46 pages 1 hour read

Joshua Whitehead

Jonny Appleseed

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead, the protagonist Jonny navigates life as a Two-Spirit, queer Indigenous person while trying to earn enough money through webcamming to return to his reserve for his stepfather’s funeral. Flashbacks reveal his upbringing and complex relationship with his childhood friend Tias. Some chapters reference childhood abuse and explicit sexual acts.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joshua Whitehead's Jonny Appleseed has been highly praised for its raw, poetic narrative and vivid portrayal of Two-Spirit Indigiqueer experiences. Readers appreciate its authenticity and emotional depth, though some find the non-linear structure challenging. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its bold exploration of identity, resilience, and community.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Jonny Appleseed?

Readers of Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead would likely enjoy raw, evocative narratives exploring queer Indigenous identities. They may also appreciate the introspective style found in works like Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko and the candid coming-of-age exploration akin to Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

LGBTQ

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Identity: Sexuality

Identity: Gender