Review: An Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King

Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Released: 2012
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5



Goodreads Description:

The Inconvenient Indian is at once a “history” and the complete subversion of a history—in short, a critical and personal meditation that the remarkable Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be “Indian” in North America.

Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, this book distills the insights gleaned from that meditation, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other. In the process, King refashions old stories about historical events and figures, takes a sideways look at film and pop culture, relates his own complex experiences with activism, and articulates a deep and revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands.

This is a book both timeless and timely, burnished with anger but tempered by wit, and ultimately a hard-won offering of hope -- a sometimes inconvenient, but nonetheless indispensable account for all of us, Indian and non-Indian alike, seeking to understand how we might tell a new story for the future



Review:

I have a hard time writing synopsis’s for non-fiction books, so I included the Goodreads description. Thomas King provides an account of colonialism in North America and how it has shaped contemporary relations between First Nations and Non Natives. King sets the record straight and explains many misconceptions about Natives. I thoroughly enjoyed his explanation between “Legal Indian” and a “Non-legal Indian.” There were many parts of the book that I highlighted and noted for future reference. I found the book utterly fascinating. I’ve done a lot of research on my history, and thought this book was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. King doesn’t provide a dissertation or footnotes; he conveys what’s on his mind. He’s truly a master storyteller.

King’s idea that Indians are “inconvenient” to governments, really struck a chord with me. I thought it was truthful and really pertinent to today, especially with recent protests and media coverage. I struggled with writing my review, because I wasn’t sure I could give this book justice.

As a Native American, I wholeheartedly encourage curious readers to read this book. Thomas King is readable, relatable and he doesn’t sugarcoat the issues. It’s hard to find good historical books that are readable, but Thomas King succeeds. He adds humor to engage the reader, and point out the obvious that is not always so obvious. I found myself laughing, and thinking “this is so true.” He lays it all out, and gives readers a lot of think about. I highly recommend this one.

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Review: The Queen: A Life in Brief

Author: Robert Lacey
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Pages: 176
Released: 2012
Rating: 4/5



Synopsis:

Robert Lacey provides readers with a brief history of Elizabeth II who is currently celebrating her jubilee year. Lacey portrays a young girl who was destine to reap the benefits of royalty, but never be crowned Queen. She was the equivalent of Princess Beatrice today. After her Uncle abdicated the crown when his marriage wasn’t approved, her father was next in line, Elizabeth; his oldest became heir to the throne. Elizabeth’s parents had very different parenting styles; her father was stricter while her mother was more laid back. Her mother warned her husband that he could be strict, but never jeopardize the relationship he has with his children. There needs to be a silver lining that would not cause their children to push away. Elizabeth was secretly engaged to Prince Philip, and had to wait for her father’s approval to announce their news. Her father approved of Philip, but he wasn’t ready to give his daughter away. Lacey briefly describes her children, including their marriages and divorces. Charles married Diana but he was always in love with Camilla. His mother forced him to make a choice, he never tried to hide his love of Camilla. In the wake of Diana’s death, Elizabeth’s main concern was her grandsons. She wanted to shield them, and take them away from the media attention. This ultimately caused Elizabeth to be scrutinized by the media who thought she should have remain in Buckingham for the people, and Charles should have taken care of his sons on his own. Lacey provides a brief but detailed summary of her life thus far.

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Elizabeth II. I hadn’t read much about her previously, and wanted to read more about her life and family. I learned a lot of things I hadn’t known and I would really like to read a more in-depth account of her life. I would love to learn more about her involvement during the Second World War, as well as the separation from her parents. England was under attack, and her parents had to keep their children safe. Charles and Diana has a tumultuous relationship, and it seems like Elizabeth tended to side with Diana. I would really like to know more about their family dynamics. Lacey provides readers with a brief history, but it is enough to spark an interest in her life and cause readers to seek out further information. I recommend this one to anyone who would like to know a little more about the person we call Queen Elizabeth II.

Review: Keeping the Feast by Paula Butturini

Publisher: Riverhead
Pages 272
Source: Publisher






"All of us cook, I think, in part to feed our daily hunger, but just as important, and perhaps more so, we cook and eat to feed our spirits, keep us all in the same orbit of life.'" 



'Keeping The Feast' is a moving memoir about the healing effects of food, the onset of depression, and tragic circumstances in life. Paula and John were foreign correspondents reporting on the fall of communism in 1989. Days before their wedding, Paula is brutally beaten while on assignment. Shortly after, her husband John is shot while in Romania. One ordinary day, a bullet changed their lives forever. Paula chronicles her life and takes readers into her world. She's had one failed marriage, a depressed suicidal mother, and her new marriage is suddenly threatened when John becomes seriously ill. After recovering from the bullet wound, John suffers from Hepatitis and then is thrown into a downward spiral of depression. However, Paula refused to let his depression force her to leave. She patiently waited for the same man she fell in love with to come back to her, the man who stands before her is someone entirely different. Through all her ups and downs Paula tried to remain consistent and each day they ate their meals together, each meal was carefully chosen and prepared. Each meal brought them one step closer to healing. 


'Keeping the Feast' is a moving memoir. After reading the Epilogue, I looked at the title and truly understood what 'Keeping the Feast' meant. I highly recommend this memoir; it was inspirational to read Paula's emotions through hard times. She tried to be calm, collected and reasonable but at times anger was a real emotion she had to deal with. While trying to take care of her family, she also needed to take care of herself. This memoir really makes readers realized what can happen in the face of adversity. We want to hope that we would do what's best for everyone, but sudden emotions can make things difficult. Healing involves accepting. A beautiful memoir about the strength of family devotion. Life happens, and we endure.

Review The Duggars: 20 and Counting. Raising One of American's Largest Families- How They Do it. by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Publisher: Howard Books 
Pages: 228 
Source: Personal Copy 


Jim Bob and Michelle currently have 19 children. At the time this book was written, they had 17 Children. This family completely amazes me. I have a large extended family as well, and I honestly love having many aunts, uncles and cousins. I have comfort in knowing I have many people who lovingly surround me. My husband has a huge family as well. I firmly believe that extended family is very important. I first began watching 17 Kids and Counting on TLC, and thought wow! I honestly thought this family was strange, and Jim Bob and Michelle must be out of their minds to have 17 children. As I watched a few episodes, I quickly fell in love with this family. I loved how close the children were, how they function as a family, their morals, and their confidence. I love how Michelle and Jim Bob have taught their children to be strong individuals. They are not afraid to pray in front of others, they wear what they are comfortable with and I love how logical their responses are when people question or judge their 'strange' behaviour. Jim Bob and Michelle are constantly reiterate that their choices are for them. They do not push their ideas on others, they do not judge others. 



While reading 20 Kids and Counting, I was truly inspired. Michelle and Jim Bob write about their trials and tribulations as a young married couple. When they chose to leave God decide their future regarding children. They had close family question, judge and firmly state that they were doing the wrong thing. Jim Bob and Michelle stuck to their decision and didn't allow others to influence their decisions. I believe many people in today's society are influenced by others. Everyone wants to be accepted by their peers and I commend them for their strength. I love how they have instilled confidence in their children. When strangers laugh at them and call them Amish, they laugh and continue on with their day. They do not allow others to bring them down. During this book I learned a lot about the Duggars. 


Jim Bob and Michelle were robbed one night at their home. Jim Bob was held at gun point, while Michelle pregnant with Jana and John David slept in the next room with Josh. Jim Bob prayed she would stay asleep. Jim Bob, was bound and gagged while the thieves were furious with him for having a paltry eleven dollars on him. They settled with stealing some cars from their used car lot. Jim Bob was afraid, but told the man that his life was in God's hands. He was not afraid to die. Once the thief was caught, Jim Bob went to jail intending to meet with the man who held a gun to his head. Unable to meet with him, he went to a Christian Bookstore, and bought a bible to give to him. He handed it to one of the workers, who passed along the bible. This story really amazed me, because I don't think I would have the strength to do that. It's not the bible that amazes me, it's Jim Bob's ability to forgive and want to do good for others. 


Another story that I loved was 'The Pink Blanket Miracle.' Jill, their fourth child was asking her parents for a pink blanket like her sister's. She really, really wanted a pink blanket, but her parents were not doing very well financially and could not afford to buy Jill a blanket. Michelle told Jill, that she wasn't sure if a pink blanket was in her future. At this time, money was scarce and it would have been a frivolous purchase their couldn't afford. She asked Jill to pay for a pink blanket. A few days later, Jim Bob acquired a new car for the used car lot. While he was cleaning it out, he looked in the backseat and found a little pink blanket. When he brought this blanket to Jill, she was very excited! This story made me think... 


This book is filled with uplifting stories. Michelle explains how her family functions with jurisdictions, routine, patience and faith. Jim Bob and Michelle struggled, made mistakes and moved on. I'm not a devout religious person. I am catholic, I do go to church and I do not intend on having 19 children. What I took away from this book was encouragement. I tend to flip through the pages and read parts over and over again. This book really stuck with me. It's a quick read, and I'm happy to have this book. 



This book may not be for you, but I honestly loved it. I love the Duggars!


I've reread this one a few times, and I can't wait to read there newest book. 

Review: Little Princes by Conor Grennan

Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 304
Source: ARC from Publisher
Category: Memoir
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

29-year-old Conor wanted to take a year long trip around the world, after receiving some criticism from his peers about this foolish trip, he decided to volunteer at a little orphanage in war-torn Nepal. Who could criticize a man who was taking a trip to volunteer to help little children? Conor thought is sounded pretty impressive, and after his 3 months, he could walk away and he would be free to do as he pleases. However, those 3 months changed his life forever, and when he tried to leave he realized a large part of him remained with those children.He had to go back. Conor was astonished when he learned that these children were not in-fact orphans, they were children subjected to child traffickers. In war-tore Nepal parents were desperate to keep their children safe, parents were willing to sell all their possessions to pay to keep their children from being conscripted into a rebel army that had formed in opposition to the government. Child traffickers were promising families in remote villages that they could protect the children -for a large fee- they could bring them to safety. Desperate parents would sell everything, and trust these strangers to take care of their children. The children would be led far away from home, and abandoned in the capital of Nepal, many of them landing in orphanages. Their parents far away, and unaware. After his 3 months, Conor continues on his trip but realizes he must do more. Conor gained the trust and love of the children and vowed to help them be reunited with their families. His initial ideas about his trip were abandoned, and he throws himself into trying to open a non-profit organization to help these children.




Overall Impression:

This is one that everyone should read in 2011.”Little Princes” is a powerful, heart-breaking, brutally honest memoir. Truly amazing, and a real eye-opener. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down and I immediately wanted to tell everyone about it. The good news is, it’s in the bookstore and you can go pick yourself up a copy. Child trafficking is not something that I knew a lot about, and it’s so sad that these parents honestly thought their children were going to be educated and well taken care of, instead they were made into slaves, abandoned on the street, or placed into orphanages. This book made me grateful for everything that I have. “Little Princes” reads like fiction, and then you remember that this is a true story that happened not long ago. While this can easily be a very depressing book, Conor’s humor and the children’s resilience really shine through. So, one more time...PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK!