I first came across Sherman Alexie's work in grad school, as a fellow writing student was also American Indian and introduced me to his work. Later he emerged again when one of his short stories from the book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven was made into the wonderful movie Smoke Signals by a good friend.
I had him in my mind as a bit idealized and very successful and while attached to his native American past, he seemed more set in his life in these times. This brave book reminded me that we never leave our past, because it shapes all that we become and delivers all that we must overcome. I don't know that many others, in all times, could have written a memoir as vivid as this, in all directions. Alxie's memory of himself is baldly honest--life on the reservation, the difficult efforts to leave, his physical, mental and family challenges, and more than all of this, his complicated mother for whom the book is named. How did he have the courage and clarity to share the truths that he experienced with himself, much less with anyone who opens the book? It's a feat.
This book drew me in completely, taught me so much that I did not know, took me to another place, and asked me to feel what a life I never experienced felt like for this brave, honest and talented writer. I hope his future offers all that he has worked for and deserves.
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You Don't Have to Say You Love Me: A Memoir
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A Raw and Honest Memoir
I first came across Sherman Alexie's work in grad school, as a fellow writing student was also American Indian and introduced me to his work. Later he emerged again when one of his short stories from the book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven was made into the wonderful movie Smoke Signals by a good friend.I had him in my mind as a bit idealized and very successful and while attached to his native American past, he seemed more set in his life in these times. This brave book reminded me that we never leave our past, because it shapes all that we become and delivers all that we must overcome. I don't know that many others, in all times, could have written a memoir as vivid as this, in all directions. Alxie's memory of himself is baldly honest--life on the reservation, the difficult efforts to leave, his physical, mental and family challenges, and more than all of this, his complicated mother for whom the book is named. How did he have the courage and clarity to share the truths that he experienced with himself, much less with anyone who opens the book? It's a feat.This book drew me in completely, taught me so much that I did not know, took me to another place, and asked me to feel what a life I never experienced felt like for this brave, honest and talented writer. I hope his future offers all that he has worked for and deserves.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2019
I first came across Sherman Alexie's work in grad school, as a fellow writing student was also American Indian and introduced me to his work. Later he emerged again when one of his short stories from the book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven was made into the wonderful movie Smoke Signals by a good friend.
I had him in my mind as a bit idealized and very successful and while attached to his native American past, he seemed more set in his life in these times. This brave book reminded me that we never leave our past, because it shapes all that we become and delivers all that we must overcome. I don't know that many others, in all times, could have written a memoir as vivid as this, in all directions. Alxie's memory of himself is baldly honest--life on the reservation, the difficult efforts to leave, his physical, mental and family challenges, and more than all of this, his complicated mother for whom the book is named. How did he have the courage and clarity to share the truths that he experienced with himself, much less with anyone who opens the book? It's a feat.
This book drew me in completely, taught me so much that I did not know, took me to another place, and asked me to feel what a life I never experienced felt like for this brave, honest and talented writer. I hope his future offers all that he has worked for and deserves.
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2018
Top reviews from other countries
- Dr B.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2017
very unusual but great book
- Linda LouReviewed in Canada on July 19, 2017
I am only the first 100 pages into this book ...
