Warrior Girl Unearthed

While I felt the ending was a little rushed, I really loved this! Boulley is such a compelling writer and is so skilled getting readers invested in topics that they might not expect like, NAGPRA and repatriation!

About the best I can say is that it won’t get tagged wish-I’d-DNF’ed. Although by about page 50 I was considering it. Like Firekeeper’s Daughter, this one too was way over the top and high drama; and hyperprecocious protagonist; and wildly improbable twists; and did I mention the DRAMA? This protagonist is sixteen, and even as first-person narrator she comes off as unlikable: dishonest, irresponsible, borderline delinquent... and that’s just the first fifty pages. Boulley focuses on story, not characters, and she packs a lot: her goal clearly seems to be educating the world about anthropological crimes and MMIW, but this was too heavyhanded to accomplish much of either.

I like Daunis better but I like the mystery aspect/focus in this one more than the last. It was written so well. I always walk away from these feeling a sense of sadness even though there is resolution and even some happiness in the end.

4.6/5
I made a mistake and read this one first. I thought this was really good so at the moment, I'll rate it 4.6 stars rounded up. It's bound to change when I read the other book. For now, I will say that there were only a couple of parts in the books where I felt as if I had missed key information by not reading Firekeeper's Daughter. I will still go and read it, then come back and update my review. 

Angeline Boulley manages to break my heart and make me angry at the same time. This book is so good! The reality of NAGPRAs failures as well as the mystery of women disappearing is compelling and heart breaking and enraging. Just read it, buy it, love it.

Book Review: Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of cultural reclamation, repatriation, and the power of community. Set against the backdrop of a summer program and a thrilling heist, Boulley weaves together a compelling narrative that explores important themes of identity, heritage, and the fight for justice.

The story revolves around Perry Firekeeper-Birch, a young girl who was expecting a carefree summer but finds herself entangled in a mission to repatriate her ancestor's remains. After an unfortunate accident, Perry is forced to work to repay her Auntie Daunis for the damages. She forms an unlikely bond with the other misfits in the summer program, and together, they embark on a journey to right the wrongs committed against their community.

One of the strengths of this novel is Boulley's exceptional writing style. The prose is engaging and well-paced, effortlessly carrying the reader through the story. Boulley's passion for her people and culture shines through the pages, creating an immersive experience for readers. Her ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance is truly commendable.

A central focus of the book is the repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred items under the NAGPRA law. Boulley skillfully educates non-native readers about this important issue, making it accessible without detracting from the overall narrative. The exploration of NAGPRA adds depth to the storyline and provides a valuable opportunity for readers to understand the struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

While the book excels in many areas, one minor issue I had was with the protagonist, Perry. At the beginning of the story, she came across as self-centered and rude, which made it challenging to fully connect with her character. However, as the plot unfolds, Perry undergoes significant growth, becoming more empathetic and relatable. By the end of the book, any initial reservations about her character fade away.

In conclusion, Warrior Girl Unearthed is an exceptional novel that combines elements of mystery, adventure, and cultural exploration. Angeline Boulley's writing is powerful and evocative, effectively conveying her love for her Native American heritage. Through Perry's journey and the Misfit Toys' quest for justice, Boulley highlights important issues surrounding repatriation and brings them to the forefront of readers' minds. Despite my initial reservations about the protagonist, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read that left me excited to explore more of Boulley's work in the future.

Rating: 4/5

ARC Via NetGalley

4.75 - Angeline Boulley hasn't missed yet!

Really enjoyed this. Daunis Firekeeper and Perry Firekeeper-Birch are an amazing auntie-niece pair across this and Firekeeper's Daughter. Perry is smart and sassy and impetuous and loving, and there are so many excellent parts (like her complicated relationship with twin sister Pauline). 4 stars instead of 4.5 because I wanted a little more of the cute love story, and the end felt like it had one plot twist too many. Will read whatever Boulley writes next! Plus, loved the detail that she was inspired to write this by a tweet from Sarah C. Montoya: "movie idea: laura croft but she's native and returning artifacts that meuseums stole." Yes yes yes!

Really impactful story.

I was originally going to write something here about my desire to be an anthropologist and my competing desire to respect other people's cultures, but that ending...I can't stop thinking about it