neoteotihuacan's reviews
143 reviews

Recovering Ancient Spiro: Native American Art, Ritual, and Cosmic Renewal by Eric D. Singleton, F. Kent Reilly

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informative slow-paced

5.0

An extraordinary, special look at Spiro, an important light in the Mississippian constellation. The book is divided into several smaller articles, each focused on a particular window into looking at the significance of Spiro. 

This was an excellent way to dive into the Mississippian culture and cosmology. 
Taking Wing by Michael A. Martin, Andy Mangels

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Star Trek: Death In Winter by

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The Mississippian Culture by Charles River Editors

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2.0

The information appears to be good, but this feels alike a mid-grade college paper instead of a book. 

Nevertheless, I learned some new things. 
Exemplar of Liberty: Native America and the Evolution of Democracy by Bruce Elliott Johansen, Donald A. Grinde

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informative medium-paced

5.0

A rigorous, enlightening, and world-changing read. And it all makes sense, really. 

Of course, the immigrant Europeans and their children will be influenced by the hundreds of surrounding nations and democratic confederacies of Eastern North America. I've seen a few spots online and the abstracts of a couple of papers saying how fanciful this 'Iroquois Thesis' is...but, honestly, after reading the very written words of the Founding fathers themselves on this matter, compiled in this book, it is ridiculous to assume that the massive throng of Native America surrounding tiny, little European America wouldn't have some influence on the philosophy, religion, and politics of the immigrants. It seems to me wishful thinking to try and manufacture a narrative otherwise, where the Founding Fathers invented American governance whole cloth out of thin air - or worse, pulled the American system out of the soup of 2000 years of theocratic Kingdoms of Europe. 

The authors of this great book make the effort, on several occasions, to explain that the unique nature of the American politics system is its syncretism, its blending of Northern European elements and Iroquoian elements. In this, a brand new thing was created. 

Superb, fascinating read. Dive in as soon as you can. Will change the way you see your nationality, if you are USian. 
Forgotten Founders: How the American Indian Helped Shape Democracy by Bruce Elliott Johansen

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Informative, surprising, effective. This is a good book with clear and concise arguments that expand our conception of America. 
Four Ways to Forgiveness by Ursula K. Le Guin

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dark hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Extraordinary. Le Guin is a master. 
Collision of Worlds: A Deep History of the Fall of Aztec Mexico and the Forging of New Spain by David M. Carballo

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This is the best book about the meeting of Spain and Mexico. Period.