Dawn Dumont grew up on the Okanese First Nation reserve in Saskatchewan, and her life might be somewhat reminiscent of other native experiences that have been put to paper--struggles with drinking, addiction, the trauma of residential schooling--but you probably haven't read anything so consistently funny that also happens to include the aforementioned subject matter. Dumont's experiences might be specific to her identity, but the voice of her childhood feels so universal. Being sassy, knowing all the answers even when you don't, the inability to resist curiosity even when you know the outcome will be terrible. Nobody Cries at Bingo is told in a series of vignettes with Dawn's older, wiser, it's-funny-in-hindsight voice narrating the trials and tribulations of a very serious rez girl. For all the humor that comes up in books, I don't always find myself laughing out loud, but this proved an exception. I look forward to reading more of Dumont's work.
Note: This book is listed in several places as young adult. I would argue that it's adult with crossover appeal to young adults. Dumont does not shy away from strong language and mature physical content.
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