FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER

In this immersive coming of age thriller, 18 year old Daunis Fontaine is a bright, strong willed indigenous young woman who is fiercely loyal to her family, her best friend and her Ojibwe community in Michigan. But as the young people around her fall victim to a dangerous form of meth - leading to overdoses and a tragic murder - Daunis becomes involved in an undercover FBI investigation that tests her allegiances and her instincts. Suddenly Daunis must navigate a relationship with a mysterious new crush, honor her Native traditions, and keep dangerous secrets that threaten to undo all that she holds close to her heart.

This suspenseful and fascinating mystery kept me guessing throughout! I highly recommend the audio version incorporating dialogue in Anishinaabemowin, deepening the connection to the story. To me, what makes this story so memorable is Daunis’s respect for the wisdom of her elders, and her gratitude for Ojibwe customs. It was fascinating to learn about these beautiful and ancient rituals, but also heartbreaking to read about frequent bigotry and economic divides within these communities. All are woven into a powerful crime drama that is more than deserving of all of its recognition and praise, one I can’t wait to watch on @netflix in the future.

“When I took a handful of my beloved blueberries, I marveled at each one, appreciating the nuanced range of tart to sweet. It was like experiencing them for the first time. My entry to womanhood was filled with joy, pride, belonging, and seeing ordinary things with new eyes.” I loved this scene when Daunis eats a blueberry galette and remembers her berry fast upon becoming a woman. What a meaningful way to honor a milestone, by surrendering something dear and then appreciating it anew. Blueberry galettes are among my favorite desserts to make - because they’re foolproof! - and one I will regard with new eyes and fresh gratitude after reading this beautiful description.