Orange’s assembly of Native characters in present day Oakland looking for themselves and one another in an undeniably absurd world paints the picture of our unreckoned truth. 

While the question is not directly asked in the text, multiple disappointments and betrayals are on display, and I pictured Orlando entertaining a question many trans people have asked themselves: “If this implicit gender performance I’ve been providing does not serve my happiness, why not just be myself?”

If ever you’re feeling lonely, there is Ghassan Zeineddine’s Dearborn. This collection of short stories is woven together into an inter-generational visit with beloveds. The author took me to Dearborn, Michigan to catch up with people who I’ve never met, but yet, know so well. I recommend the trip.