Erdrich's writing about the bonds of marriage and family is one of the greatest strengths of her fiction

” — Booklist (starred review)

Drawing on a decade of Native writing on restorative justice and on community-based

stories are vessels of knowledge

With Beth Dooley

First Laugh: Welcome, Baby! queer studies Erdrich's writing about the bondsIn Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story? The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyonefrom Baby's nima (mom) to nadi (big sister) to cheii (grandfather)tries to elicit the joyous sound from Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter