34 pages 1 hour read

Sherman Alexie

Reservation Blues

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

HL670L

Book Details

Genre

Magical Realism

Humor

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Life/Time: The Past

Topics

Music