There, There by Tommy Orange

My school's book club had a small summer reading list as well. Our facilitator picked two books by Orange. I was pleasantly surprised with how this story progressed. The sadness is what people experience and I know that might be a major turn off for some readers, but it's LIFE.  I had moments where I had to put the book down, because I feared for the young girl's life. Opal's story specifically had me in tears. I related to her story the most.  You get four perspectives of what life is like for Native Americans. You also gain some insight into what they have to deal with on a daily basis. Opal's character specifically really stood out to me for her bravery. She has endured so much in her life. She took in family and raised her great nephews and raised them as her own grandchildren. I see this all the time. So many grandparents end up raising their grandchildren. They do it out of love, not bravery. She was also brave as a young orphaned child who defended her sleeping sister with a baseball bat when their estranged uncle attempted to mess with her sibling. Her mothering nature makes her a natural heroine. 
    This book is beyond just a story, it's a slight glimpse into what reality is for many of our neighbors. The prolog is more of a history lesson than anything, and I love the fact that the book started out in this manner. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5. You learn how each character's life are interwoven with the others. Each character had their won woes of what life is like for them. Each person is learning what being Native is to them. 
 

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