May I pause here and make a suggestion? If one is trying to read a book a week, and work a full time job, and have other responsibilities other than reading (as my mom likes to remind me), pick small books. The following book was 454 pages, small font, and no spacing. I thought it would defeat me. I could not bear the idea of losing to myself so early in my challenge. I missed sleep trying to get this read within the week.
The Red Heart by James Alexander Thom Rating:✯✯✯✯✯
I liked this book for several reasons. First, it was about Eastern tribes and not about plains Indians. Not that I have anything against plains Indians, but I’m from the East coast, having grown up near historic Jamestowne, and I don’t often find fiction whether books or movies based on Eastern Indian tribes.
Second, it was from a different perspective. I’ve basically grown up hearing, reading, and watching the “how the west was won” point of view. Though, I don’t share that point of view, finding our past heartbreaking and nothing short of disturbing, until recently I really haven’t looked into America’s past from a Native American point of view.
Third, because it was based on the true story of Frances Slocum (aka Wehletawash, aka Maconakwa), and it’s just amazing to know how one small event in seemingly one insignificant person’s life can change the lives of many. It’s awe – inspiring to “see” someone become a better person through the many struggles that they endured. Also, the struggle and the divide of having two peoples and knowing where you fit in and where your heart lies stood out to me as relatable in our very diverse country.
And fourth, I loved the “spirituality” of this book; the constant reminder to be always thankful and in prayer. They are things I yearn to implement more into my walk with God.
I’ll leave you with two quotes that really stood out to me:
No. How could that be? If there were two truths instead of just the one, how could anything in the world ever go right?” – James Alexander Thom, The Red Heart, pg. 327
“This was a kind of moment that sometimes would make Maconakwa tingle with amazement, that somehow the Creator in the midst of hardship and fear would give creatures – two -legged or four-legged creatures – moments of such sweetness and comfort in their homes and burrows that they must be reminded of his presence and generosity. By these grand moments, she felt, the Master of Life keeps us from despairing.” –James Alexander Thom, The Red Heart, pg. 376 Advertisements Share this:
