Both live and work near an Ojibwe reservation in Northern Minnesota. ––Matthew Caprioli, Lambda Literary, "I love a genre-bending book, especially if it pulls the best from multiple genres. Still, an interesting enough read for the summer list. The screen is behind him, so his face is a silhouette that I can't read. This Town Sleeps has relatable characters, and this book is the definition of character-driven. I liked the aspect of curses passing through generations, and of unresolved affairs. Then one night, while roaming the dark streets of Geshig, Marion unknowingly brings to life the spirit of a dog from beneath the elementary school playground. "I knew I shouldn't have done this.

This June, as we observe LGBTQ Pride—the annual celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning communities—we... On an Ojibwe reservation called Languille Lake, within the small town of Geshig at the hub of the rez, two men enter into a secret romance. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Dennis unmakes something in us, then remakes it, a quilt of characters that embody this town, this place, which sleeps but doesn't dream, or it is all a dream we want to wake up from with its characters. ––David Treuer, author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee, DEBUT In small-town Geshig, in northern Minnesota, the center of reservation life for a number of Ojibwe, Marion Lafournier is a young gay man who once planned to leave town, but is drawn back, haunted by the community as are so many of his relatives. A clear-eyed and distinctive debut." Staples is pushing the genre of Native American fiction into new areas.

It’s a mystery, a history, and a little bit of a love story, wrapped into one quiet, pensive book. You're here. Plotwise, the story is a stock hero's-journey tale, as Marion lets go of his skepticism of Ojibwe spiritualism, discovers the truth about Kayden's death, and finds a community along with a degree of emotional fulfillment. No more than two months old. Set on and near an Obijwe reservation in Minnesota, tribal traditions clash with modern day challenges, and Marion follows spirits to answer mysteries and reach his own redemption. On an Ojibwe reservation called Languille Lake, within the small town of Geshig at the hub of the rez, two men enter into a secret romance. THE LIGHT ON THE message screen pings. A dog went under the merry-go-round to die and no one would play on it. I drive in from Half Lake, where I live and work as a payroll clerk for a dental office. .

As soon as I see his silhouette approach from another far end of the area, I begin my typical bout of last-minute nervousness and convince myself that he is a murderer. He caresses my hand and leads me toward the back of the rest area. . Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. Now it's a plastic pastel paradise with padded corners and a soft mulch ground instead of the pebbles that were once the endless ammo for rock fights.

––Matthew Caprioli, Lambda Literary, "I love a genre-bending book, especially if it pulls the best from multiple genres.
He doesn't say anything as he leaves, no forced small talk about meeting again, no awkward goodbye kiss. While investigating the fallen hero’s death, Marion discovers family connections and an old Ojibwe legend that may be the secret to unraveling the mystery he has found himself in.

"Damn, deal, guy!" You've successfully reported this review. You need a United States address to shop on our United States store. ––Eric Newman, Bookforum, "Staples’ empathy for the entire town makes the characters clear and urgent .

There was no hesitation. Unable to add item to List. Sorry! The main character, Marion Lafournier, is a young gay Ojibwe man, not quite in touch with his Indian roots, but still wanting to live nearby the rez. He is a graduate of the 2018 Clarion West Writers Workshop and a recipient of the Octavia E. Butler Memorial Scholarship. ", "Uh, sure. I haven't experienced this before. As soon as I grab him by the hips and pull him in faster, his concern and gentleness are gone, and his body begins to take mine. We are currently reviewing your submission. Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Birchbark Books, Birchbark Books & Native Arts . On an Ojibwe reservation called Languille Lake, within the small town of Geshig at the hub of the rez, two men enter into a secret romance.