One Native Life [Hardcover]

Richard Wagamese (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1553653645 | ISBN-13: 978-1553653646 | Publication Date: October 1, 2008

One Native Life is a look back down the road Richard Wagamese has traveled — from childhood abuse to adult alcoholism — in reclaiming his identity. It’s about what he has learned as a human being, a man, and an Ojibway in his 52 years on Earth. Whether he’s writing about playing baseball, running away with the circus, making bannock, or attending a sacred bundle ceremony, these are stories told in a healing spirit. Through them, Wagamese shows readers how to appreciate life for the journey it is.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ojibway novelist Wagamese disclosed the details of his childhood abuse and abandonment in an earlier autobiography; here he moves beyond that painful past to celebrate the learning journey the rest of his life has become. He gradually unearthed his tribal identity, and in these short essays of memories and traditions, he has found the essence of his Ojibway self. He begins with a tribute to one of his many foster fathers, a Ukrainian Canadian who helped him understand his Ojibway need for a strong connection to the land. Writing becomes his most powerful means of expression early on—saving him from feelings of displacement. To Wagamese the library was an enchanted forest, and he worked his way through Homer, Joyce, Shakespeare, and Ibsen, mostly to prove to himself he could tackle anything. In his twenties, Wagamese reconnected with his native family and later began learning the Ojibway language. His memoir is an insightful look at his search for his roots and the traditions binding him not only to his people but the great, grand circle of humanity. --Deborah Donovan

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553653645
• ISBN-13: 978-1553653646
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,748,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This Author is an American Treasure, July 20, 2010

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H. Robinson "Enjoying being a grandma" (Sedona. AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Native Life (Paperback)

Wonderful book, the kind you promise yourself you'll read twice, and you do! Should be required reading for any person interested in Native American culture. My whole family has read it, and I'm getting more to send to friends.