Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

 

Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terms and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Sagnani, to take her onboard, winning over the eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish.

As the Sagnani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terms at any cost.  Franny is full of secrets.  When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from.

This book is truly extraordinary,  and it was so beautifully written.  It is also the author's first, which is itself pretty amazing.  Full of stunning imagery and raw emotions, sad and joyful, and utterly heartbreaking.  I hardly ever give a book 5 stars, but I would this one because I found it to be captivating, and highly recommend it.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

 

Powerful,  powerful book.  I loved it.  Such mastery of words and rhythm.  This is what poetry is all about.  You need to read this book.  Then go watch some of her Slam videos.  You will be glad you did.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

This was a Book Club read and is sure to spark some good conversation over a controversial topic. Picoult does not shy away from controversy and tries to interweave all the various schools of thought about abortion into her narrative. I doubt whether reading this book will change your mind about the subject (whichever side you come down on), but it is thought provoking. As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but think of Maya Angelou's quote "Hate--it has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet." Like Picoult, I don't think that we as a society are ever going to agree on this issue. But even on issues where we don't see eye to eye, we need to respect each other's opinions and continue to have honest conversations, instead of demonizing each other.

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

 

This book had equal parts grit and heart.  I really liked it a lot.  The glimpse into life on the Rez and the issues they confront daily, the wit, the characters that you immediately take to heart--all of that combines for a compelling read that you just don't want to put down.  I highly recommend it.

Killing Crazy Horse: The Merciless Indian Wars in America by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard

 

O'Reilly and Dugard take us through the history of the founding of the American frontier and the Indian wars that were a part of it.  From President Andrew Jackson's brutal policy of Indian removal to Martin Van Buren's roundup of the Cherokee that became the Trail of Tears.  They do introduce some never before told historical moments in telling this story and I believe they tried to present each tribe as unique with its own culture.  I also believe they tried to be accurate and respectful.  It is a painful history nonetheless that will shock you and provide lessons that resonate even today.  The battles are intense and bloody and the descriptions of them really bring that home.  The Bibliography is a good place to start if you are interested in further reading on the subject and there are quite a few Native American tribal websites that are easily accessible.