Customer Reviews

Spirit Moves: The Story of Six Generations of Native Women

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Loree Boyd has done more than merely written a great book. She has demonstrated the pride, strength and respect so characteristic of Metis/Native people in Canada. As a Metis/Ojibway person myself, I found this story, based on Loree's family history, to be moving and inspirational. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled thoughout reading this book. Loree's personal story extends beyond the words of this book; touching the lives of many Metis and Native families throughout Canada. Knowing and recognizing the similarities of my own Metis/Native family history made reading "Spirit Moves" all the more bittersweat. This book should be read in every household in Canada- Metis, Native, and white! Mii-gwetch Loree for your courage, your pride and your story! In Spirit, James Fortier

This is quite, frankly, one of my favorite books in my collection. When my soul needs cleansing, I take this book out and read it. When I need to beleive in my ability to endure, I take this book out. When I need to celbrate life, I take this book out.

Weaving together the stories of her matriarchal line, Loree summons up a primal spiritual fire of an insistence that will not be quenched. As she details scenes that are happy, then heart-rending, then breath-taking, she takes on an emoptional roller-coaster that makes you care about every single member of this incredible family. I cannoy say enough this book, or about the author's courage in writing it. That these women found the strength to not just survive, but flourish, delight in life and love, and reach out to others, makes this quite frnaly one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. The author right- the spirit does move, right under the surface of everyday life, and so many of us miss it. it is refreshing to read about a journey where the value of spirit is acknowledged.

The story of Loree Boyd -- who I know is now the writer and mind/body/spirit interviewer Loree Hemachandra -- and the generations of women in her family is beautifully told, especially in its rendering of the life story of her grandmother, Anne. The book succeeds best when capturing the grand arc of the generational rainbow of all these women's lives, which at their best are infused with trust, faith, hope, and mystic blessings. The women's resilience in the face of, and struggles with, generations of abuse, narcissism, ignorance, and discrimination -- as well as their own failings born from living lives often deprived of kindness, quality education, and a broader societal perspective -- offer valuable lessons and wonderful inspiration for readers of all backgrounds.

This book does have an epic quality about it... Also, it is the type of book that calls to and connects with the spiritual side of all of us regardless of our individual culture, race or gender. Ms. Boyd's gift is bringing a beautiful narrative quality to the experiences shared by her Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother as well as her own. As the challenges and hardships are recounted it seems incredible that the harshness experienced was so recent, relatively speaking. In a time before domestic-violence laws (as recently as 20 - 30 years ago) options were few and overcoming such oppressive treatment seemed to be as much an act of faith as of will. This is a story that's important to all, not just to these lovely Lawson women.

I am buying several copies to distribute to the women in my life. This is the best book I have ever read and I just happened upon it. It has changed my life, I am a better person for reading it. I love it, cant say enough about it, Loree Byrd is so talented, I would read anything by her.

I never thought I would ever find such a book that I would ever not put down..This book kept me involved like I never been involved before. I loved this book from beginning to end. Also the artwork from Ms. Boyd's mother Silversong is just breathtaking to me. I laughed and cried and cried some more. I have owned my copy for 3 years now. I also have read this book 4 times since I have owned it. This book is part of my favorite possessions and will cherish it forever. Also when my daughters are old enough I will read it to them or have them read it themselves for the simple fact is the strength, pain, love, and sense of woman and family in this book are just absolutely breathtaking. I really recommend this book to anyone with a heart and the heart of a woman...I like to thank Ms. Boyd for writing her family's story. I never will forget it and although this may not be my family story, I will pass this onto my girls and onto their girls so they can see that women can have the strength to go through anything and that love conquers all and that the SPIRIT MOVES through all of us.....

This book is a clear work of literature where the reality of growing up Indian in 6 Generations is laid out before the world. It is a hard life but one where the women make a difference in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Their choices were often made for them until the past 2 generations. It is a powerful and moving story the should be read by all.

I picked this book up after something in it called to me. Uponexamining the cover I could see the author as a woman I've dreamed offor many years and would like to meet her in person to see if she too remembers me. It is a powerful tale which many of Native American ancestory who have been far too long removed from their heratige should enjoy and maybe be awakened too.