34 pages • 1 hour read
Reservation Blues
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
HL670L
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
14,896 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Reservation Blues?
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
Victor Joseph
Victor Joseph
The guitar player for Coyote Springs, known for his struggles with poverty, alcoholism, and quick temper, but also for his loyalty to friends.
Junior Polatkin
Junior Polatkin
Victor’s best friend and the drummer for Coyote Springs, who holds a steady job on the reservation but faces personal struggles including alcoholism.
Chess and Checkers Warm Water
Chess and Checkers Warm Water
Sisters from the Flathead Indian Reservation who join Coyote Springs as singers and keyboard players, known for their beauty and strong beliefs about Indian relationships.
Big Mom
Big Mom
A deity-like figure who lives atop Wellpinit Mountain, representing Indian traditions and the healing power of music.
Father Arnold
Father Arnold
The Catholic priest on the reservation who is supportive and wants to help his Indian parishioners, and previously played in a band.
Sheridan and Wright
Sheridan and Wright
Characters who appear both as historical US generals in nightmares and as record executives in the novel.
Betty and Veronica
Betty and Veronica
Two white women from Seattle who briefly join Coyote Springs as backup singers and become fascinated by Indian culture.
320
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
HL670L
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