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A review by monetp
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
4.0
"She’d heard whispers about clans of teenage-bodied vampires, carnivorous mothmen, immortal serial killers, devil cults, cannibal families, and slenderpeople. Even if most of the urban legends were fictitious, Ellie had a ghost dog companion. When it came to strange stuff, she could not be too open-minded." ~ [b:Elatsoe|49089632|Elatsoe|Darcie Little Badger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581002562l/49089632._SX50_.jpg|71388826]
There are unlimited reasons to love this book:
- Native American representation
- asexual representation
- the author is a badass scientist!
I originally picked up this book because I was excited about a Native American girl being the main character of a novel! The maternal side of my family is Chippewa Indian and, since my grandparents are no longer around for me to ask them questions, I search for novels that feature characters that remind me of them. I don't talk about this a lot because I'm white and I don't want anyone questioning my identity. However, I love reading about Native history, and recently, Native American characters in YA novels. I loved everything about Ellie's character. She's so relatable! Like me, she has a close relationship with her parents and family. Plus, I love my dog Lulu as much as Ellie loves Kirby!
I didn't know going into this book that there was asexual representation. It was such a wonderful surprise! I identify as asexual and there needs to be more representation out there, not only in novels like this but tv shows, movies, etc. It's so comforting to relate to a character who shares your same identity. A pet peeve of mine is when a novel is publicized as being "about an asexual character..." Sure Ellie is asexual, but there is more to her personality! She is a complex woman and that is so realistic. She also has a strong sense of justice, she's curious, and she's loyal to her best friend.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read:
- POC authors
- paranormal mystery stories
- heartwarming family tales
Final thoughts:
- Can I just say, I want to meet Kirby so bad! He sounds adorable.
- I love the worldbuilding in this novel. The concept is so unique: a world similar to ours but fully integrated with magical creatures!
- The whole time I was reading I pictured Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs as Ellie. If a movie is ever made inspired by this novel (which I would LOVE) I hope Jacobs gets cast.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"'You can bring a guest to the wedding, but nobody too weird. I get that you’re asexual, so, like, it can be a friend or zucchini or …' She trailed off, sounding a bit uncertain. 'Yeah. Just. Nobody my parents would hate. They already don’t like the groom.' 'Cool. Does my dog count as too weird?'"
"'One reason I struggle with exams,' he said. 'Anxiety wipes my brain clean.'"
There are unlimited reasons to love this book:
- Native American representation
- asexual representation
- the author is a badass scientist!
I originally picked up this book because I was excited about a Native American girl being the main character of a novel! The maternal side of my family is Chippewa Indian and, since my grandparents are no longer around for me to ask them questions, I search for novels that feature characters that remind me of them. I don't talk about this a lot because I'm white and I don't want anyone questioning my identity. However, I love reading about Native history, and recently, Native American characters in YA novels. I loved everything about Ellie's character. She's so relatable! Like me, she has a close relationship with her parents and family. Plus, I love my dog Lulu as much as Ellie loves Kirby!
I didn't know going into this book that there was asexual representation. It was such a wonderful surprise! I identify as asexual and there needs to be more representation out there, not only in novels like this but tv shows, movies, etc. It's so comforting to relate to a character who shares your same identity. A pet peeve of mine is when a novel is publicized as being "about an asexual character..." Sure Ellie is asexual, but there is more to her personality! She is a complex woman and that is so realistic. She also has a strong sense of justice, she's curious, and she's loyal to her best friend.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read:
- POC authors
- paranormal mystery stories
- heartwarming family tales
Final thoughts:
- Can I just say, I want to meet Kirby so bad! He sounds adorable.
- I love the worldbuilding in this novel. The concept is so unique: a world similar to ours but fully integrated with magical creatures!
- The whole time I was reading I pictured Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs as Ellie. If a movie is ever made inspired by this novel (which I would LOVE) I hope Jacobs gets cast.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"'You can bring a guest to the wedding, but nobody too weird. I get that you’re asexual, so, like, it can be a friend or zucchini or …' She trailed off, sounding a bit uncertain. 'Yeah. Just. Nobody my parents would hate. They already don’t like the groom.' 'Cool. Does my dog count as too weird?'"
"'One reason I struggle with exams,' he said. 'Anxiety wipes my brain clean.'"