Read: Firekeeper's Daughter

It's been a while since I've shared a book review because the most recent book I read was nearly 500 pages and it took me an age to finish it!

I read Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley on the recommendation of two friends who are voracious readers. They both said they couldn't put it down. 

Firekeepers Daughter

Boulley is Native American. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She writes about the Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (known as "the UP"). She is the former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. 

When it comes to writing, many accomplished authors advise, "Write what you know." While Firekeeper's Daughter is a work of fiction, it is rooted in Boulley's truth. 

The protagonist is Daunis Fontaine, a young woman asked to become a confidential informant for the FBI. They are investigating methamphetamine use in the community and want her to help them get what they need. As part of the deal, she'll be assigned an undercover FBI agent as a partner. 

As you can probably guess, Daunis develops feelings for her partner, Jamie. Does he feel it too? Or is it just part of the job? 

There are so many layers to this story. There's the investigation, the hockey-obsessed culture of the town, and the norms of the tribe and the discrimination they face. 

This book is considered YA (Young Adult), but if I didn't tell you that, you would never know it. The subject matter is very mature. 

As I was reading, I kept thinking that this would make an excellent movie or mini series. As it turns out, Barack and Michelle Obama's production company bought the film rights to the book. I can't wait to see what they do with it on screen. 

Whenever I start a new book, I am always curious how the author chose the title. Often, it's revealed as you read, and with Boulley's novel, you find out on page 99. She writes, "My father's family was named for its role in the tribal community for generations: Firekeeper. Auntie happened to marry a man from another Ojibwe community who was also taught firekeeper duties. Firekeepers strike the the fire for ceremonies, funerals, sweat lodges, and other cultural events where our prayers are carried by the smoke to Creator. A ceremonial fire is special; you don't roast marshmallows or sing forty-niner songs at it. Firekeepers ensure the protocols are followed the entire time it burns: no politics, no drinking, and no gossip. Only good thoughts to feed the fire and carry our prayers."

I really enjoyed this book, particularly the back half. The first 60 or so pages are very slow. Don't give up! Stick with it and the pace will pick up tremendously around the 100-page mark. 

Once I finished this, I needed something light, so I treated myself to Jasmine Guillory's newest romance novel, While We Were Dating. That review is coming next! 

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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