Book Review: Dreaming in Indian

Book: Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: September 22, 2014

Description:

A powerful and visually stunning anthology from some of the most groundbreaking Native artists working in North America today.

Truly universal in its themes, "Dreaming In Indian" will shatter commonly held stereotypes and challenge readers to rethink their own place in the world. Divided into four sections, 'Roots, ' 'Battles, ' 'Medicines, ' and 'Dreamcatchers, ' this book offers readers a unique insight into a community often misunderstood and misrepresented by the mainstream media.

Emerging and established Native artists, including acclaimed author Joseph Boyden, renowned visual artist Bunky Echo Hawk, and stand-up comedian Ryan McMahon, contribute thoughtful and heartfelt pieces on their experiences growing up Indigenous, expressing them through such mediums as art, food, the written word, sport, dance, and fashion. Renowned chef Aaron Bear Robe, for example, explains how he introduces restaurant customers to his culture by reinventing traditional dishes. And in a dramatic photo spread, model Ashley Callingbull and photographer Thosh Collins reappropriate the trend of wearing 'Native' clothing.

Whether addressing the effects of residential schools, calling out bullies through personal manifestos, or simply citing hopes for the future, "Dreaming In Indian" refuses to shy away from difficult topics. Insightful, thought-provoking, and beautifully honest, this book will to appeal to young adult readers. An innovative and captivating design enhances each contribution and makes for a truly unique reading experience.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I think this book would make a great addition to an anthropology or social studies class because this is a book that shows a small percentage of the multitude of Native or First Nation life experiences that go unnoticed by the media in general. Dreaming in Indian is a beautiful look at a collection of poetry, artwork, interviews, short stories, photography and more.

When Disney's Pocahontas movie or names of various sports teams are the most recognizable images, what do you do. You create this wonderful book that shows that besides embracing their culture they also have many different interests that doesn't seem to coincide with the stereotypical view or image that the world is continually shown. From beautiful artwork to photography and everything in between you get to see how they define themselves as artists, writers, musicians, students, activists, photographers, athletes, and so much more.

It also appeal to my geek side because as a comic book reader, I found another new comic book series "Super Indian" by Arigon Starr. The writer and creator of the series was interviewed in the book and I found the concept of the series interesting. After reading that interview, I added the first volume to my wish list. There is also an interesting interview with artist Jeffrey Veregge which I also really liked. Here is a sample of his work:

Artwork: Amazing Spider-Man by Jeffrey Vergge

Something interesting I found in this anthology were some of the stories and interviews that mentioned how people had been forced off of their land and in one instance it was so a luxury golf course could be built. If that's not something that will make you mad then I don't know what will. Treating people as if they are of no importance is something that should make everyone a little angry.

This is a very interesting and amazing book. I enjoyed reading it.