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the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition
5.0
You must read this book. It should be required reading for all Canadians. Anyone who cares about reconciliation should start with this book.
tregina's review against another edition
4.0
The level of passive aggression in this book and the skill with which it's wielded is truly admirable. I might sound sarcastic when I say that but I'm dead serious. It might actually be my goal in life to achieve this one day. It might have come across as trite at times, but I actually didn't mind that because ultimately it laid things out as they were and as they are, with an unapologetic point of view. And I'm glad, because Canada should be called out on our history of racism—saying "well, it's okay because we're not as bad as them" (replacing "them" with whomever you choose, usually the U.S., with whom we're most often compared and conflated and with whom we share the focus of this book), does nothing to absolve us of our own actions and policies and practices.
I can see why some people I know who read this book were uncomfortable with it or disliked it, because it's not comfortable to be confronted with these things and we react to that discomfort in different ways including anger and denial and frustration, but the book is also almost gentle in its pointedness, and while it's not laugh-out-loud funny the author still manages to inject humour into the narrative, even if it's a bitter humour which...well, see sentence number one.
I can see why some people I know who read this book were uncomfortable with it or disliked it, because it's not comfortable to be confronted with these things and we react to that discomfort in different ways including anger and denial and frustration, but the book is also almost gentle in its pointedness, and while it's not laugh-out-loud funny the author still manages to inject humour into the narrative, even if it's a bitter humour which...well, see sentence number one.
seagul's review against another edition
4.0
A thoughtful, compelling, funny, and tragic read, the Inconvinent Indian takes you through the history of Indigenous peoples in North America, from Columbus to modern day. King explores many themes and aspects of the Indian in North America, from the dead, the living, and the legal. For any North American, this is a must read
shanth's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
ingread27's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book. Love the sarcastic tone mixed with hard facts. Should be required reading not just for schools but for everyone. Narrator was a great fit with the tone of the book.
victoriafrost1991's review against another edition
3.0
It is a very interesting read to learn more of North American indigenous groups, policy, history, culture, land, and more change over centuries. Yet, not in a good way and one that does not benefit everyone. However, do to my limited Canadian indigenous history, and nothing of American, it was very difficult to follow. I loved looking at the different regulations and policy instruments to residential schools and what media has done about indigenous communities and cultures. Yet, viewed the book as mesh of trying to put a lot in one book within two nations. As a result, I have had to Google a lot and try to remember names, events, regulations and more. With that being said, this is well researched book that should be taught in schools and universities.
libvin96's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy educational commentary books such as this. I learned so much information that I had never even heard of about white and Native American relations. I understood that whites stole their land, but this book goes into further depth on the exact corrupt methods with which white politicians did this in the 18th century and how they are still doing this today. The arguments have ample evidence and sparked a lot of thought on what individual accounts must sound like. Definitely would recommend to my fellow North Americans.
beeboy03's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Great introductory book for those looking to learn more about Indigenous-Settler relations. King’s tone is very unique and humorous, and makes for an enjoyable read.