What audience would you recommend Wandering Stars to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
I think every single American should HAVE to read this book so they understand this shameful chapter of American history. I think Louise Erdrich has similar themes.
I’d recommend this to anyone—especially anyone who cares about our history, about understanding our present, anyone who cares about justice or children… or anyone who loves poetry, as Orange is so poetic in his musical and suggestive use of language. He uses vignettes rather than traditional narrative.
Sandra Cisneros, in The House on Mango Street, is another excellent novel in vignettes exploring ancestors and stories and the need to belong.
Louise Erdrich, anything she writes! The Sentence, in particular, is in part about generational trauma.
And The Council of Dolls—reviewed by readers right here on Book Browse—which likewise explores that theme, including the Carlisle-type boarding schools, from a female perspective.
Amanda Peters, The Berry Pickers, shows the harm done psychologically when a person is separated from their native family and heritage. Another excellent novel.
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Agree with you and @Roberta_Winchester that Louise Erdrich has very similar themes. I particularly enjoyed The Round House by Erdrich. Will go check out some of these other reccs now too. I agree with this idea that disconnection from heritage and history across cultures can be harmful, so would love to read The House on Mango Street next.
I think anyone interested in history would enjoy the book, but all in all, I think the book would have wide appeal.
Those interested in history, especially that of the country’s earlier years of formation. There are also a number of Social Justice book and study groups who would appreciate Wandering Stars.
Wouldn’t it be great if this was read by high school students? I imagine it would make the banned book list.
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I’d like to have those who hold a closed mind about native people and their history read and discuss this book (and other titles). Perhaps they would be enlightened IF they were able to transcend their long held misbeliefs and the classic history book/TV/old western movies myths about Native Americans. Sadly, I doubt many of this select audience would accept realities whether written in fiction or nonfiction - fake news, lies, and yes, ban these books.
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Anyone interested in the abuse of indigenous people. There is a book called Crow Mary by Kathleen Grisson which tells the story of an Indian woman.
Readers interested in history would certainly enjoy this book. Louise Erdrich comes to mind as a native American writer that has similar themes as Tommy Orange.
Anyone who needs to learn more about the repercussions of our history in the treatment of Indigenous Peoples. I am interested in folks who talked about who would “enjoy” this book. Hard to use the word enjoy when reading it, but very glad I did read it. Another author to explore is Joy Harjo. She has at least 2 memoirs: Crazy Brave and Poet Warrior. Hard truths in both.
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I would recommend the book to any reader of grade 7 and above. Sadly, those who should read this the most are probably busy banning books.
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The books highlighted are all wonderful addition to Wandering Stars. Tommy Orange is an extraordinary writer who highlights our shameful treatment of native Americans, the quest to reclaim their past and the many obstacles faced. Addiction, loneliness, trauma are just a few themes.
I would recommend Wandering Stars for all that have read There There. It adds background details and enhances a further understanding of that book.
I would also recommend both books be read with a gathering of HS students with their parents and possibly grandparents together. Maybe moderated by an Indigenous leader. My own experience has shown a lack of exposure and understanding of our shared history.