Jerkwater by Jamie Zerndt

With a subtle pen and an ear for authentic dialogue, author Jamie Zerndt presents a snapshot of Native American life outside the reservation in Jerkwater. Laced with a matter-of-factness reminiscent of Sherman Alexie’s more powerful stories, this novel details the sinister conflicts and prejudices that can brew and infect small-town America. While some of the narration is a bit too explicit, leaving readers with little to imagine for themselves, the language is generally well-chosen and emotionally impactful. Bursting with unique personalities and powerful epiphanies, Jerkwater is blunt and evocative, mirroring the sharp-edged truths just below the surface of Zerndt’s well-crafted story.