36 pages • 1 hour read
Crazy Brave: A Memoir
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Book Brief
176
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Southwest United States • 1950s-2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo is an autobiographical memoir tracing her life from birth to adulthood, highlighting her struggles with spirituality, and creativity while living with alcoholic and abusive men. The memoir is divided into four parts, each representing stages in Harjo's life, from her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, through her painful experiences with her stepfather, to finding artistic expression and escaping a cycle of abuse, ultimately discovering liberation through poetry, art, storytelling, and music. Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation, became the first Native American poet laureate of the United States in 2019. The book addresses themes including alcoholism, abuse of women, sexism, and racism.
Melancholic
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
8,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joy Harjo's Crazy Brave is commended for its lyrical prose and heartfelt narrative. Readers appreciate its poetic exploration of personal and cultural identity, praising Harjo's storytelling and emotional depth. However, some find its structure disjointed and challenging to follow. Overall, it's a powerful memoir that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read Crazy Brave?
A reader who would enjoy Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo is someone who appreciates lyrical memoirs that explore personal and cultural identity. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through edited by Harjo will find this book compelling for its poetic prose and deep reflections on heritage and resilience.
8,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Harjo’s Mother
Harjo’s Mother
An archetypal mother figure depicted as a beautiful and hardworking woman, who struggles with disappointment and loss while supporting her family.
Harjo’s Father
Harjo’s Father
An enigmatic and distant figure who is loving yet unstable, influencing Harjo's perspectives on relationships with his charming yet flawed nature.
Harjo’s Stepfather
Harjo’s Stepfather
An authoritarian and controlling presence in Harjo's life, whose actions suppress her creativity and spiritual connection, prompting her eventual escape to regain her independence.
176
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Southwest United States • 1950s-2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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