Customer Reviews

Walking the Rez Road (History & Heritage)

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

 

 

I stumbled across this book in a bookstore and bought it after I flipped it open and found the main character's name was Luke Warmwater, I knew this would be a good book! The author begins this book with stories and poems about his experiences as a Vietnam veteran, stories which I felt were powerful and insightful for the reader - and then the author continues with stories from Indian country, stories which can heal by sharing the strengths of Indian people (our humor, families, traditions). I really felt connected to the stories and characters because I swear he was writing about my cousins and I had a few really good chuckles. Northup is able to make light of serious issues, and does so in a good way. Highly recomend this for both members of the "rez road" and those who want to take a glimpse into Indian country.

"Walking the Rez Road" is a great find, a wonderful book. Not only does Jim Northrup have a tremendous sense of humor, but I love the way he seriously contemplates events in his life and makes it all good, with a little sugaring and ricing for good measure. I've met Jim once, and he was the nicest guy, he stood and listened to me gush about how I loved this book and how I was tricked into giving my own copy of the book away -- I had to have a gift for my sister-in-law at Christmas and was caught short, so I wrapped one of my most-treasured books ever. If she were MY sister, I could ask her to give it back, alas...My moral? BUY THIS BOOK, BUT DON'T LET IT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT!

I bought the hardcover years ago when it first came out and loved it. Mr. Northrup has an easy going style that grows on you. Just an all-around wonderful book.

I found this book in a bookstore in Washburn, WI (Chequamegon Books - best used bookstore in the US, by the way) and was so involved with the writing, the characters, the setting, I didn't want it to end. Came to Amazon to find another book by Jim Northrup and to see what others thought of this one -- am not suprised that everyone who rated it gave it five stars. The last review was quite a while ago, though so I thought it was time to review it again -- its still worth five stars. Buy it, read it.

This is one of my favorite books. I can't count how many times I have read it. The stories wind together to create a rich & detailed fabric of Native American life. The humor & heart are unmatched & the poetry regarding the Vietnam War is very moving. Northrup is a fantastic writer & his characters are real, funny & sympathetic. A real gem!!

He's opinionated and stubborn, sure. But did I mention Northrup is also a sassy, silver-rongued, and insightful writer? WALKING THE REZ ROAD is a tremendously important, truthful contribution but never dreary or dowdy.

I hear it is GREAT! I can't wait.... only two more days til I get this book! Everybody I know who has read it rates it as 5 stars! Is this cheating? Rating it before I read it? I hope not... I'll be back within a week to give it my personal critique. :)