The short stories are interconnected, but each is story is extremely unique . All of the stories center around the life of the Native Americans, or Indians, on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The book explains Victor Joseph and his friends and family and the lives they share and live . He tells some of the stories from his first-person perspective which makes the stories very interesting to read and help keep you awake. Alexis Sheridan is a writer able to use the ability to use imagery help paint the picture of the story she is trying to tell. By using flashbacks and poem passages it enables the reader to become more engaged in reading . Her writing is able to posses a character of its own and helps follow the story.
All of these interconnected stories share many of the same common themes . Through the books humor , honestly you are able to see the characters come to life while dealing with ethnic pride, native american stereotypes, substance abuse, poverty and dysfunctional families. Sermons story A train is an order of occurrence designed to lead some result. I found this shared the common theme of a family unable or having a hard time fitting in. This reminded me of the last story we read in the last collection of a family having top assimilate and finding difficulty between cultures. This story also portrayed another theme of the book which was alcoholism , when he speaks about drinking, and passing out. This I found entertaining and brought of the lightheartedness throughout the story. Thomas builds the fire, offers up another character in my opinion pointing out what seems to be the obvious in stories, because it is the only truth the stories hold, and yet is not taken seriously. this particular short story was my favorite. I really enjoyed the overall humor of being put on trial for being real and saying what is true.
Overall I enjoyed this book immensely . There were many themes that were carried throughout the entire text and all the stories were connected.