JOSEPH BRUCHAC, two new powerful books

BROTHERS OF THE BUFFALO, a Novel of the Red River War, is like no other book Joseph Bruchac has written and that is saying something considering he has published over 120 books, many of them award winners, most of them relating to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. He has published poetry, novels, short stories, and music, as well a variety of biography and other nonfiction that reflect his Abenaki Indian heritage and Native American traditions. Wow. Joseph Bruchac is an amazing author, mentor, and musician as well as a compassionate citizen of the world.9781938486920

This historical novel takes place in 1874 as the United States Army sends additional troops to “keep peace” between settlers and the Native American people of the southern plains. We see through the eyes of Private Washington Vance Jr., an African American 10th Cavalry soldier and alternatively through the opposing eyes of Wolf, a Cheyenne warrior. Problems are complex. War is brewing. Treaty promises are continually being broken.

As a reader we begin to realize the complexity of a terrible, unjust situation as we also begin to care about the survival of people on both sides of this growing conflict. Bruchac spins a story with heart and soul – and even romance. He creates a world that once existed and then extends our awareness and concern to issues that continue to exist today. My advice, if you want a more accurate – and complex – understanding of American history, read this book.

Also let your soul soar as you read FOUR DIRECTIONS, New and Collected Poems by Bruchac.   April is a month of celebrating poetry. In this collection, Bruchac writes about peacemakers, Vietnam, Denali, and also the mystery and pain of loss:

“And somehow, against all reason,

                  our lives still remain together in flight.”

FOUR DIRECTIONS is an unusual collection of poems that surprise, delight, and cause one to pause and listen with the heart.Four Directions

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