34 pages • 1 hour read
320
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
HL670L
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie tells the story of Coyote Springs, a Spokane Indian rock band formed on a reservation. They grow in popularity and get an audition in New York City, but ultimately fail. The narrative includes traditional storytelling, newspaper articles, song lyrics, interviews, and journal excerpts, blending humor and sadness with elements of magical realism. The book includes references to substance use and suicide.
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Mysterious
14,896 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sherman Alexie's Reservation Blues garners praise for its vivid portrayal of Native American life and its blend of myth and reality. Reviewers commend Alexie's humor, character development, and cultural insights. However, some criticism arises over pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it captures the struggles and resilience within a marginalized community effectively.
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie will captivate readers interested in Native American culture, magical realism, and complex social issues. Fans of Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko or Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich will appreciate the blend of folklore, poignant storytelling, and vibrant characters on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
14,896 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
HL670L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.