Reviews

The Outside Circle by Patti Laboucane-Benson

hollyrebeccasmith's review

5.0

A very intense and interesting read. The novel not only brings up some enlightening, if depressing, statistics and history, but also brings attention to a pretty successful program while telling a compelling story of someone dealing with trauma and improving not only his life but his family's. 

ec_newman's review

3.0

Certainly important but is not story driven or even character driven. It's more about the beliefs of native peoples of Canada and how that helps recovery and breaking the cycle. Due to that being stronger than plot or character, I wasn't invested in the outcome or resolution. Some beautiful artwork as well.

meredith_w's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Learned about 'In Search of Your Warrior' program.

ktswings's review

5.0

That was bonkers how good that was!

teresaalice's review

4.0

A heartwrenching novelization about life as an Aboriginal in Canada. Historically informative as well as beautifully illustrated, it took me awhile to understand the significance of the mask the main character wore in certain situations, but it became clear as the novel went on. Well worth the read, especially for teenagers or adults who don't fully understand the cycle of abuse in Aboriginal Canadian society.

bookdragonkatie's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nrich's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This story was very informative, and sad.
This dealt with a lot of traumas and the challenging lives of the Aboriginal people in Canada. 
Lastly, It was very interesting to see the healing process, and how things are changing for the better.

melimelody's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

checkplease's review

4.0

4.25 Stars

jai_meow's review

3.0

This novel was beautifully written and drawn. Everything about it was amazing. I will say that the ending left me extremely confused and I don't know why. But for something I had to read for English class it was extremely entertaining. I would definitely recommend picking this up it is an extremely quick read.