Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Greetings Bababook Buds! Today's entry touches on the country of my parental origin, the Philippines.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay tells the coming-of-age story of Jason Reguero and his search for the truth, during President Duterte's campaign on the war on drugs. Jason is a seventeen-year-old Filipino American living in Michigan. The plan: graduate from high school, get into a good college, work hard, and get paid, while sneaking in a video game or two. However, Jason is rather reluctant after hearing of his sister's college experiences; but feels no alternative. Jason's life trajectory changes when he gets wind of his cousin Jun's murder. According to his family, Jun's involvement with drugs led to his untimely death. For Jason, Jun's kind and benevolent personality and the nature of his death seem suspicious. Jason then sets out to find what happened and heads to the Philippines.

The book is filled with nuances relatable to many Filipino Americans. There are moments of pride from a community that experienced colonialism, the struggle for independence, and perseverance toward an honorable place in the world. At first, the story seems exclusive to young Filipino American adults. However, as seen in other cultures, family, togetherness, and justice are touched on. While there were frustrating moments in the book that drove one to insanity, one can't help but understand the reasons for these actions. Although it is labeled a Young Adult book, adults can understand the gravity of Jason's situation.

As a Filipino-American, it was validating for Ribay to shed light on the toxicity surrounding familial sanctity. I shared the book with my sister. After reading it she felt the same. It made me think of the morals we were taught and our family ties. We're taught to live a good and righteous life. But, the righteous things you were taught to demonstrate are discouraged in fear of rising above modesty or bringing unwanted attention. In the grand scheme, what is defined as truly unsavory behavior and sought-after justice becomes a gray area. Randy Ribay eloquently brings this to light is what I love reading in this book. 

Some chapters brought me to tears. The sheer transparency of having felt seen was cathartic. Hard truths come about as the mystery of Jason's questions unfolds. The resolutions compel and make this a poignant read, worthy of your TBR list.

For a closer look into Randy Ribay, visit his BIO or IG page for more.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

 

 

Greetings mystery readers! Here we are again. Only recently have I settled to the point where I can read and review a book. I was inspired to read this book after Lily Gladstone won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in the movie adaptation of the same title. This book has a special place in me. I am married to a Native American family. Although the characters in the book and my family come from different tribes, my family stands united in the fair representation of their communities. Do I love this book? Love is a very strong and contradicting word considering the awful circumstances the Osage Nation experienced. But, hating the book is out of the question. Do I recommend people read it...absolutely. The growth and emergence of anything and everything that compels us to be better is always a good recommendation for books to be read.  

David Grann recounts a time in U.S. history during the 1920s when one of the wealthiest communities in America were members of the Osage Nation. This was due to the discovery of oil within the Indian reservations in Oklahoma. Among the Osage was Mollie Burkhart, whose family had become rich because of black gold. However, she witnesses her family members being killed consecutively under mysterious circumstances. With the rising death toll, the case was taken up by the newly created FBI, led by a young J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover, along with the help of a former Texas Ranger named Tom White, these efforts infiltrated the last remnants of the Wild West and uncovered one of the most terrifying conspiracies in American history, later known as the Reign of Terror. The book presents an attempt at justice for human life. Murder and betrayal must never be the means of living. It also shows effort at courage. It doesn't matter how long it takes. The wicked are vanquished just so as long as love and courage prevail. Like most stories of the same theme, everything covered in racial prejudice brings all kinds of wrongs to any scene or community. In addition to these, it describes the ugliness men with greed have over one another. Despite what was said about J. Edgar Hoover, the creation of the FBI was a step in the United States continuing to be united.

This book is a must-read for history buffs, advocates for a better world, and anyone curious about American Indigenous cultures and populations. For this book, Mollie Burkhart is such a key character. The interesting thing was that she didn't say a whole lot but listened. She carried herself with such a feminine power. Without her, this story could not have come to light. 

The author has done an outstanding job of incorporating the writings of John Joseph Mathews. Mathews observed that in April, Spring flowers were scattered across the Oklahoma prairie. He referred to them as "gods leaving confetti." However, these flowers are eventually covered by larger May flora, stealing light and eventually killing off the April flowers as coyotes howl to the bright full moon. The poetic observation becomes a metaphor for David Grann's story and the title of the book. There is something truly noteworthy about labeled genres. In fiction, it is known as "mystery", while in non-fiction it's referred to as "true crime". Essentially, both are a kind of mystery to be uncovered, with their revealed facts and investigative processes. What people do with that information is open to interpretation. David Grann does due diligence in citing his sources. Readers would appreciate the effort of Grann digging deeper into the case of these killings, even after the cases have been closed. Uncovered truths spanned further till this day, which begs the need for us as an American society to do better. It's these moments in US history that bring to the adage, "Only the truth will set us free."