"Coming up, you're gonna see the word "Tóta" a bunch of times. When you do, please know it's not some cutism like Nana or Gammy or Pop-Pop; it's the Mohawk word -- or rather, the Kanien'kéha word -- for "grandparent." No particular gender because we're all evolved and shit, innit. Kanien'kéha won't be italicized because it's not a foreign language (although I hear we're calling that practice linguistic gatekeeping nowadays, which feels right to me); it's one of this land's many original languages."

-- #FirstSentences of Aaron John Curtis, *Old School Indian*

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How good is that opening?!?

Started this on the 13th (?). Will use this thread for #ReadingNotes.

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Was planning to start Aaron John Curtis's *Old School Indian* this afternoon, but my wife brought home a copy of Ocean Vuong's *Emperor of Gladness* from the library and she hasn't started it yet.

Two very different books but am suddenly a bit torn. And by the rules of international engagement, I do believe that, since she hasn't started the Vuong yet, I can legally start it and then it's mine to finish.

Do I want a "poetic, dramatic, and vivid story," one that is "tender and moving," showing the "profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life" (Vuong, from the book jacket)?

Or do I want "humor, sincerity, and heartbreak," a book that is "brave, funny, and irreverent" (Curtis)?

Hmmm....

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