Constantly moving to try and keep your kids from being kidnapped - all while trying to preserve your culture, faith and beliefs. Multiple generations damaged by stealing and abusing kids, trying to destroy an entire peoples and pushing them to live on a Reserve. Many battling addictions due to their suffering.
These are all topics throughout the book - general thoughts on the book?
pickThis book is just as good as a reread. Wagamese is masterful when it comes to writing - you are truly transported into the time and place of the book. He even makes hockey sound magical. I could have done with a little bit less hockey - but that's not a big deal. Truly terrible that any of this was allowed to happen but I'm so glad he wrote about it as it is important to remember and know this part of history.
#DoubleBookSpin @TheAromaofBooks
pickWhat an extraordinary book! The outrage of the treatment meted out to indigenous people in the mid C20th is all the more affecting because it is depicted in such a matter-of-fact way. There are direct parallels with Australia. In contrast, the hockey scenes are sublime. I can‘t imagine such transporting writing about Aussie Rules 🤣 I‘m glad I‘m sufficiently hockey literate to be able to appreciate it. Looking forward to the discussion. #OhCanada
3 ⭐
Triggers: physical and sexual abuse
Just over a week left and I'm excited to discuss with those who are interested. I'll post a few discussion points in the afternoon of Saturday, March 1st. I'm thinking I'll post one overall discussion about the book and then a couple more specific questions about topics in the book or the book itself. If there is anything specific you are interested in discussing please feel free to comment here. #OhCanada
pickMight be my top pick for Canada Reads this year. The trauma and devastation this woman survived, yet the way she turned the pain into empathy and compassion, is the most exceptional show of defiance. “Even today, when I am grateful to lead a peaceful and happy life, there are moments when I feel anger, bitterness, and regret. But those feelings only make me miserable, and I don't want to live like that.” Not the best writing, but worth the read.
pickThis reread of Indian Horse was, for me, just as poignant and powerful as the first time around. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada and why hockey is so well-loved in this country.
#OhCanada @Jess861
#gottacatchemall (Rattata: survivor character) @PuddleJumper
pickThis is not an easy read but it is an inspiring one. Ma-Nee experienced multiple episodes of violence and abuse, racism, homophobia, and homelessness. Her ability to forgive and to release the bitterness and anger towards those who caused her harm is beautiful and hard won. This may not be the best written narrative but it is an amazing one. #CanadaReads
pickWow. The first pick for the #OhCanada #BuddyRead was intense. I loved this story of an Ojibway boy falling in love with hockey, but that's only part of the book. Saul's story is heartbreaking and moving. I can only imagine the continued lasting effects of the so-called "residential schools."
pickPowerful novel. Feels like a memoir. Saul was ripped from his Ojibway family & forced into a Residential School, where he tried to escape trauma by playing hockey. His external & internal journey highlight his rage against racism & prejudice, his fight w/ alcoholism, & his healing. I despise sports, but even the hockey sections were so beautifully written, I was eagerly reading. And the conclusion brought me to tears. #OhCanada
@Jess861
