Reviews

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian by Stephen Graham Jones

danihope's review

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adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

alicia_loves_books's review

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fast-paced

5.0

inciminci's review

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5.0

This is the only case where I wish I could rate with more than 5 stars on goodreads.
"The Attack of the 50 foot Indian" is a wonderful little parable which, in my humble opinion, should be read and taught in every school and beyond. A warning, though - what starts in giggles and laughter at the absurdity and wryness will move you so deeply it might end in tears. It did for me.
Here is my full review:
https://proteandepravity.blogspot.com/2020/08/more-of-these-attacks-please.html

katetownsend's review

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medium-paced

3.75

tiffanykarayareads's review

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fast-paced

5.0

I finished reading Stephan Graham's Jones short story which was an amazing book. It tells the story of Two Moons, an 50 foot, indigenous man, who washes up on the shore and must avoid being captured in order to survive. There is endless symbolism weaved into his incredible storytelling. The book perfectly explores the attitudes against Indigenous peoples and the way this is engrained in the American government. The story is quite short and captures the experiences of these people. Please consider donating to Indigenous organizations and uplifting Native voices this holiday.

carltocs's review

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted tense fast-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? N/A

5.0

circesbooked's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

blackmetalblackheart's review

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3.0

As short as this story is, it can easily be seen as a throwaway tale with some fun elements. But the statements from the politicians and experts throughout the story make this a sharp commentary as well.

homosexual's review

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3.0

Quick short story. It was just ok? Nothing mind-blowing.

anishinaabekwereads's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

What would happen if a 50 foot Indigenous man was discovered? I bet you can guess exactly what would happen, especially when it comes to US governmental responses. 

I really appreciated how Jones leaned into expectations, into fears about Indigeneity, and in particular male Indigeneity. I appreciated how said 50 foot Indian man rebuffs tropes. And mostly I appreciated how Jones discussed Indigenous understandings of how Two Moons, and by extension Indigenous peoples everywhere, are capable of resisting governmental plans. 

If you're looking for something quick that calls to mind horror/sci-fi films of yore (but with an unexpected ending), I'd recommend picking this up. It's fast-paced, entertaining, and worth the time.