Sherman Alexie's Reservation Blues garners praise for its vivid portrayal of Native American life and its blend of myth and reality. Reviewers commend Alexie's humor, character development, and cultural insights. However, some criticism arises over pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it captures the struggles and resilience within a marginalized community effectively.

Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie will captivate readers interested in Native American culture, magical realism, and complex social issues. Fans of Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko or Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich will appreciate the blend of folklore, poignant storytelling, and vibrant characters on the Spokane Indian Reservation.

Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie tells the story of Coyote Springs, a Spokane Indian rock band formed on a reservation. They grow in popularity and get an audition in New York City, but ultimately fail. The narrative includes traditional storytelling, newspaper articles, song lyrics, interviews, and journal excerpts, blending humor and sadness with elements of magical realism. The book includes references to substance use and suicide.

Emotional / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Melancholic / Mysterious

- Reservation Blues features a fictional version of blues musician Robert Johnson, based on the legendary "deal with the devil" folklore associated with the real-life musician's prowess.
- Sherman Alexie drew from his own experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, infusing the novel with rich cultural references and themes that explore Native American identity.
- The book received the American Book Award in 1996, celebrating its unique narrative style and contribution to Native American literature.

**Thomas Builds-the-Fire**  
The novel’s protagonist, a 32-year-old Spokane Indian who is kind, compassionate, and a storyteller, viewed as somewhat of an outsider in his tribe.

**Victor Joseph**  
The guitar player for Coyote Springs, known for his struggles with poverty, alcoholism, and quick temper, but also for his loyalty to friends.

**Junior Polatkin**  
Victor’s best friend and the drummer for Coyote Springs, who holds a steady job on the reservation but faces personal struggles including alcoholism.

**Chess and Checkers Warm Water**  
Sisters from the Flathead Indian Reservation who join Coyote Springs as singers and keyboard players, known for their beauty and strong beliefs about Indian relationships.

**Big Mom**  
A deity-like figure who lives atop Wellpinit Mountain, representing Indian traditions and the healing power of music.

**Father Arnold**  
The Catholic priest on the reservation who is supportive and wants to help his Indian parishioners, and previously played in a band.

**Sheridan and Wright**  
Characters who appear both as historical US generals in nightmares and as record executives in the novel.

**Betty and Veronica**  
Two white women from Seattle who briefly join Coyote Springs as backup singers and become fascinated by Indian culture.

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