Pulp Fiction discussion

David Heska Wanbli Weiden, is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation. His first novel, and this month's selection, Winter Counts, published in 2020, won an Anthony Award, Lefty Award, ITW Thriller Award, Barry Award, and Macavity Award.

Weiden currently teaches Native American studies and Political Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

I'm at about the halfway point. Had a little trouble getting into this one as the main character seems to lack a personality. Once he teamed with Marie, things definitely improved. I definitely enjoyed their visit to Casa Bonita.

Learning about Lakotan culture, its mixture of tradition and technology, and the hardships that are somewhat particular to Native Americans in general, and the way Lakotans view each other and the world outside the Rez was absolutely the best aspect of Winter Counts.

The story was moderately interesting and reasonably well-written. There were several problems. A writer using words from a different language would be well advised to provide readers with a glossary, to make sure everything is properly understood, and to prevent him- or herself from having to awkwardly insert meanings somehow into the body of the story. There were less-than-believable moments. While Virgil does face attacks in self-defense from people he beats up, he doesn't recount instances of gangs coming after him in retribution. Not believable. He earns less than 5 thousand dollars a year and says he's saving enough to put Nathan through college. Not believable. The climactic scene was predictable.

I enjoy our monthly reads, and I hope to get involved again in 2025, Lord willing, but for the next year-plus I'm putting the Pulp Fiction readings aside for some other reading projects. Happy Holidays, everyone !!

I've finished, as well, though I haven't written a review yet. This was an okay read, though I'm honestly surprised it won so many awards.

Brian wrote: "I enjoy our monthly reads, and I hope to get involved again in 2025, Lord willing, but for the next year-plus I'm putting the Pulp Fiction readings aside for some other reading projects. Happy Holidays, everyone !!"

Hope you enjoy whatever you'll be reading next year, Brian. Thanks for being such an active member. Looking forward to your return.

Thank you, Melki :)