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Saving Jim Thunder
When Azotie survives a tragic car accident only to discover a cryptic note from a deceased fellow traveler, she volunteers for a daring time-travel experiment, thrusting her back to the year 1922 in the boreal forests of Northern Alberta, Canada.
Abandoned as a baby, her mysterious origins intertwine with her newfound mission as she encounters Jim Thunder, a courageous young Indigenous boy fleeing the confines of a harsh residential school system.
Their meeting takes a more somber turn when Azotie learns of Jim's severe illness and his desperate quest to return home. As their fates intertwine, Azotie is thrust into a race against time to save Jim, even as she learns of oppressive laws dictating the fate of Indigenous children, complicating her efforts to reunite Jim with his family.
Abandoned as a baby, her mysterious origins intertwine with her newfound mission as she encounters Jim Thunder, a courageous young Indigenous boy fleeing the confines of a harsh residential school system.
Their meeting takes a more somber turn when Azotie learns of Jim's severe illness and his desperate quest to return home. As their fates intertwine, Azotie is thrust into a race against time to save Jim, even as she learns of oppressive laws dictating the fate of Indigenous children, complicating her efforts to reunite Jim with his family.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2024
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2024
I want to thank Nick for sending this to me!
I enjoyed the book however, I do think that as someone who isn't Indigenous, part of the proceeds should be going to residential school recovery funds.
That being said, when I provided this feedback to Nick he was very receptive! There isn't enough literature out there to talk about residential schools that would be more suited for a younger age group and I think that this book has the potential to be used to teach teenagers about the residential school system. Because this story is from the perspective of someone who isn't Indigenous, leaning about the system, the fine line of not co-opting indigenous stories has been maintained in my opinion. BUT I think it is really important to note that a non-indigenous person wrote this story. I do wish at times the book focused more on Azotie processing what she was seeing instead of just pure shock and outrage. I pictured Azotie as a woman of colour (and I could be wrong there) and so she would have experienced racism herself.
This book might also be a good way to start a conversation at home with your non-indigenous young teens, to teach them yourself about the residential school system, as it is only just beginning to start being taught in schools.
I enjoyed the book however, I do think that as someone who isn't Indigenous, part of the proceeds should be going to residential school recovery funds.
That being said, when I provided this feedback to Nick he was very receptive! There isn't enough literature out there to talk about residential schools that would be more suited for a younger age group and I think that this book has the potential to be used to teach teenagers about the residential school system. Because this story is from the perspective of someone who isn't Indigenous, leaning about the system, the fine line of not co-opting indigenous stories has been maintained in my opinion. BUT I think it is really important to note that a non-indigenous person wrote this story. I do wish at times the book focused more on Azotie processing what she was seeing instead of just pure shock and outrage. I pictured Azotie as a woman of colour (and I could be wrong there) and so she would have experienced racism herself.
This book might also be a good way to start a conversation at home with your non-indigenous young teens, to teach them yourself about the residential school system, as it is only just beginning to start being taught in schools.
May 26, 2024
I want to thank Nick for sending me a copy of his impressive debut novel in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5
Synopsis: When Azotie survives a tragic car accident only to discover a cryptic note from a deceased fellow traveler, she volunteers for a daring time-travel experiment, thrusting her back to the year 1922 in the boreal forests of Northern Alberta, Canada.
Abandoned as a baby, her mysterious origins intertwine with her newfound mission as she encounters Jim Thunder, a courageous young Indigenous boy fleeing the confines of a harsh residential school system.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, 'Saving Jim Thunder' is a mix of historical fiction and sc-fi, giving remembrance for Canadian History of the horrific Residential Schools that were in place until 1996.
This novel offers a great deal of suspense and a surprising twist at the end.
Azotie is a dedicated character who I found myself growing attached to the further I delved into this story as well as Jim. I loved the way Nick writes from Azotie perspective when she sees the horrors of the residential school called 'St Dominic's' first hand. The way Nick captured the indoctrination of this time in Canadian History was well informed & researched. Showing the perspective of those in charge of running the residential schools as well as capturing a in depth picture of the way the government was involved in aiding to fund them.
"Father Miller and most of us nuns have dedicated our lives to nurturing these children. This school serves a unique purpose in addressing the Indian problem. Orphanages and welfare systems are overwhelmed with Indian children, and if left unaddressed, the rates of juvenile delinquency, illness and mortality skyrocket. We intervene to curb these distressing trends."
This quote stood out to me as well as many other within this book highlighting the indoctrination and the thought of "we are doing what is best for them and our country as a whole" capturing the very real nature of 'the Indian Act.' I believe this novel would be of benefit for those who are wanting to start learning about the Canadian Residential School System that was in place, and I could see this book being of value to a older middle school curriculum (Grades 7-8) or to young high-school students.
TW: Suicide
Rating: 3.5
Synopsis: When Azotie survives a tragic car accident only to discover a cryptic note from a deceased fellow traveler, she volunteers for a daring time-travel experiment, thrusting her back to the year 1922 in the boreal forests of Northern Alberta, Canada.
Abandoned as a baby, her mysterious origins intertwine with her newfound mission as she encounters Jim Thunder, a courageous young Indigenous boy fleeing the confines of a harsh residential school system.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, 'Saving Jim Thunder' is a mix of historical fiction and sc-fi, giving remembrance for Canadian History of the horrific Residential Schools that were in place until 1996.
This novel offers a great deal of suspense and a surprising twist at the end.
Azotie is a dedicated character who I found myself growing attached to the further I delved into this story as well as Jim. I loved the way Nick writes from Azotie perspective when she sees the horrors of the residential school called 'St Dominic's' first hand. The way Nick captured the indoctrination of this time in Canadian History was well informed & researched. Showing the perspective of those in charge of running the residential schools as well as capturing a in depth picture of the way the government was involved in aiding to fund them.
"Father Miller and most of us nuns have dedicated our lives to nurturing these children. This school serves a unique purpose in addressing the Indian problem. Orphanages and welfare systems are overwhelmed with Indian children, and if left unaddressed, the rates of juvenile delinquency, illness and mortality skyrocket. We intervene to curb these distressing trends."
This quote stood out to me as well as many other within this book highlighting the indoctrination and the thought of "we are doing what is best for them and our country as a whole" capturing the very real nature of 'the Indian Act.' I believe this novel would be of benefit for those who are wanting to start learning about the Canadian Residential School System that was in place, and I could see this book being of value to a older middle school curriculum (Grades 7-8) or to young high-school students.
TW: Suicide
July 5, 2024
History & suspense meets Black Mirror.
It is an interesting read with a cross between the future & past.
Azotie was abandoned as a baby & is left with many questions about who she is, & where she came from many years later. After agreeing to a time travel experiment, she is thrust into the year 1922, where residential schools are the norm for Indigenous children & she is met with the harsh reality of how these schools were run.
Jim Thunder is an Indigenous child who has managed to escape St. Dominic’s residential school & is on a mission to make it home to the reserve. In an act of fate, Jim & Azotie’s paths cross, changing their lives.
While heartbreaking, this novel is extremely informative & provides the reader with a view into the horrors of the residential school system & the injustice done to the thousands of children who attended.
The author, Nick Ehizojie, has done an outstanding job of drawing you into the story & making you feel the pain & sorrow of the characters.
While this novel is different from what I usually read, I was captivated by this story & could not wait to see how the many twists & turns would play out. I was left with questions & thoughts to ponder.
It is an interesting read with a cross between the future & past.
Azotie was abandoned as a baby & is left with many questions about who she is, & where she came from many years later. After agreeing to a time travel experiment, she is thrust into the year 1922, where residential schools are the norm for Indigenous children & she is met with the harsh reality of how these schools were run.
Jim Thunder is an Indigenous child who has managed to escape St. Dominic’s residential school & is on a mission to make it home to the reserve. In an act of fate, Jim & Azotie’s paths cross, changing their lives.
While heartbreaking, this novel is extremely informative & provides the reader with a view into the horrors of the residential school system & the injustice done to the thousands of children who attended.
The author, Nick Ehizojie, has done an outstanding job of drawing you into the story & making you feel the pain & sorrow of the characters.
While this novel is different from what I usually read, I was captivated by this story & could not wait to see how the many twists & turns would play out. I was left with questions & thoughts to ponder.
June 25, 2024
“𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝗇𝗇𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗎𝖼𝗄 𝗁𝖾𝗋. 𝖧𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖺 𝗌𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗆𝖾; 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝗂𝗅𝖽 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝖺𝗇𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾. 𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖿𝗎𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖿𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗋. “
A big thank you to @nick_ehiz_writes for gifting me a copy of his wonderful novel.
I quickly became invested in the novels plot, with its time-traveling experiment, which brought the protagonist, Azotie, back to a 1922 Alberta setting. She meets Jim Thunder, a 7 year old Indigenous boy who is running from his residential school, with hopes of reuniting with his family. The quick bond between the two brings Azotie on a journey that will hopefully help Jim reunite with his family.
Although work of fiction, I found myself deeply invested in the outcome of this novel. I found that the topics addressed in this novel to be introduced in a thoughtful and educational manner, showing the authors knowledge of the Canadian Residential School System that was in place until 1996.
So happy to be able to read this debut novel from a local author and look forward to reading more from @nick_ehiz_writes
CWs: negative stereotypes towards Indigenous peoples, child neglect and abuse, anxiety, mortality, and suicide.
A big thank you to @nick_ehiz_writes for gifting me a copy of his wonderful novel.
I quickly became invested in the novels plot, with its time-traveling experiment, which brought the protagonist, Azotie, back to a 1922 Alberta setting. She meets Jim Thunder, a 7 year old Indigenous boy who is running from his residential school, with hopes of reuniting with his family. The quick bond between the two brings Azotie on a journey that will hopefully help Jim reunite with his family.
Although work of fiction, I found myself deeply invested in the outcome of this novel. I found that the topics addressed in this novel to be introduced in a thoughtful and educational manner, showing the authors knowledge of the Canadian Residential School System that was in place until 1996.
So happy to be able to read this debut novel from a local author and look forward to reading more from @nick_ehiz_writes
CWs: negative stereotypes towards Indigenous peoples, child neglect and abuse, anxiety, mortality, and suicide.
May 16, 2024
Saving Jim Thunder is a beautifully written debut novel that surrounds the very important topic of Residential Schools in Canada. It follows the journey of Azotie after escaping death when she chooses to take part in a time travel experiment and finds herself in 1922, drawn to a young boy named Jim wandering the forest wanting to go home. She promises to take him home to his Reserve, before finding out he ran away from St Dominic's residential school.
I recommend reading up on the history of the "schools" if this piques your interest in them. The descriptions of the school in this novel sound historically accurate and well researched. It could've been expanded upon further, and maybe even into generational trauma as a result perhaps, but I think it's enough to cause readers to research on their own after. The ending even caught me off guard, so that was also nice!
A definite strong debut by Nick Ehizojie and looking forward to reading whatever he releases next.
(Thank you Nick for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for honest review)
I recommend reading up on the history of the "schools" if this piques your interest in them. The descriptions of the school in this novel sound historically accurate and well researched. It could've been expanded upon further, and maybe even into generational trauma as a result perhaps, but I think it's enough to cause readers to research on their own after. The ending even caught me off guard, so that was also nice!
A definite strong debut by Nick Ehizojie and looking forward to reading whatever he releases next.
(Thank you Nick for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for honest review)
May 12, 2024
WOW. I really have no words, Saving Jim Thunder was absolutely phenomenal! One of the best novels I have ever read in my life. I will be raving about this book until the end of time. I honestly felt like I was living as Azotie wanting to help these poor children with every chapter I passed. Each struggle she faced, I literally felt it in my bones.
The story was extremely captivating, so much work was put into it. You can tell it was very intentional, with SO much detail and raw emotion.
And let me just say, I was NOT expecting the ending!! I was trying to figure out how the end was going to wrap up and honestly, Nick did an amazing job! No spoilers but wow. Truly amazing writing and a MUST read 😭
I am SO honoured to have been given an ARC copy of this truly amazing book from @nick_ehiz_writes himself. Thank you SO much for the opportunity to read your book!! I simply cannot get over how absolutely remarkable it was.
The story was extremely captivating, so much work was put into it. You can tell it was very intentional, with SO much detail and raw emotion.
And let me just say, I was NOT expecting the ending!! I was trying to figure out how the end was going to wrap up and honestly, Nick did an amazing job! No spoilers but wow. Truly amazing writing and a MUST read 😭
I am SO honoured to have been given an ARC copy of this truly amazing book from @nick_ehiz_writes himself. Thank you SO much for the opportunity to read your book!! I simply cannot get over how absolutely remarkable it was.
May 21, 2024
Saving Jim Thunder took me on a breath taking journey through time and emotion. Azotie, reeling from a tragic accident, finds herself thrust into a daring time-travel experiment back to 1922 Alberta. Her encounter with Jim Thunder, a young Indigenous boy fighting illness and injustice, unravels a poignant tale of resilience and hope amidst the harsh reality of residential schools.
As someone deeply interested in Canadian history, particularly its impact on Indigenous communities, this debut novel gripped me from start to finish. The narrative evokes a range of emotions—anger at the injustices, despair alongside Azotie, and shock at the unpredictable conclusion.
Ehizojie’s storytelling is not just compelling; it’s an immersive exploration of compassion and courage. This book left a lasting impact, lingering in my thoughts long after I turned the final page.
Thank you Nick, for reaching out and sending me a copy of your book!
As someone deeply interested in Canadian history, particularly its impact on Indigenous communities, this debut novel gripped me from start to finish. The narrative evokes a range of emotions—anger at the injustices, despair alongside Azotie, and shock at the unpredictable conclusion.
Ehizojie’s storytelling is not just compelling; it’s an immersive exploration of compassion and courage. This book left a lasting impact, lingering in my thoughts long after I turned the final page.
Thank you Nick, for reaching out and sending me a copy of your book!
July 8, 2024
First off I want to give a big thank you to @nick_ehiz_writes for sending me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest review
Saving Jim Thunder is a Time traveling historical fiction set in Alberta, Canada and involves the Canadian Residential Schools
This book is a very compelling story of a young woman who tries to save a little boy from the unjust treatment of the Residential schools, while also adjusting to the time change from 2025 to 1922. While this book is set in a fictional world it highlights the very real and heavy reality of what the Indian Act of Canada implemented.
This heart squeezing page turner keeps you immersed right until the end, which will have you reeling.
While I recommend this book please take the time to look at the Trigger Warnings ❤️
Saving Jim Thunder is a Time traveling historical fiction set in Alberta, Canada and involves the Canadian Residential Schools
This book is a very compelling story of a young woman who tries to save a little boy from the unjust treatment of the Residential schools, while also adjusting to the time change from 2025 to 1922. While this book is set in a fictional world it highlights the very real and heavy reality of what the Indian Act of Canada implemented.
This heart squeezing page turner keeps you immersed right until the end, which will have you reeling.
While I recommend this book please take the time to look at the Trigger Warnings ❤️
May 14, 2024
3.5 Since my university days, I have really enjoyed reading Canadian history non fiction/fiction. Ehizojie writes a compelling novel that drives into experiences at a residential school. Azotie doesn’t understand why she was propelled over 100 years back in time, but she dives right in to this journey to save Jim, and in the midst discovers the atrocities that happened at residential schools. I felt so helpless and frustrated for Azotie, and as the reader I felt like I was on the journey with her. This would be such a great read for someone who is interested in learning about residential schools.
July 3, 2024
The author had contacted me and told me about his book and I agreed to read it when I had some time. This was a very captivating story and I really enjoyed reading it. It did cover a lot of information in regard to the residential school in Canada. This was very tough to read. Even though this is a fictional story, a lot of the events that occurred to some of the characters may have been experienced in real life by indigenous individuals. It’s very troubling and heartbreaking what they have gone through. This story played like a movie to me. It was suspenseful and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Jim and also to Azote. I recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews