{Review} Koko's Gift by Sarah Granahan

ISBN #: 978-1482577259

Page Count: 446

Copyright: May 17, 2013

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Left for dead after her tribe is invaded, Koko is determined to survive. Relying on her instincts and connection to her spirit guides, she finds a guardian angel in Maddy - a woman from the encroaching white population. But with memories from the invasion and racism all around her, something just isn't right. So Koko sets out to rediscover her Native American roots. Hoping to heal her past hurts, she works closely with a local tribe's shaman. But in the end she realizes she must walk her own path, the one she was destined to be on ... Join Koko and her storytellers as they explore more about her incredible life and how she was able to not only heal herself, but others too ...

Charlene's Review:

The lone survivor on an attack on her tribe, Koko is given another chance at a family when a young white girl takes her in as her own. Despite her physical needs being met, Koko is faced with racism and longing for her old life. When Koko meets up with another Indian tribe, she decides it is time to return to her roots. Koko soon realizes that she is an outsider among the Indians now and must find her own place in the world.

Ms. Granahan took on a daunting task when writing Koko's Gift. Historical reference, racism, and multiple story lines all coming together into a 435 page novel. Told mostly in third-person narrative, it switches between Koko's story and modern day "researchers," which at times I did not understand. Their dialogue and relationship seemed superfluous to the story. I also felt the story became disjointed in a few places, with a large gap left between chapter 15 and 16.

That said, the overall premise was an uplifting story of a young girl's survival. The undercurrent seemed to be about accepting oneself, and overcoming past obstacles to be able to follow your predestined path. Ms. Granahan offers the reader a beautiful concept done in a historically based story that teaches as it entertains.


*A physical copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.