Scan barcode
cat_book_lady's review
5.0
5****
One of the absolute best books that thoroughly explains, in a very personal way, the traditions of the medicine wheel, the sweat house, the unity pipe (commonly misnamed the peace pipe), and the spiritual wisdom teachings of the Ojibwe tribal nation.
Yet this heartfelt, touching letter to Wagamese’s estranged son is so much more than just that because while the author spent a lifetime searching for his identity, he explains the excruciating process of self exploration with raw vulnerability. He recounts his foster homes, his adoption by a white American family, his multiple stints in jail, his raging alcoholism, and his dabbling with the vigilant AIM (American Indian Movement). More so, Wagamese invites us into his tortured soul, feeling his overwhelming shame, guilt, and loneliness over feeling wholly inadequate to be loved or wanted. A man who has written countless books, won national awards, and taught at universities always felt that he was an imposter who simply never felt good enough to deserve the accolades.
Soak in the wisdom of this book and appreciate with utmost respect the journey this man has had the courage to share with us. More than an Indigenous tribal member, more than a writer, more than a father, this man fully represents what it means to be human, to suffer, and to find peace through the land, through love, and through self-acceptance.
One of the absolute best books that thoroughly explains, in a very personal way, the traditions of the medicine wheel, the sweat house, the unity pipe (commonly misnamed the peace pipe), and the spiritual wisdom teachings of the Ojibwe tribal nation.
Yet this heartfelt, touching letter to Wagamese’s estranged son is so much more than just that because while the author spent a lifetime searching for his identity, he explains the excruciating process of self exploration with raw vulnerability. He recounts his foster homes, his adoption by a white American family, his multiple stints in jail, his raging alcoholism, and his dabbling with the vigilant AIM (American Indian Movement). More so, Wagamese invites us into his tortured soul, feeling his overwhelming shame, guilt, and loneliness over feeling wholly inadequate to be loved or wanted. A man who has written countless books, won national awards, and taught at universities always felt that he was an imposter who simply never felt good enough to deserve the accolades.
Soak in the wisdom of this book and appreciate with utmost respect the journey this man has had the courage to share with us. More than an Indigenous tribal member, more than a writer, more than a father, this man fully represents what it means to be human, to suffer, and to find peace through the land, through love, and through self-acceptance.
pipn_t's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
wild_and_freckless's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
dianacarmel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I wish I had access to a bonus star to give books that are just *that good*. This book is so powerful and moving. The interweaving of collective trauma with personal trauma adds to the importance of Wagamese’s story. The final chapter almost had me in tears.
benrogerswpg's review
3.0
Great one!
Not as good as some of Wagamese's books, but still I enjoyed it.
Not as good as some of Wagamese's books, but still I enjoyed it.
scmiller's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Self harm, Police brutality, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
sjklass's review
5.0
I am profoundly moved. This soul-bearing blend of memoir and indigenous teachings doesn’t shy away from Wagamese’s struggles with displacement, self-doubt and addiction. Some scenes are heartbreaking, some are enraging but all are full of honesty and wisdom. This should be required reading for all Canadians as part of our journey to Truth and Reconciliation.