No worries about a Sophomore slump for this latest from Canadian YA author Jen Ferguson!!

I LOVED her debut, The summer of bitter and sweet and think her latest is equally as good (if not better!). This story follows a group of Indigenous teens who work at their local Pizza Parlor and are worried about the disappearance of one of their friends.

Tackling some heavy topics, including violence against Indigenous women, sexual assault, teen pregnancy and more. I enjoyed that this story revolved as much around the break up and reconciliation of platonic relationships as it did romantic ones.

Full of found family, teens that care and relatable characters. This is another standout YA story that was also great on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Jen Ferguson’s second novel since I finished reading the author’s note of her debut. I know I’m prone to exaggeration, but that’s the truth!

Ferguson has this innate quality of making readers feel safe. This shines through every aspect of her writing, from her note at the beginning of the novel to the words each character says to the final page.

That safe feeling is part of what makes reading her books feel like such a full experience. It isn’t just reading– it’s a deeply felt experience. I don’t know that it’s possible to read her work and walk away having not felt something deeply. Those Pink Mountain Nights is no exception– the breadth and depth of emotional resonance hits home just as much as The Summer of Bitter and Sweet.

Ferguson thoughtfully handles numerous tough storylines, including MMIWG2S, racism, mental health, friendship breakups, dissenting against family, and more. She takes time to address the intersectionality between these areas, showing how often the issues teens face overlap and feed into one another.

As always, Ferguson balances the heavier plot lines with witty banter, fun characters, and mouth-wateringly good food descriptions– this time, pizza. Warning: you will crave pizza a lot while reading this book! (But in the best way, obviously!)

The story is exquisitely crafted, told from four perspectives.

Berlin: animal rescuer, Indigenous activist, perfectionist.

Cameron: high school dropout, expert pizza crafter, holding his family together after his cousin’s disappearance.

Jessie: childhood cancer survivor, daughter of a wealthy conglomerate, should probably stop smoking.

Kiki: daughter of a MMIWG2S, now missing as well. Kiki’s poems offer clue and insights into her story, before she went missing more than six months prior to the opening.

Each perspective gives insight into these thoroughly developed, relatably flawed characters. You can’t help but hope for Berlin to overcome her stoic perfectionism, Cam to find peace, Jessie to get to pursue her dreams, and for Kiki to be found, safe.

The heart of this novel is the characters. The alternating perspectives each have their own voice. Each character has their own flaws to work through in their own way, and where they intersect and help each other grow is beautiful because the reader understands both sides. Backstories and personal histories are brush-stroked in to give the reader knowledge on what has shaped this character without slowing the plot. As always, its delightful to see Native characters depicted in all their complexities, joys, mistakes, and growth.

Those Pink Mountain Nights is unforgettable and impossible to put down.

Wado, thank you, to the author, Heartdrum, and NetGalley for an e-ARC such that I could share my honest opinions.

Loved this book.

Each character was developed so well and played an important yet separate role in the story. The mystery is unraveled so well and keeps you guessing. This is a wild ride that brings characters together and gives them purpose in this small community.

Thank you NetGalley and and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an e-ARC of this book!

Can I give this book 10 stars? It's a STUNNER. The prose is beautiful and poetic (literally at times) and the story is complex while also being gripping in the best way. The characters are imperfect, messy, and I love them all. Those Pink Mountain Nights tackles very serious issues like mental health, missing Indigenous women, and the negative consequences of capitalism, but in a way that never feels preachy or heavy handed. They are woven into the story in such a way that you can't imagine it without them, and the characters react to and deal with things like a friend/relative going missing in a way that feels authentic to teens. I also really liked how the author incorporated unconscious anti-Blackness into the story, and had the main characters grapple with the realization that despite their best intentions, their actions were also harmful. I loved this book and will absolutely be purchasing a copy for my classroom library. The only thing I can see deterring teen readers from settling into this book is the chapter structure. They are long, though broken up into different POVs. It did not bother me at all, but I know some of my students prefer shorter chapters.

Jen Ferguson's THOSE PINK MOUNTAIN NIGHTS is phenomenal. It is one of my favorite reads of 2023. I loved Ferguson's debut novel and now love her second novel even more. After reading THOSE PINK MOUNTAIN NIGHTS, one thing I see that Ferguson does exceptionally well is create and hold a community of characters. The characters in this book do not exist without their community, which is outstanding. Here, each character has their "role" at Pink Mountain Pizza (the new girl, the responsible one, the troubled one, etc) and their "role" within their community (the son holding it together, the "easy" girl, the "smart one," etc.). We see the characters in these roles--and we see how they have been pinned in by them, how they are so much more than they are often seen as.

The characters are also allowed to make mistakes, really BIG mistakes, and deal with the consequences of them. Other characters' choices, whether forced or voluntary, have an impact and a ripple effect. There are no actions in a void within this novel.

Ferguson also goes after the dismissal of missing Indigenous women and the hard it creates for everyone involved. I especially appreciate how this is handled and how the particular case of Kiki is handled within this light.

Overall, I don't want to give anything away. Read the novel! I can't wait to hold a hardcopy in my hands, read it again, and tell all of my students to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Those Pink Mountain Nights is an absolute stand out of a novel. The cover immediately caught my eye and I was drawn in from the first page. This is the first book in a long while where I feel antsy for another. To continue on with these characters. Pure impatience to see where their lives go.

Each character has their own arc in an overall larger story and system that really adds into how life really is. There isn't technically "main characters" in life and that really made this book feel real. Berlin is a studious, determined character who has her own battles going on that are not yet fully realized when we're introduced to her. Cameron is the polar opposite of Berlin, or so it seems, as he's goofy and tries not to take things so seriously, when in fact there's a lot piling up on his plate and he might just have more responsibilities than the average teenager. Jessie is a cancer survivor, in a rich family, who do not see her value for a variety of "reasons," and despite how she's treated, she's very welcoming and warm to others. These three characters come together and tackle a big mystery that is plaguing their town and lives, and everything is more intertwined than anyone realizes.

With each character I feel like there is someone that the average reader will relate to and find themselves in. There is a variety of personalities and characters that never really outshine the other. They each have something to offer, and lessons to learn. It makes the story a bit character heavy, but there is still a lot of plot to sort through. I personally enjoyed seeing Cameron tackle the parental role he has to take on with his siblings while his mom is going to school and his dad is being a bit neglectful to it. It adds a lot to his character and I think a lot of teenagers can unfortunately relate to the struggle and the guilt that comes with it.

I liked where the plot went, and although there wasn't a major climax scene in terms of a huge struggle, I think the part meant to be the climax still served it's purpose with shock value. Of the author truly going there with her story, and in a good way because it is impactful and a story needing to be told.

What I appreciated was the warnings at the beginning and a further explanation of the author's intentions at the end. Going in I was aware of what was to be portrayed, and as I read I was getting extremely uncomfortable. Particularly with aspects involving the owner of the pizza place they work at, Joe. The author lays out in the end that these aspects were all intentional, as she tackles issues of anti-Blackness in Indigenous spaces. Although I cannot speak to how well this was achieved or how it will be received by those who are Black, I appreciated that it was addressed because I see this often discussed in my Indigenous circles.

My one hesitation is the kiss with Jessie and how others will take it. I think it really comes down to perception and what an individual considers their idea of giving consent to a kiss. Whether that be verbal or body language. But I think it does present an interesting question to consider and whether that should be established first with a partner. I'm glad Jessie wasn't vilified, yet still accountable for it. Especially with the author noting at the beginning about her intentions with the book. These are teenagers who make mistakes and don't have everything figured out, especially when they're determined to be well-meaning activists. You are not born knowing every rule to life on how to be ethical and perfect. So I think that is ultimately presented several times with each of these characters in different ways as they navigate these situations, as well as who they are as people.

Overall, I think there is just so much to consider and address with this novel and I simply can't cover it all. I am just a bit fan of the characters and their journeys, with a plot that is necessary and eye opening to the issue of MMIWG2S. She did a wonderful job combining all these aspects to make a really interesting story.

Premise:
contemporary teenage fiction set in a small town near Calgary, Alberta, Canada
elements of mystery, coming-of-age, romance
third-person rotating perspectives of three Metis and Cree First Nations main characters
Cam's cousin Kiki went missing five months ago, and it seems the town has already forgotten about her
Cam's mom was murdered and her remains were found about 1.5 years ago, so he and his family (Sami, Tanya, Callie) have also been grieving her
Berlin's navigating a friendship breakup with Quintana-Roo, and is especially gutted over it because she has no idea what went wrong
Jessie starts working part-time at Pink Mountain Pizza with them, and shows there is more to the rich girl, "tease" stereotype that everyone has labeled her with
The narrative takes us through a weekend, as these teenagers unpack their struggles, and unravel what really happened to Kiki
cw: anti-Blackness, animal death, past cancer treatment, past child abuse, undiagnosed depression, kidnapping, adult/minor relationship, fallout of a friendship, bullying

Thoughts:
I really appreciated the way Jen began and ended this book, first with the content warnings and the reminders that we could set it down whenever we needed to, and ending with a call to action, and a reminder of our own accountability and power when it comes to helping others, and fostering the community we all deserve. Thank you Jen.

As far as the story, I did feel it dragged on a bit in some places. However, I think that's just me being impatient because I wanted so badly to unravel what happened with Kiki! I think this is something I personally have to work on though, because Cam, Berlin & Jessie's personal arcs were important and compelling stories too. They deserved their moments to shine and overcome the struggles they were experiencing. I was just being impatient. Okay, I have stream of consciousness-ly figured out that this is a me problem, and not the book's hahaha.

I had guessed what happened to Kiki because I am eternally pessimistic about humanity, but it was fun to see the hints and clues that Jen left in between the individual character arcs. The interspersed poetry / journal entries were very telling, but ominous and vague enough that it could have pointed to a few different possibilities.

The way that Jen highlighted anti-Blackness within the indigenous communities, because something I see too often with most "allies" is that we all believe ourselves to be immune to any bias or -ism. However, just because we operate from anti-racist or abolitionist or feminist frameworks, it does not mean we cannot do or say things that are harmful or problematic. Sometimes, the call *is* coming from inside the house, and we have to answer it and confront it in order to move forward and better ourselves as actual allies. Jen did this so thoughtfully with Joe (Pink Mountain Pizza's owner)'s situation!

I would easily watch a tv or movie adaptation of this, and can't wait to read more from Jen!

Those Pink Mountain Nights is a story about connections - connections to self, family, friends, community, and the universe. It’s about opening yourself up to care and be cared for, even when it’s scary and it hurts. It deals with heavy themes - racism, sexism, misogyny, the disappearance and murder of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People, and friendship breakups, among other things. It’s eye opening and poignant and gripping, while also being hopeful and humorous. I became so invested in Berlin, Cameron, and Jessie’s stories. I enjoyed their dynamics and their growth (especially how each of them learned something about expectations, assumptions, and the things we do and say that can unintentionally harm people), and the found family aspect was wonderfully done. I thoroughly enjoyed Those Pink Mountain Nights and will be recommending it often to both teens and adults.

I loved this book, how the mystery slowly started coming together until suddenly everything just snapped into place. The plot twist was crazy, I would have never expected it. It was just so good, and I hope the auther writeds more books like it!

Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson is about three teenagers, co-workers who do not really know one another. Even though Berlin and Cam have known each other since she was born, they have had a contentious relationship, including the time she stabbed him with a pencil and the other time she nearly broke his nose. Jessie is the newcomer to the group, a rich girl struggling to break free of an oppressive home environment. The writing is heavy and gorgeous, with each of the characters given a distinct point of view. The gaps between how they see themselves and how others see them are never quite filled in. They are allowed to be messy and loud and wrong as they finally get to know one another and change who they are and how they see others. They all have crushes on one another, all fear being vulnerable, and all long to be seen. This book is ultimately about seeing and being in community with one another. It is heart wrenching—Kiki, Cam’s sister, is missing for the majority of the book; Joe plans on selling the Pink Mountain pizza restaurant; and the characters encounter a wide range of racism, anti-Indigenous comments, sexual harassment and more. This book tackles anti-Blackness in Indigenous communities. This book is vulnerable and intimate and wonderful.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is an amazing follow-up to Jen Ferguson's stunning debut, and I loved it from page 1 all the way to the end. It's perfect for a winter read, but it also works great any time of year.

This was one that I really wanted to like. I kept reading and reading, but didn't seem to get very far. I like a book with something happening right away, but this wasn't really that.

Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson is a moving and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of trauma. The story follows three teenagers: Berlin, Cameron, and Jessie, each grappling with their own challenges and searching for connection in their small town.

Berlin is focused on overachieving, striving for excellent grades and a bright future. She works at Pink Mountain Pizza, a local establishment, and believes she doesn't need a best friend by her side. Cameron dropped out of high school following his cousin Kiki's disappearance, finding it difficult to find humor in life when the town has forgotten about her. And Jessie, labeled as a tease and a rich girl, hopes her new job at the pizza place will provide an energetic outlet for her.

As the weekend unfolds at Pink Mountain Pizza, unexpected events lead the three teens to confront their own pain and realize their need for one another's support. The novel effectively sheds light on social challenges within Native communities and the dynamics of politics in small towns. Ferguson skillfully navigates topics such as the pressure to succeed and the effects of trauma, while also highlighting the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

The writing in Those Pink Mountain Nights is engaging, capturing the readers' attention and creating vivid images of both the characters and the setting. The author brings each character to life with detail, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and growth. The book resonates with readers of all ages, as it delves into universal themes and emotions.

However, one minor drawback is the occasional use of slang language that may not mesh well with modern times, leaving some readers feeling slightly disconnected. It's important to note that the book touches on sensitive topics, so it is advisable to review the trigger warnings before reading.

Overall, Those Pink Mountain Nights is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that tackles important issues and provides a compelling narrative. Jen Ferguson's storytelling skills shine through as she explores friendship, identity, and the effects of trauma. Although I cannot comment on the Native representation as a non-Native reader, the book serves as a valuable platform for raising awareness about social challenges and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Readers seeking an emotionally resonant and socially conscious read will find this book a worthwhile choice.

4.8 rounded up to 5/5.

This was a really well-written YA contemporary, with layers and layers and more sub-layers of plotlines and social issues, all of which culminate and get resolved when a group of teens band together to save their local pizza place.

I loved the casual and raw writing style - the book is split into 3 povs (in the present) + 1 journal-esque pov (sporadically, over the past few months), and each of these narrations were unique and heart-tugging. Ngl, a lot of the issues the teens go through are heart-wrenching, so I'd definitely recommend you go through the TWs before reading! But, but, if you feel that you won't be too triggered by them, I'd definitely suggest you read this book. The writing is exquisite, AND, the book touches upon many important social issues prevalent today, all of which the author expands upon in her note at the end as well.

TWs - racism in various forms, intersectional racism, misogyny, cancer, loss of fertility due to cancer, teenagers sexually exploited by people in power (there are also layers of racism in here) - to be more specific, the people in power include a male teacher at school as well as a female boss at a job, disappearance/murder of indigenous girls and women, animal death on-page (but the characters ensure that the animal passes peacefully), depression, anxiety

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Loved this!💞I miss the characters already! #ThosePinkMountainNights by @jdotferg #family #friendship #pridefriendly #loyalty #localbusiness #smalltown #community #friendbreakup #pizza #mmiwg2s #ecm #blm #NetGalley #HarperCollins #Heartdrum #ireadcanadian Thanks Jen!!! 💞😊

Those Pink Mountain Nights follow the lives of four teens whose lives become intertwined while trying to save the local pizzeria. The secretes they will unravel and the impact of their actions will change them and the town.

The story will bring to light social challenges within the Native community and small town politics. The author does a brilliant job of navigating sensitive topics, and even though I can not claim #ownvoice, I truly feel for these characters and what they experience.

Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson is a beautifully crafted YA novel that explores the themes of friendship, identity, and the effects of trauma. The story revolves around three teenagers, Berlin, Cameron, and Jessie, who find themselves working together at Pink Mountain Pizza in a small, snowy town. Each character has their own struggles and secrets, and as the weekend unfolds, they find solace and support in each other.

Ferguson's writing is engaging and lyrical, bringing the characters and setting to life in vivid detail. The three protagonists are complex and authentic, each dealing with their own challenges and issues. The novel delves into serious topics such as the disappearance of Indigenous girls, the pressure to succeed, and the impact of trauma, but handles them with sensitivity and nuance.

Overall, Those Pink Mountain Nights is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Ferguson's storytelling is masterful, and the characters and their journeys will stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA fiction.

Some unexpected surprises await Berlin, Cam, and Jessie who all work at Pink Mountain Pizza. Cam’s cousin, Kiki, has been missing, and one night Berlin thinks she sees her outside. Then the group finds out the pizza owner wants to sell his business. Cam asks Berlin to help him find Kiki. Can they find her? Berlin is busy trying to rally the community and friends to show Joe how they don’t want him selling the pizza place. Will he still sell?