Yellow Bird

by Sierra Crane Murdoch
Yellow Bird cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 3710
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780399589171
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 2021-02-16
  • Reviews: 3

Yellow Bird is the compelling true story of Lissa Yellow Bird, a woman released from prison who returns to her transformed Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, now altered by the Bakken oil boom. As she navigates the changed landscape and community burdened by violence and addiction, she becomes obsessed with solving the mysterious disappearance of a young white oil worker, Kristopher “KC” Clarke. Her journey is not just a search for justice but also a path to redemption, as she confronts her own past and the generational trauma of her tribe. /n/nDrawing on eight years of immersive investigation, Sierra Crane Murdoch crafts a profound examination of systemic violence and the healing power of one woman's determination. Yellow Bird is a masterful blend of literary journalism, offering a remarkable portrait of Lissa Yellow Bird, a complex and compelling figure who is smart, funny, and deeply compassionate.

Reviews
Sopris Sun · 2022-11-09
powerful 4.00

The book is praised for its impeccable research and compelling narrative. The reviewer finds it a powerful exploration of justice and the oil economy.

The Sopris Sun review commends Sierra Crane Murdoch's impeccable research and compelling narrative, which brings Lissa Yellow Bird's story to life. The reviewer finds the book a powerful exploration of justice and the oil economy, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by Native American communities. They appreciate the book's ability to humanize these issues, making it a poignant and important read. The reviewer also notes the book's engaging storytelling, which keeps readers invested in Lissa's journey.

Quick quotes

    Sierra Crane Murdoch's impeccably researched book chronicles Lissa's search.

    A powerful exploration of justice and the oil economy.

    The complexities and challenges faced by Native American communities are brought to life.

The New York Times · 2020-02-25
compelling 4.00

The protagonist, Lissa Yellow Bird, is vividly portrayed as a complex and compelling figure. The book offers a deep dive into the oil economy and Native American affairs.

The New York Times review highlights Lissa Yellow Bird as one of the most fascinating characters, painting a vivid picture of her life and her relentless pursuit of justice. The reviewer appreciates the book's analytical depth, particularly in its exploration of the oil economy and its impact on Native American communities. They find the narrative gripping and the character development exceptional, making it a standout true crime story. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to humanize issues often overlooked in mainstream media, providing a unique and eye-opening perspective.

Quick quotes

    Yellow Bird, as Murdoch presents her, is a vivid character.

    A middle-aged mother of five, she had, as we say on the rez, lived large.

    An urgent work of journalism that sheds light on the complexities of life on the reservation.

Los Angeles Times · 2020-02-19
gripping 4.00

Lissa Yellow Bird is portrayed as a real and fascinating character, making the book a standout in the true crime genre. The reviewer finds her story both compelling and heartbreaking.

The Los Angeles Times review emphasizes the uniqueness of Lissa Yellow Bird as a protagonist, noting her complex and real-life persona. The reviewer finds her story both compelling and heartbreaking, highlighting her struggles and triumphs. They appreciate the book's ability to delve into the personal and societal issues faced by Native American communities, making it a poignant and important read. The reviewer also notes the book's gripping narrative, which keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Lissa Yellow Bird is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever read about — and she's a real person.

    She has been a terrible mother, but she's also a hero.

    A gripping narrative that sheds light on the complexities of life on the reservation.

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