🌟 Wow, just wow. This book was HEAVY. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in! It offers a fascinating and deeply moving look at the life of an Indigenous lesbian woman, Ma-Nee Chacaby, who overcame obstacle after obstacle. She endured more hardships than I can even begin to imagine, and her resilience is truly inspiring. 💔✨

While Ma-Nee’s story kept me hooked, I have to admit the writing itself felt a bit dry—more like a textbook than narrative nonfiction. Thankfully, listening to the audiobook helped me stick with it! 🎧 I also appreciated the inclusion of photos, maps, and the Afterword, which explained the writing process and gave me a better understanding of the book’s style.

At just over 230 pages, this is the shortest book on the Canada Reads shortlist, but it certainly packs a punch. I can see why it’s described as a book that can “change the narrative.” After reading, I feel a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for Ma-Nee and the experiences of Indigenous women in Canada. Co-author Mary Louisa Plummer puts it perfectly: “[Chacaby’s] rare, first-person perspective provides insight into how racism, homophobia, violence, substance abuse, and poverty have shaped Indigenous women’s experiences in Canada.” Powerful words for a powerful story. 📖💡