North Dakota Books

Like most of the other reviewers, I simply loved this book. The author has a wonderful sense of place and clear descriptions that made her story so compelling. I felt strong kinship to Ms. Marquart's background as a girl of German-Russian parents who had made their living farming. In my case, it was my grandparents who farmed and in California rather than North Dakota, but my German Mennonite mom instilled in me the importance of knowing where one's food came from and the hard work that went with this way of making a living. Thank you for writing about your life and family. I love your voice. By the way, actually the book's jacket captured my attention while browsing through the library. The photograph is perfectly suited to the book. Can't think of a better package.

Recommended by a parishioner as a good first book to read during a period of time off, this memoir rings true and Debra Marquart is a real -- really real -- person. From the dramatic photograph on the jacket to Ms Marquart's family's assessment of North Dakotan Lawrence Welk's having "made it," from the impulse to bolt the past to the stronger impulse drawing one back again, I walked with the author almost every step of the way.

I heard the author being interviewed on NPR and thought "I want to meet this person - and I HAVE to read this book." I've recommended it to all my friends who went out and purchased it and also loved it. This is a GREAT book. She opens her soul to the reader in disarming and guileless ways.

This book is simply lovely. Now that I'm done I find myself thinking of it, dwelling in it, savoring its sweetness. This is the very best kind of memoir, as I learned not just about Marquart's experience, but about the land and its history as well. Really, I learned about my history. I thought of my own father when I read of hers, wonder what earth and sky my own grandmothers worked to their graves. If I wrote a memoir, I'd like it to feel like this one, to leave the reader bronzed as this book has left me.

This book sounds quite poetic in some chapters. I really enjoyed the last section of the book titled "signs and wonders" I do believe what the writer says in that part of the book. :) Quite a moving memoir..she credits various books that I now what to get a hold of to read as well.

A number of important books have examined the role of AIM in awakening the American Indian to the plight they have been subjected to. These include Russel Means Where White Men Fear to Tread: The Autobiography of Russell Means and Dennis Banks Ojibwa Warrior: Dennis Banks And The Rise Of The American Indian Movement. While the movie Incident at Oglala - The Leonard Peltier Story has added to the story, this very insightful story examines the role of the FBI on the American Indian reservations, especially Pine RIdge and others in the Mid West. It deals extensively with the mysterious 1976 death of Anne May Aqash. This is a heavy book that makes the FBI out to be a truly negative influence and examines the continuing negative role of the U.S federal government vis-a-vis the reservations.

Thoguht provoking and important.

Seth J. Frantzman

Mr. Hendricks' book is burdened with the same dichotomy (Multiple Personality Disorder/schizophrenia) as the Euro-invaders' ever-shifting policy/pendulum on what to do about "the Indian problem." The first part of this book does a salutary job of explaining to the unfamiliar some historical bases of the white "Westward Ho!" "Manifest Destiny" expansion across the North American continent, its effect on Native Americans, and the rise ("AIM is good") of the American Indian Movement. But parts of the second part - the fall ("AIM is bad,") could pass for being ghost-written by nemesis J Edgar Hoover and his COINTELPRO'd FBI.

Though flawed in some "facts" and reporterage, Unquiet Grave is marketable and intelligible to the masses and it is important that wider cultures read this (in the Aretha Franklin sense to RESPECT the Native cultures, delight in diversity, and abhor forced "assimilation and "THINK") about what the US Government did - not only in the Miner's Canary sense (If the US Government so cavalierly abrogates/ignores its treaties with the First Nations before this Nation - what does that tell other sovereign nations with whom we seek to entreat?) but also the Santayana sense ("those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.")

For a fuller understanding of Wounded Knee I (1890); Wounded Knee II (1973,) and context, this reviewer recommends my List "The water's still running and the grass still growing, so .? " including

Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto (Civilization of the American Indian)
and
Robert Redford/Sundance Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story

What did Bill Janklow do? /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer "What do you mean 'illegal alien,' Pilgrims?"

Usually works with this amount of research end up a boring read and destined for the bottom of the book pile. Not so with Unquiet Grave. Good thing I'm retired as I was glued to Steve's book for three days. Whether you are from this part of Indian country or elsewhere, you will find this book a remarkable storytelling backed by solid documentation and a balanced critique of all the players from that era. We complain about journalists who concoct a regurgitated version of the news. This author was not afraid to wade knee deep in a significant analysis of historical events that shaped American Indian civil rights. What disturbs me here is that the author or any citizen for that matter must seek legal action to obtain records from OUR government that are clearly records open to the public through the Freedom of Information Act. That should bother us all.

Steve Hendricks did the best job of any in documenting what happened during this period of time between American Indian people and no-Indian people in one document.
I was deeply committed and involved within the Indian communities because for some strange reason yet unknown to me I have been very close to Indian people since my youth.
I suffered and experienced the daily abject poverty with them in their homes and could not realize why they could never share what most of the people called the American Dream. I knew part of the answer was almost a
total culture of poverty rather than the Indian cultures I had learned about in school.Multi-generational abuse,physical,sexual,and substance abuse,was the direct cause of much dysfunctional behavior I witnessed.I decided early in my life and to do whatever I could do to help change whatever I could in my lifetime that would stop this injustice. I would give my own life to change that.
I always deplored most organizational efforts to accomplish anything however I joined the Michigan Chapter of the Great Lakes Indian Youth Alliance and the American Indian Movement. The reason why I joined is because for the first time in my life I could feel the surge of self respect,self actualization and spirituality within these organizations,and the individuals and Indian Communities involved at that time.It was a refreshing healing wind of change like you feel after a thunderstorm.
I actually thought the young brilliant Indian Warriors were street/woods wise and spiritual enough to avoid the pitfalls of other dominant culture civil and equal rights organizations but ultimately as far as I am concerned the movement became more and more corrupt exactly like the enemy as it matured.
Individual's like Russell Means,Dennis Banks,Ed McGaa,Floyd Westerman and others less visible continued to self actualize and work hard to individually accomplish the original goals of their and our youth in rather unusual ways after AIM died. I know that each one is committed to do what they can do to improve the lives of their families,extended families,and Indian Nations. Sometime being human they fall short of our and even their expectations. They do what they can as Warrior in spite of almost total overwhelming repression by the United States Government and the American society. However humanly flawed they remain in my mind truly contemporary Warriors of this century.
I also feel Steve Hendricks and many others are doing their best to bring out the truth and documentation of constitutional and personal injustices of those days.I expect other individuals with information to come forth with their knowledge and writing because our society is even much farther away from the truth and principals that this Country was founded on today.
As far as I am concerned whoever killed the active committed lives of the Freedom Fighters,Ray Robinson,Anna Mae Aquash, Neogeshick Aquash the FBI Agents, and the others made a serious mestake and destroyed the purity, beauty,and Sacred Place of the Movement. The murderer or murderers who called for the hit on the precious Warrior Anna Mae Aquash in that instant killed AIM with the same bullet. They will pay for that decision deep within their soul.
I was pleased to see a that the Law Library at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law purchased the copy of The Unquiet Grave I am reading for their students.
It is my hope and prayer that the youth of today will read everything they can get their hands on work, and commit to make justice a reality in their lifetimes.
As long as this abuse, poverty, and injustice remains in our society no one will be free. Until the truth is known we will all be in a "unquiet grave" just waiting for the next shovel of dirt.
If you want to broaden your knowledge,be alive,and aware at least read this book and those that will be forthcoming.

How this tome ever got past the editors and into print I will never know. What is the author trying to say? It is never clear. The first part of the book seemingly is about, among many, many, many other things (way too many if you ask me), the murder of Annie Mae Aquash - and great detail is included about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her death. Abruptly at some point in the 2nd part of the book, we find ourselves at the trial of one of three people accused of her murder (none of whom were ever mentioned in part one, and, as to whom there is virtually no biographical detail included). At the same time, the book includes voluminous biographical detail and digression about many, many, many other individuals, for no particular reason it seems. I finished the book because I wanted to see if the author was going to bring this tangled mass of trivial and unimportant details together in some coherent way, but alas, all I got for the effort was high blood pressure. Among the book's many other flaws are these: the author reports on at least one trial, but seemingly has no grasp of trial tactics or evidentiary rules - he chastises lawyers for not bringing up details that (a) would have been irrelevant; and (2) would have been inadmissible; the author too often says things like "but we will never know . . . " about things that are perfecty checkable, things he could have fact-checked if he had chosen to; and, the author seems to believe in a big conspiracy or two that must explain all of the loose ends he leaves, but he never explains what those conspiracies were about and who was in them. Has he ever heard of topic sentences? I am astounded to read the other positive reviews posted here about this book. I consider it to have been an utter waste of my time, and a disservice to the topics he attempted to cover.

I enjoyed this book. The fiction woven in with the non-fiction. To me it takes a brave person to stand alone and fight for what they truly believe in. Charging Sheild fought in an unpopular war (Vietnam), then came home for fight for his People, their religion, beliefs, customs. Charging Sheild (Eagle Man) truly deserves the title Warrior. When you read this book, please read it with an open mind and heart.

Ed McGaa, Eagle Man, has provided historians and spiritual seekers an invaluable, first-hand account of renewing the spirituality of the American Indian. Although told as fiction, "Eagle Vision" is nonetheless an important historical document. Most Americans don't realize that after the American Indian Religious Crimes Act of 1889, the constitutionally guaranteed Freedom of Religion was denied to American Indians. It required an act of true heroism for a few individuals to defy authority and bring these important religious ceremonies back into the open. "Eagle Vision" will become a classic in the years to come, and I sincerely hope that one day it will be made into a movie. Charging Shield's story has much to teach us about our freedoms and about spirituality.

This book accomplishes something many writers try but few succeed in doing. Historical fiction has traditionally provided a way for writers to weave real "factoids" together with personal recollection and fantasy. McGaa goes beyond that by weaving factual historical events into the visionary life-world of Native Americans. Even more remarkably, however, he is able to weave personal and historical recollection, vision, and dreams through time without losing the reader! As McGaa tracks the path of a modern-day warrior living his personal vision along the historical path of his ancestors, the reader is at once in today and yesterday, in both the "real" and the visionary world. This IS Mitakuye Oyasin! McGaa and his story are related and connected to the lived world of the Native American in a profound way that literally gives flesh and breath to history.

Keep in mind this story is written as FICTION. The story line speaks the "Thread of Truth". Those familiar with McGaa's non-fiction works will easily see the similar threads. A nice change of pace, easy reading as most novels are. A story that will definately change the way you view your world. A good love story for those "fiction" love story readers. Buy it for your Gram-expose her to the Natural Way....in a Good Way!!

A truly great story offering an insight into the deplorable conditions imposed on the original Americans and their religion by the dominant society. We follow Kyle Charging Shield on his return from air combat in Vietnam and his return to his peoples' traditional religion. Meet many truly great Holy men and have their ceremonies explained. This is truly a great learning book that is at the same time fun to read.

One of the funniest books you'll ever read. Especially recommended for anyone who has ever been a kid, Australian, in love, in lust, in trouble, at university or has had a head that sticks out at the back.

For those of you who have visited Australia in recent years , it may come as a shock to you that Clive James was the man who discoverd it . Jumping from captain Cooks ship ,when the hostile crew had threatened to eat him if he risked another witism . He discovered that the land was free from parking meters . " Well boil mi billy can , cobbers , this is the place for me " . So young clive tried his hand at acting, but was disillusioned ,when James coburn was cast as the aussie in the great escape . " He sounds more real than you Clive " . "Strewth i'll have a lash at journalism " . The rest is history . A raft back to blighty . A year as an assistant to clark kent , then unexpected fame as a latex puppet on spitting image . Its all here the unreliable memoirs, of the boy from Melbourne ,The land bought by Batman .

This would have to be the best offering from Clive James that I have read. His acerbic wit makes for great reading. I found this text on a bookshelf in a beach holiday house and was immediately captivated. I lost count of the amount of times that I not only laughed out loud, I snorted with appreciation and had to wipe tears from my eyes (much to the consternation of those around me) He captures the innocence of childhood with fleeting glimpses of maturity like no one has before, proving that he is not just a television presenter but a Rhodes Scholar to boot. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It would be a shame to tell you more because this is a book that just has to be read to be believed!

What can I possibly add to what has been said by the other reviewers? This book is short in length and long in content. *EVERYBODY* whom I know and who has read the book has claimed to have laughed out loud while reading it in a public place. That's 5 people, myself included. Years after reading it, I still recall with great amusement the stories about James' alter ego, the Flash of Lightning. And although this is a book about James, it also is a subtle homage to his mother, or at least it read that way to me. Such is James' command of language, he can turn his experiences into everyone's experiences, even if you haven't lived through similar situations. A wonderful read.

"Unreliable Memoirs" is Clive James' description of his upbringing in a Sydney suburb lasting up to the time of his university education. I was expecting it to be funny but wasn't quite prepared for the raw emotion and literary skill displayed on virtually every page.

To me this is the most impressive of James' autobiographical writing. He has a gift for describing childhood and a kind of relentless honesty which is hilarious and provides something of a turbulent rollercoaster ride for the reader, as he describes the trauma of being a single child to a single parent in the aftermath of the Second World War.

I felt a little left behind by many of the historical and literary references James makes but this is more than made up for by the relish with which he uses the English language. For example, he describes a friend's mother giving him buttered bread covered with hundreds and thousands as like "eating a slice of powdered rainbow".

"Unreliable Memoirs" made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end - I wish I had read it years ago.

I have always loved stories about the West and this book opened up a whole new world. The attitudes, traditions, and the roles of women in the Dakota tribes are fascinating. Reading stories like this helps me understand my own culture a little more and what there is to be learned. Very entertaining as well as educational.

As a child obsessed with the Sioux tribes, I begged my grandmother to buy me this book. I was not sorry.
In addition to being one of the best stories I've ever read, this was a fantastic look at the old ways of the Dakota.
This is a great book, and not just for people who are already interested in the subject, although that certainly can't hurt.
Oh, just read the book already.

A really spell binding book. I found it hard to put down. This is a very good way to understand how living in tiwahe and tiospaye is. A good way for one to understand the importance of relationship and kinship in Lakota culture.

I really enjoyed this book. I looked forward to reading it every chance I got. It was so interesting and easy to read that it seemed to take just hours to complete it. Right away the book starts with a courageous Lakota woman who manages to give birth to the main character, Waterlily, by herself. From there, you learn of an interesting group of people who have a love and respect for their kin in a way that I have never heard of.

This is one of the best books I've read in some time--I just couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it to anyone at all interested in the Native American way of life.

I was required to read this memoir for a U.S. History class and enjoyed it immensely. It was a short easy read, but you really can feel for Rachel Calof in her detailed descriptions of the harsh life on the Northern Plains. I was a bit dissapointed in the shortness of this memoir, but given the writers nature, readers can be greatful that they got this much.

This book was an eye opener for me. To begin with, I did not know that there had been Jewish homesteaders, and, in general, did not know anything about the lives of these pioneers, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

Second, the writing style of this woman brings the reader deeply into their time. It is a sensitive, intelligent, articulate expression of their lives, and it is even more remarkable considering that she was a woman without any formal education.

I bought several copies and have been handing them to my friends who, in
turn, pass them on to their friends.

This is a short account by Rachel Bella Calof of her childhood in Russia, her emigration to America for an arranged marriage, and much of her adult life homesteading in North Dakota. The account is succinct and yet tells volumes about her life and the hardships she endured with only her superstitious mother-in-law and other family members for support. Woven into the tale of endurance is the additional interest of how the Calof clan maintained their Jewish culture and heritage in the face of the early years of starvation and illness. The bulk of Rachel Bella's narrative focuses on her life with her husband Abe farming on the prairie and as a primary historical document, it is of major interest. Following the narrative is an epilogue by the youngest of Calof's nine children and then two academic essays to place her story in a larger context. While I enjoyed her story, the academic gobbeldy-gook was well nie worthless (and one of them entertainingly states "And the cost of the experiment was especially high for families in which parents lost children because of a lack of rudimentary medical attention..." Hmmm. And I'd always thought a lack of rudimentary care was a good thing!). Rachel Bella Calof's story didn't need placement in a larger framework to be moving and interesting. If you read this one, I recommend skipping the final two essays.

Written later in life by an immigrant to the sparsely populated Northern Plains, this true story of a life of hardship, and at times, bare survival, depicts the daily grind of this non-stereotypical woman and her family. Only a small percentage of Jewish immigrants engaged in agriculture atall, because they were not allowed to be land owners in their 'old country.' That fact, and the hardships that they encountered here, in a harsh climate, are a testament to the courage, hope, and stamina of these early settlers.

On finishing Rachel Calof's autobiography, the reader should spontaneously count his blessings, regardless of current circumstance. Virtually forced to enter a marriage arranged in her Russian homeland, Calof survives a brutal pioneer existence on the featureless prairie near Devils Lake, North Dakota while bearing child after child.

The brief memoir could easily be assigned to high school or college students. A short afterward by the translator, Calof's youngest son, completes her story, and an essay by the editor, J. Sanford Rikoon, sets the experience of Jewish pioneers in North Dakota in historical perspective. The other academic essay included is of no value.

quite a comprehensive review of the history of the Lakota tribe and the input of sitting bull. I would have preferred a history by one of the first people instead.

Was not impressed. Seemed to be repeating what every other writer said about Sitting Bull.

SITTING BULL
Bill Yenne

Sitting Bull by Bill Yenne is an interesting read. Yenne utilizes Stanley Vestal, Jerome Stillson of the New York Herald, Sitting Bull's Hieroglyphic Autobiography, and an assortment of first hand accounts to present this historic American Indian. For all of us "Custer People", there is a chapter on the Little Bighorn Battle in which Yenne writes "Custer probably feared that if he delayed his attack for another twenty-four hours - as he planned - then Gibbon would be a day closer and Custer would have to share this victory with him". There is an argument which establishes a good book. The book is filled with informative and controversial quotes. Yenne frequently dwells on Washington's government officials arguing over the necessary actions to solve their Indian dilemma. Politicians and red tape do not make a good western adventure, unfortunately that was their role in the history of the American West. I want to be with Custer out on the plains or in an Indian camp, not in an office in Washington.
Overall, the book was very good. Even the cover with Sitting Bull's picture and autograph is notable.

The critic's review of this book is right on: the book is well researched and written. The maps and photographs were much appreciated.

However, I found the abundance of typographical errors absolutely maddening. It's not unusual to find one, perhaps two type-set errors in any book, but the number of misspelled words and mangled sentences here was ridiculous. Not only are typos a discredit to the author's hard work, but they disrupt the flow of reading. As a reader, I want to interpret the author's sentence, not the typesetters mistakes.

While I recommend this book for content, I suggest waiting for a second print run which will hopefully correct the too numerous errors. As someone who enjoys collecting hard bound books for my library and supporting an author by paying the hard bound price, I was very disappointed that a book retailing at $30.00 was so poorly printed.

Tatanka Iyotake - Sitting Bull - was not the killer of Custer. He was certainly no villain. He was a spiritual leader of our People. According to my ancestors, who handed this story down to my generation, Custer killed himself rather than take what he had coming - and had fully earned - at the Battle of the Greasy Grass / what the majority culture calls "the Little Bighorn". I'm a great-grandmother now, writing through my man's account, and I have no reason to doubt the truth of the story my ancestors told.
We kept it among ourselves because of the repercussions we suffered back then, and still suffer today. To this day, we Lakota out here in "Dakota" Territory are harrassed in every way, all too often. Not as openly as used to be, but it's still there - the coffee-shop talk, the disparaging stereotypes, stuff like that. I call it, "the Custer effect". My People beat the crap out of Custer and his goons that June day so long ago, and whites have been crying about it ever since, and trying to "prove what really happened".
Custer was no hero; he was a murderer of babies and women, unarmed warriors and the elderly. Sitting Bull was a man of great pride and honor and strength. This book is worth reading more than once. Thanks for writing it!

I love books, fiction or non-fiction, that help you understand another place or other people. That's why I liked Dakota, The Kite Runner and now The Bones of Plenty. The Bones of Plenty is one of those books that makes you feel as if you are on the Dakota prairie in the 1930s. You sense that you are getting a first hand understanding of the dust bowl era rather than a academic knowledge. You learn along with the Custer family the importance of good weather, the market price of wheat, and the honesty of the big men in the Ag business. Whether the author is describing growing up on the plains or a farmer wanting to strangle a banker, she keeps your interest. This is a good story, with likeable characters, and no dull spots. The only reason I did not give it five stars is not the books fault. It is just that this period in American history always leaves me a little depressed.

For years, it seemed, I'd hear bits & pieces about a book entitled "The Bones of Plenty": how great it was, how its story, about bleak farming life on the harsh plains of North Dakota during the Great Depression, rivaled even Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath". But I knew, of course, that connoisseurs of fine literature, in possession of their full faculties, would respond to such a claim with a vitriolic & sarcastic "okay, sure". Well, I, oddly enough, discovered this weighty piece of work, penned by Lois Hudson, published 1962, not for casual reading but as research material. Its story's geography and flavor, you see, was to quench my thirst for much-needed data for my own next novel.

I scanned editorial reviews of Hudson's "Bones" on the Internet, and saw, to my surprise, that a few critics did indeed rank it with "Grapes". I, of course, remained skeptical. Now, having read "The Bones of Plenty", I must agree: It is rugged & truthful, hopeless & brutal. It is magnificent in every way.

Is "Bones" the absolute equal of "Grapes"? Perhaps not, perhaps due to its safe distance of time from the Depression Era; an era that Steinbeck's words, in real time, painted so artfully. Perhaps since North Dakota doesn't hold the Hollywood charm for film as did Steinbeck's golden California, and, just maybe, because readers suspected Hudson no doubt drew inspiration from Steinbeck, & not vice-versa, "The Bones" could not quite climb that "Grapeful" platitude. Who knows? But it DOES rank. READ IT! It is amongst the rarest & best works of fine literature. And, dare I admit this? IT HAS BROKEN INTO MY TOP 10! As an avid reader myself of classics, I was at first stunned by how The Bones so quickly took its rightful place alongside The Old Man, Eden, Mockingbird, Fountainhead, Deliverance, King's Men, Lonesome Dove, etc., on my very exclusive list; hallowed ground, stingily reserved.

So I re-read Modern Library's 100 Greatest 20th Century Novels and similar published rankings, certain I'd find my "Bones" comfortably amongst the elite. But nothing. "Bones" made not one list! Hmmm...where & why were "The Bones" buried? Why Hudson - a great writer's ghostwriter - lack of notoriety? Was Hudson's beautiful "Bones" buried in the early-60's avalanche of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird? Joseph Heller's Catch 22?: great books both, and both, like The Bones of Plenty, notched in my personal Top 20. Perhaps we'll never know. I suspect North Dakota's writers receive about as much respect & fanfare as does the humble state from which they come.

So my hat's off to Lois P. Hudson; a woman whose politics, I've gathered, could not be more distant from my own conservative views. (I was not pleased by her recent comments on GWB!) But, politics aside, it is my testimony to say that readers of fine works are a little less blessed for not having unearthed & wept over Lois' "Bones". I suggest they grab a shovel. The literary world owes her a belated thanks for this glorious book. Thank you, Lois. Greg Ryan

As a farmer of 20 years myself, Lois Hudson has touched a nerve with her novel. The roller-coaster of emotions and vivid descriptions she gives of agriculture in the Dakotas are suprisingly true to this day. The sense of pride for an honest way of life, the anger springing from the lack of control over events, people, weather and markets,and the ultimate indifference to the farmers existence displayed by urban populace stings like salt in a wound. I only wish that more Americans would read and experience this wonderful novel. Perhaps they would better understand the small minority that works to feed them.

I am getting ready for a South Dakota vacation by reading some books about and set in the region. This novel is about farmers during the dust bowl years leading up to the depression. It gives good insight into their tough life. The characters are well drawn and interesting. At first you don't like George, the main character. But by the end you can't help but sympathize with him. His daughter, Lucy, is the most interesting character. His wife and his wife's parents are the other main characters. Well worth the read.

My father grew up on a farm in South Dakota during the Depression, and endured many of the things described in Ms. Hudson's fine book: dust storms, locusts, mind-deadening work, and a sense of futility. I am surprised that I had never heard of this book until recently, when I read about it in Ms. Norris' "Dakota", a book that was exasperating but worth reading just to find out about "Bones of Plenty".

Since Ms. Hudson spent her early years in North Dakota, I suspect that her book is largely autobiographical. She is to be commended for presenting her characters realistically, and yet sympathetically. Some of the people in her book may appear to be villains, but, ultimately, all of them are victims of the same awful combination of environmental and financial collapse. This is one of the many books that one can read that makes one proud of our farmers at the same time that one questions their judgment in choosing a career that is both demanding and risky.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I hope there is a continued story here, I need to know the end of the love.

This is one of the best series that I have ever read. It is a must see but beware, once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.

Lovely continuation of the Red River of the North series. If you have not read the Red River Series, start with those first. Contrary to what the "Pros" wrote, these series are about NORWEGIAN immigrants to NORTH DAKOTA. Yes, sometimes the endings are abrupt, but the next book will pick up where this one leaves off. Many sucessfull writers employ this technique, most notably J. K. Rowling. Delightful read, good for the spirit, have a box of tissues handy. I hope you like it.

A DREAM TO FOLLOW opens in the year 1893. Thorliff Bjorklund, 17, lives with his family in Blessing, North Dakota. Thorliff has been writing stories since he was a little boy and longs to study journalism. Everybody likes his writing, but his stepfather doesn't want Thorliff to go to college. He wants him to stay home and take care of the family and farm.

Thorliff is stymied, caught between his family and his desires, and he has no idea what to do. He also struggles spiritually; Thorliff doesn't have faith that God will make things right for him and his family. If that isn't bad enough, a long drought means there might not be enough money for his tuition. Thorliff has to make a very difficult decision about his life. Will he go to college and follow his lifelong dream or go with his father's wishes?

In another part of the story, Elizabeth Rogers lives in Blessfield, Minnesota. She comes from a very good family and is determined to reach her goal of becoming a doctor. Her family encourages her to follow her dream, but it's nearly impossible for a woman to get into medical school. Does her heart mislead her to think otherwise about becoming a doctor?

I liked this book because it inspired me to think about what I want to be when I grow up. When I grow up, I want to be a prosecuting attorney because I think it would be fun, and you wouldn't get bored at all because you deal with different types of cases. Maybe when you read A DREAM TO FOLLOW, it will make you think about what you want to be when you grow up, too!

--- Reviewed by Ashley, Reading Diva

This book is very sweet and makes you think. It is different than what I usually read as far as romancs go, but very good and well-written. For different reasons I liked it as much as my top reads of late--Fantasy Lover by Kenyon and Anything, My Love by Cynthia Simmons. Sweet, fun stories you don't want to put down.

Tree and his brother, Acorn, lived in an orphanage. Tree was later adopted to start a new life on a farm in North Dakota by a man, Mr. Gunderson, and his wife.

Tree has to stay at Mr. Gunderson's farm for one year before he can be sent back to the orphanage. While he is on the train he meets Mr. Gunderson's brother, Jake who later puts great effort in keeping Tree in the family.

Tree desperately wishes his brother was on the farm with him but he doesn't have the courage to speak up and ask anyone if his brother, Acorn, can come live there too.

This book is about the effort a brother puts in to his new home to save and create a new family of his own.

Jake's Orphan is a heart-warming and touching book that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Jake's orphan by Peggy Brooke

Summary:

Tree and his younger troubled brother, Acorn, live at an orphanage in St. Paul, Minnesota in the early 20th century. Although, Tree longs to be adopted, he has mixed emotions when a family from North Dakota wants him and not his brother, to go to work on their farm. Tree goes but finds life on the farm very difficult both physically and emotionally because Mr. Gunderson constantly criticizes his work. Despite this trying, Tree develops a strong bond with Mr. Gunderson's younger brother, Jake. When Acorn runs away from the orphanage and joins his brother on the farm, where he causes trouble, Tree worries about having to return to the orphanage. The tension explodes when Acorn runs away with Mr. Gunderson's gun. Tree, Jake ,and Mr. Gunderson go looking for Acorn but on their way Mr. Gunderson tries to shoot Acorn. Acorn gets mad and tries to shoot him back, but confuses Mr. Gunderson with Jake.Tree reacts fast and jumps in front of Jake,but the bullet got Tree in the head. He recovers after a few days ,and Jake decides to adopt both Tree and Acorn. After a long year with the Gundersons Tree and Acorn had finally found a home.

Opinions:

I think this was a great book at first I didn't like fiction books, but after reading such a good book like Jakes Orphan I will continue to read more fiction books

Recommendations:

I recommend this book to anybody it is truly a good book!!

This is a well done novel for young people (actually for older ones also, thruth be told), and I do highly recommend it. The setting is in the early 1920s and involves a young orphan boy. The boy is taken from the home by a farm couple and separated from his brother. That is really all the story you need to know as the review's from School Library Journal are offered here and they pretty well cover the plot. This situation was all too common during that day and time and this is one of the first things that is learned, i.e. a bit of history. The author is a natural story teller and her prose is quite simple, to the point and easy to understand (which by the way is one of the hallmarks of a good story teller). I not that the School Library Journal is worried about some character developement, structure, etc. which is all well and good I suppose, but the true test of a book for youth is will the kids read it and enjoy it? In this case the answer is yes. Most of the kids in the classes I am involved with have read this one and it is one of the favorite "read out loud" books I use. The story is good, teaches good lessons and encourages kids to read. What more do you need? Again, recommend this one highly.

This book is about an orphan named Tree who gets adopted for a year so he can help a small family called the Gundersons on their farm. Tree does not not want to go at first because ha doesn't want to leave his younger brother, Acorn, behind. Tree than decidedif he works hard enough for the Gundersons they might keep him and decide to also adopt Acorn. Tree tries his hardest but he can never seem to please Mr. Gunderson even after befriending his brother Jake. But with the help of Jake will Tree ever be able to get adopted?
You'll love this book if like to read historical fiction. Even though I didn't like this book that much, I think the author has a very unique way of writing that makes you want to keep reading the book until you finish it.

Jake's Orphan is about a 14-year-old boy named Theodore and his brother Alexander who have been at an orphanage in Minnesota for all their life and wanted out. When the two boys were young, they made up nicknames for each other. Theodore became Tree, and Alexander became Acorn. Tree got on opportunity to stay at a farm with a family called the Gunderson's. Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson needed help on their farm because their son went to college and couldn't help at the farm. There was only room for one of the brothers and, since Tree was the oldest, they chose him. Acorn was left at the orphanage, and Tree said he would send for him as soon as he could.

When Tree arrived at the farm he was introduced to Mr. Gunderson's brother, Jake, and then was immediately put to work milking the cows. Tree had only milked one cow so he was a really slow milker, and Mr. Gunderson was starting to regret bringing him. A couple of weeks later there was a big fire, and Tree was batting at the flames with a wet sack. The fire got bigger and bigger and after what seemed like hours, the fire was finally put out.

A few weeks after the fire, Tree went to his new school for the first time. He was greeted by two boys named Pete and Mike who said they wanted a boy named Leroy Johnson to come to the horse stables that afternoon and that Trees job was to make sure he got there. When Leroy arrived at the horse stable, Pete and Mike jumped out and tied him up. Then they started to beat him up. Just as Tree was starting to leave, his teacher caught him running away. The next day at dinner, his teacher shows up with the Leroy's father saying Tree beat Leroy up. Mr. Gunderson was really mad at Tree so Tree just stood listening quietly. Afterwards Tree ran behind the barn to find Jake there and started to tell him the actual story of what really happened. Jake told everyone the truth, but Tree still got punished for leading him there. Pete and Mike got the same punishment as him, which was cleaning out the horse manure from the horse stables. Mr. Gunderson was really mad at Tree and threatened to send him back.

After a few weeks passed, Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson went to see their son, Gus, and left Jake with Tree. About a day after they leave, Jake brings Tree a puppy. Tree decided to name the puppy Lady. As soon as Tree picked up the puppy, a visitor arrived at the farm. It was Tree's brother Acorn! Tree and Jake were both very surprised to see Acorn, but they were happy. When Mr. Gunderson and his wife came home, they were shocked! Mr. Gunderson wanted Acorn out of the house immediately, but a blizzard was coming in so Acorn stayed to help out at the farm. Once the blizzard passed, Mr. Gunderson let Acorn stay to help out with the farm.

Since Acorn was staying with the Gunderson's, he had to go to school. Acorn was in sixth grade and Tree was in eighth grade so the only time they saw each other during the school day was during recess. When Acorn heard what Mike and Pete did to Leroy, he decided to get even with them. The next day, people found odd things like tacks on the teacher's chair and love notes. On the last day of school, when Tree was in the horse barn cleaning manure, and Acorn ran in and acted as though he was there the whole time helping his brother. Then his teacher came and said for him to come with him because somebody had pushed over the outhouse while Pete was in it. Acorn said he thought he was on outhouse duty. Tree new what happened and explained it to the teacher and nobody got in trouble.

The next couple of days, Acorn didn't talk to Tree at all. Then Acorn told Tree he was going to run away. They were able to work out their differences but Acorn still wasn't talking to Tree very much. A week went by and Acorn started talking to Tree again. That night, everyone went to town to sell the calves, go shopping, and dance at a festival that had come to town. Tree danced with a girl that used to be in his class and Acorn played with some of the boys he knew. When they were heading home, Mr. Gunderson announced that he'd sold all his calves to their neighbor. Acorn had gotten really close to one of the calves and when he got home, he went out and broke all the necks of Mr. Gunderson's chickens. When Mr. Gunderson saw the chickens, Acorn said a fox had come and killed all the chickens. So they had lots of chicken for dinner.

When it was time for Tree and Acorn to go back to the orphanage, Acorn planned on running away that night. Tree woke up later that night and saw that Acorn had run away. Acorn had taken Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson's money, gun, food, and bullets. Tree ran outside yelling for Acorn and woke everyone up. Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson saw what Acorn took and Mr. Gunderson got his other gun. Tree found Acorn and Mr. Gunderson fired a warning shot. Acorn got scared so he was about to shoot Jake but Tree jumped in front of him and got hit in the head with the bullet. Tree fell to ground, but he only fainted.

The next day, Tree woke up and Acorn had gotten a good lesson taught to him from Mr. Gunderson and he was planned on being sent back as soon as possible. Jake stood by Tree and told Tree they wanted to adopt him, but they had to send Acorn back to the orphanage. Tree he couldn't send Acorn back alone and that if they adopted him, they had to adopt Acorn. Jake convinced Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson to adopt both Tree and Acorn. The next day, Tree and Acorn became Tree Gunderson and Acorn Gunderson.

This book was won an award for one the best childrens novels. I think this book is good for those kids who like adventure, surprises, and drama. I highly recomend it to those who look for a book that leaves them hanging in various places. I myslef didn't really like it, but everyone has their own taste.