokane Native American tribe.” (among other things) If this laundry list wasn't enough, in 2018 it's author, Sherman Alexie has been accused of sexual harassment by several women. These allegations caused many schools and libraries to cancel Alexie's scheduled readings and also caused Alexie to decline the Carnegie Award for his current release, You Don't Have To Say You Love Me: A Memoir and for the American Indian Library Association to rescind it's 2008 Award for Part-Time Indian.

While the former accusations are technically true, like many banned and challenged books, Part-Time Indian is so much more than what it's accusers believe it to be. More on that later.

Now for the latter accusation towards Sherman Alexie himself, I am a proud supporter of the Time's Up Movement and if these allegations against Alexie are true, they are certainly awful. He should avoid making public appearances for now since it will only make him, his audience  and accusers uncomfortable. Should his current books remain on shelves? I hope so for they still have something to say. However, it is up to the patron or customer whether they wish to borrow or buy them. Any future endeavors? Perhaps a cool-off period would be wise for some time until all legal issues are finished and then publishers etc. can do what they feel is right depending on the verdict and Alexie’s plea.

But what about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? An award winning well-written book that has been published and praised beginning a full ten years before these accusations came about? I have always believed that the artist should be separated from his or her work. There are plenty of good novels as well as films, shows, and other forms of art made by people who have done horrible things and were horrible people.

 With Mists of Avalon for instance, I admire Morgaine as one of my favorite female characters in literature. I cite the book as a prominent influence assisting me down my path as a Wiccan and a Feminist. However, I find Marion Zimmer Bradley's sexual abuse towards her daughter deplorable and inexcusable.

I feel the same way about Arnold Spirit Jr. Why should a bright, talented, funny protagonist get punished because his creator behaves terribly towards women? I say give Alexie the allegations and the trial, but leave Junior alone. He’s a great kid even if his author isn't.

It's not like Arnold Spirit Jr. doesn't have enough problems of his own which he deals with both humor and earnestness in this wonderful book that has the ability to make its Reader laugh or cry or do both.

14-year-old, Arnold Junior lives on the Spokane Reservation in which everyone he knows lives on or below the poverty line. He is no stranger to going to bed hungry and he has several relatives or friends’ relatives who are alcoholics.

His father is a depressed alcoholic who while doesn't beat him mercilessly like his friend, Rowdy's father does, disappears for days on end on a drunken binge. Jr.’s sister, Mary AKA Mary Runs Away is a high school graduate who has dropped out of life by just remaining in the family's basement in a deep depression.

Besides his family and social background, Junior’s health is a concern. He is a hydrocephalic, a condition which causes excess fluid in the brain. He is nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other so that causes him to wear thick large glasses. He is susceptible to seizures and speaks with both a stutter and a lisp. All of these problems give Junior permanent membership in, as he dubs it, “The-Black-Eye-Of-The-Month Club”, constant bullying by other kids and a pair of 30-year-old brothers who really should have something better to do than beat up a 14-year-old boy.

Any one of these problems would be enough to put most people into despair and a permanent state of depression. But Junior is able to challenge his life's difficulties with his sarcastic wit and talent for drawing.

Junior is often given to one-liners that often poke fun at himself and the people around him.

One passage at his grandmother's funeral displays Junior's wit perfectly. A white billionaire whom Junior recognizes as Ted gives a long clichéd speech about how he relates to the Indian culture and feels Indian in his bones. Junior merely rolls his eyes and privately riffs the guy’s attempts at humility. (“Do you know how many white strangers show up on Indian reservations every year and start telling Indians how much they love them? Thousands. It's sickening. And boring.”)

Besides his words, Junior's drawings reveal his true soul especially with his drive to become a cartoonist.

 The illustrations by Ellen Forney are the highlights of the book as they reveal Junior's thoughts and often make many good points in clever satiric ways.

For example, an illustration of Junior's parents is titled “What My Parents Would Have Been If Somebody Had Paid Attention To Their Dreams.” The pictures depicts Jr.’s mother as “Spokane Falls Community College Teacher of The Year 1992-1998” and his father as “The Fifth Best Jazz Sax Player West of the Mississippi.” (Complete with “a stylish bob from Vidal Sassoon for $50.00” for Mom and “a white dress shirt from KMart -cause he likes to 'keep it real,’” for Dad.) Illustrations like this show the humorous asides that Junior makes to try to make sense in a world where his parents have long ago given up on their dreams that were closed because of their race and socioeconomic status.

Besides Junior's sense of humor, another thing that pushes him along is his desire to move from the Reservation and see other places. On his first day at the Reservation high school, Junior becomes aware that the textbook that he is given is the same one his mother used-over 20 years ago. In a fury, he hurls the book at the front of the classroom. Instead of becoming angry, Junior's teacher sees a burning desire in the teenager to make something of himself. He also remembers that Junior's older sister, Mary, wanted to be a romance novelist and like everyone else including her parents gave up on her dream. The teacher recommends that Junior transfer to Reardon, the nearby mostly white school in which the only other Native American is the school mascot.

The transfer causes more problems for Junior to handle. The white kids treat him like he’s a strange sideshow attraction. People on the Reservation think Junior sold out and is acting white, particularly his best friend, Rowdy who gets into some violent fights with Junior.

 It is only when Junior gains some success on the school's basketball team and befriends a couple of outsiders in Reardon: Gary, the school nerd and Penelope, a  popular girl who is also bulimic, that he begins to adjust to his new surroundings.

Despite all of his troubles, Junior is aware that he has the love and support of his family. This is particularly shown when over the course of the book, Junior and his family attend three funerals, each one sadder than the last. Junior holds onto his mother and father, grateful that they love and support him. He also reflects about how many of the Reardon kids don't have a father or mother in the picture. Junior knows that despite the poverty and difficulties, the Reservation also includes family that are tied by love, blood, and support.

Like many banned and challenged books, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is greater than the accusations thrown at it. It is funny, moving, tragic, and is a truly memorable story of a boy who acknowledges, mocks, and embraces his family and heritage.

15 Favorite Books About American History

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