If you’re looking for a novel that explores themes of identity, trauma, and the search for connection, then “Where the Dead Sit Talking” by Brandon Hobson is a must-read. Set in rural Oklahoma in the 1980s, the novel follows the story of Sequoyah, a Native American teenager who has been in and out of foster care for most of his life.

Sequoyah is placed with a new foster family, and he soon meets Rosemary, another Native American teenager who has also experienced her fair share of trauma. The two form a bond as they navigate their difficult pasts and try to find a sense of belonging in the world.

One of the most striking aspects of “Where the Dead Sit Talking” is its exploration of the effects of trauma on young people. Both Sequoyah and Rosemary have experienced significant loss and abuse, and their struggles to cope with these experiences are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance.

The novel also delves into themes of identity and the search for connection. Sequoyah, in particular, is grappling with questions of who he is and where he belongs. As a Native American in a predominantly white community, he feels disconnected from his culture and struggles to find a sense of belonging.

The characters in “Where the Dead Sit Talking” are complex and well-developed, and their relationships with each other are a highlight of the novel. Sequoyah and Rosemary’s friendship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they try to support each other while also dealing with their own pain.

Overall, “Where the Dead Sit Talking” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores important themes with sensitivity and depth. If you’re looking for a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, then this is definitely one to add to your list.