The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

Title: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present
Author: David Treuer
Genre: Non-fiction

In looking at what happened after the massacre at Wounded Knee, and with the closing of the frontier and the end, at least in the public's imagination, of a certain Indian life, Treuer sets a huge task for himself. The history is complicated not only by the sheer scope of Indian life in the US, but also by the diverse way that the various tribes interacted with the US government. Overall, the theme that made me cry most is summed up in this question he asks: "At what point do we cease to be Indian and just be people descended from Indians?" He eloquently and heartbreakingly exposes the deep philosophical questions of what it means to be Indian today, and how some people are trying to understand that. This is a beautiful, important book.

- Meagan

Check out The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer @ the library!

Youth Group by Bowen McCurdy & Jordan Morris

Title: Youth Group
Author: Bowen McCurdy & Jordan Morris
Genre: Graphic Novel

Kay reluctantly agrees to go to youth group at her Mom’s new church, even though she’s pretty sure it isn’t the place for her. The cheesy music and the overly peppy youth leader are just not her vibe.

Imagine her surprise when she catches Meg and Cortland, the youth group leaders, exorcising a demon in the woods with Pastor Doug. It turns out that after the church service is over, they fight lessor demons that can’t inhabit their own form who possess unsuspecting people.

Kay joins them, as she is a blight, a person who is immune to being possessed. They quickly discover that these lessor demons have a plan, and only they can stop it!

Youth Group is a nostalgic read for fans of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Anyone who came of age in the ‘90s will enjoy the pop culture mentions, and if you ever attended a super church youth group and felt out of place, this book is for you!

- Katie

Check out Youth Group by Bowen McCurdy & Jordan Morris @ the library!

A Country Road, A Tree

Title: A Country Road, A Tree
Author: Jo Baker
Genre: Fiction

This is the fictionalized story of Samuel Beckett, working with the Resistance and the maquis in France during WWII. It's really the story of survival, not only of the human body but of the creative spirit in the face of the worst sorts of pain, betrayal, fear, and hopelessness.

- Meagan

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Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren

Title: Tangled Up in You
Author: Christina Lauren
Genre: Romance

Ren is very excited to start Corona Collage, and nervous about leaving the homestead for the first time ever. She is staring as a 22 year old, and has always lived with Gloria and Steve away from the rest of the world. Starting college will be her first time in the real world, and she can’t wait to learn.

When Fitz meets Ren he can’t help but think she is never going to make it on campus. She knows everything about the building on campus, yet has little knowledge of the real world. But there is something that sets him a bit off, and he can’t afford to be blown off track. He needs to graduate at the top of his class to start his life fresh, and Ren is a temporary distraction.

Then an assignment for an immunology class brings up a surprise from Ren’s past, and catches Fitz in a compromising position, the two embark on a reluctant road trip to find out who they really are.

This modern take on Rapunzel will delight fans of fairy tales. While this entry into the Meant To Be series requires a bit more suspension of belief, you will find yourself rooting for Fitz and Ren.

Tangled Up in You is a light read, perfect for those last summer weekends. 

- Katie

Check out Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren @ the library!