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literatehedgehog's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Excellent audio narration. It reads like a story meant to be told aloud. The slow pace and low intensity conflict may be a hard sell for Percy Jackson type fantasy fans, but I hope this little gem finds its way to the readers who will appreciate it.
mrselizabethv's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
lemon_drop's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rogue_leader's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
katnortonwriter's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read this as an audiobook, and I think that was the right choice. There were linguistic choices with the prose that I think would have been a bit less engaging in the written format, but the writing style lent itself really well to an oral storytelling format. The narrator was great.
I think other people's comments about not feeling fully engaged come in part from the fact that this is middle grade, but the characters also have muted reactions compared to a lot of comparable books. This felt very much like an intentional choice. The MC's two brothers die before the start of the story, for example, and his reaction to their passing is mostly matter-of-fact and practical, although some of his actions and thoughts suggest that he's moved more deeply than he lets on. Piŋa is left as a little bit of a blank slate, presumably because his character serves as a kind of roadmap for social interactions.
The writing style is somewhat minimalist, but there was a big focus on the practical aspects of the family's life and the main character's learning process. Seasonal cycles, communication styles, all of it is laid out in detail. That's one reason I enjoyed the audio format so much, it really felt like I was listening to a story being told in the oral tradition from which this story is drawn. Hearing rather than reading certain names, words, and phrases also helped keep me immersed in the story.
I think other people's comments about not feeling fully engaged come in part from the fact that this is middle grade, but the characters also have muted reactions compared to a lot of comparable books. This felt very much like an intentional choice. The MC's two brothers die before the start of the story, for example, and his reaction to their passing is mostly matter-of-fact and practical, although some of his actions and thoughts suggest that he's moved more deeply than he lets on. Piŋa is left as a little bit of a blank slate, presumably because his character serves as a kind of roadmap for social interactions.
The writing style is somewhat minimalist, but there was a big focus on the practical aspects of the family's life and the main character's learning process. Seasonal cycles, communication styles, all of it is laid out in detail. That's one reason I enjoyed the audio format so much, it really felt like I was listening to a story being told in the oral tradition from which this story is drawn. Hearing rather than reading certain names, words, and phrases also helped keep me immersed in the story.
saskiajva's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A short and sweet story celebrating the Iñupiaq messenger feast, native Alaskan culture, and the art of story telling and value of community. Charming, quick, and heart warming!
nduhr10's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
knod78's review
5.0
This middle grade book was absolutely beautiful with the plot, the lessons learned, and the value of connections to people. Although, I’m still holding ground on not connecting to everyone. The illustrations are also beautiful and I loved that this was one of the stories to read during Native American Month.
I will say it opens with hunting caribou, but not graphic…just talks about killing. However, this would be perfect for anyone middle grade and above to read.
I will say it opens with hunting caribou, but not graphic…just talks about killing. However, this would be perfect for anyone middle grade and above to read.