46 pages • 1 hour read
Jonny Appleseed
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Manitoba • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead, the protagonist Jonny navigates life as a Two-Spirit, queer Indigenous person while trying to earn enough money through webcamming to return to his reserve for his stepfather’s funeral. Flashbacks reveal his upbringing and complex relationship with his childhood friend Tias. Some chapters reference childhood abuse and explicit sexual acts.
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
16,114 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joshua Whitehead's Jonny Appleseed has been highly praised for its raw, poetic narrative and vivid portrayal of Two-Spirit Indigiqueer experiences. Readers appreciate its authenticity and emotional depth, though some find the non-linear structure challenging. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its bold exploration of identity, resilience, and community.
Who Should Read Jonny Appleseed?
Readers of Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead would likely enjoy raw, evocative narratives exploring queer Indigenous identities. They may also appreciate the introspective style found in works like Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko and the candid coming-of-age exploration akin to Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin.
16,114 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tias
Tias
Jonny's childhood friend from the reservation, who shares a complex and intimate history with Jonny and struggles with his own identity while maintaining a public relationship with Jordan.
Jordan
Jordan
Tias’s girlfriend from Bloodvein, a fiercely protective and tough individual with a complicated relationship with Tias and a history of personal challenges.
Frances (Kokum)
Frances (Kokum)
Jonny's grandmother, who profoundly influences his cultural and personal identity through her loving acceptance and teachings about Cree heritage and Two-Spirit identity.
224
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Manitoba • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
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