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A review by kelly_e
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Title: The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America
Author: Thomas King
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: November 13, 2012
T H R E E • W O R D S
Timeless • Sharp • Truthful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, The Inconvenient Indian distills the insights gleaned from Thomas King's critical and personal meditation on what it means to be "Indian" in North America, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other. In the process, King refashions old stories about historical events and figures, takes a sideways look at film and pop culture, relates his own complex experiences with activism, and articulates a deep and revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I will openly admit it has taken me far too long to read The Inconvenient Indian as this is an important and essential non fiction book about Canadian history. Thomas King details systemic and long-standing injustices facing Indigenous people in North America for generations with clarity and wit.
I listened to the audiobook while following along with the physical book, and I cannot recommend this method more. King illuminates centuries of white colonization that has impacted Indigenous communities. It is accessible, meaning it easy to read and will inspire deep thought and reflection. It is a book for understanding. A book for learning. A book for moving into a better future together. There is something for everyone here.
The Inconvenient Indian was my second King book (my first non fiction) it is evident he is a gifted storyteller. The underlying tone is serious, yet King takes a insightful and playful approach in putting this important part of history out there. There is significant and deeper meaning to the words of the page. Simply a put this is a fantastic piece of Canadian literature and a must read for all.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone with a social conscience
• all Canadians
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Instead of trying to kill the Indian to save the child, North America might have gone into partnership with the various nation, and, together, they could have come up with an education plan that would have complemented Native cultures and, perhaps, even enriched White culture at the same time."
"We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others."
"It was a pleasant conversation, and, the more we talked, the more I felt as though I were talking to a bowl of Jello."
Author: Thomas King
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: November 13, 2012
T H R E E • W O R D S
Timeless • Sharp • Truthful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, The Inconvenient Indian distills the insights gleaned from Thomas King's critical and personal meditation on what it means to be "Indian" in North America, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other. In the process, King refashions old stories about historical events and figures, takes a sideways look at film and pop culture, relates his own complex experiences with activism, and articulates a deep and revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I will openly admit it has taken me far too long to read The Inconvenient Indian as this is an important and essential non fiction book about Canadian history. Thomas King details systemic and long-standing injustices facing Indigenous people in North America for generations with clarity and wit.
I listened to the audiobook while following along with the physical book, and I cannot recommend this method more. King illuminates centuries of white colonization that has impacted Indigenous communities. It is accessible, meaning it easy to read and will inspire deep thought and reflection. It is a book for understanding. A book for learning. A book for moving into a better future together. There is something for everyone here.
The Inconvenient Indian was my second King book (my first non fiction) it is evident he is a gifted storyteller. The underlying tone is serious, yet King takes a insightful and playful approach in putting this important part of history out there. There is significant and deeper meaning to the words of the page. Simply a put this is a fantastic piece of Canadian literature and a must read for all.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone with a social conscience
• all Canadians
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Instead of trying to kill the Indian to save the child, North America might have gone into partnership with the various nation, and, together, they could have come up with an education plan that would have complemented Native cultures and, perhaps, even enriched White culture at the same time."
"We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others."
"It was a pleasant conversation, and, the more we talked, the more I felt as though I were talking to a bowl of Jello."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Hate crime, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Police brutality, Murder, Death, Religious bigotry, Forced institutionalization, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Child death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Sexual assault