North Dakota Books

Roxanne Henkes' books are very good and very hard to put down. She has the gift of telling her story from different view points, and I like this style a lot. Living in a small town in North Dakota made the book Finding Ruth even more of a delight for me to read. Besides being entertained by Roxanne's books, she includes insights that make one think about their own life. Keep the books coming Roxanne! They are definitely winners!

Henke's first book, After Anne, was an all time great. I couldn't wait to read her next book, Finding Ruth. I love Henke's writing style. She pulls you into the story and makes it easy to identify with the characters. Sometimes it's hard to find a really good book, but when you do, it's so much fun. You'll never be disappointed with Henke. Her books are the best I've read.

This book is about a woman, Ruth, who is dying to pursue her dream of leaving her small town. But she is bound by a radio
station that is about to go under. She is also confronted by her past in the form of her ex-boyfriend, Paul.

The book was a very well-written and enjoyable book. I really liked the "be content wherever you are" theme. I think that
we can all learn something from that verse in the Bible. The book also did a great job with the development of the
characters, and explaining the past history with Ruth and Paul.
And the stress that Ruthie felt in keeping her radio station afloat came out so good.

This is the first book by Henke that I have read. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I am a very avid women's fiction reader and I had
never read inspirational fiction before last week.
When a friend actually introduced me to Roxanne Henke.
I have already finished "After Anne" and am now finishing
"Finding Ruth". It seems I can relate to everyone of
the characters at some time or another. I adore Henke's
first person writing style so much. I think In the
last week I have introduced this fabulous series to AT LEAST 15 of my friends. I lost my Dad 5 years ago (when I was 29) to colon
cancer and Henke's vivid description of Anne and her struggles
are so true. Her feelings were my Dad's feelings. Now I see myself in Ruthie (in "Finding Ruth") as a very successful yet scared woman in a small town. Is it fear or comfort, I am not sure? What I am sure of is that this author has given me some peace at the end of my busy days and
for that I thank her. Bravo to Roxanne Henke and the little town of Brewster, North Dakkota!!!!

Henke's compelling first book, After Anne, was such a page-turner that I wondered if she could possibly repeat her success. In Finding Ruth, the reader has all the components for a delightful read: fast-paced story, believeable characters, interesting dialogue, heart-wrenching moments, touching romance, and plenty of take-away. I couldn't put it down.

Ruthie struggles with years of unfulfilled dreams that sour her view of small town Brewster. Tough circumstances early in life are part of the problem, years of bad decisions don't help. When Paul, her highschool sweetheart, returns to town, Ruthie's life takes a new twist.

Roxanne Henke has the wonderful ability to engage the reader as if one is sitting across the kitchen table listening to "girl-talk." When I open her books, I feel like she is saying, "Now let me tell you about Ruthie!" And I pull up my chair, pour myself a cup of tea, and listen.

I received this beautiful book as a gift and have found it to be a wonderful companion in my studio. First of all it is packed with delicious colored photographs and painting reproductions on high quality paper. The concealed spiral binding makes it extra user friendly when lying on my drawing table but easy to retrieve from the book shelves (where it rarely stays). I found the interviews with artists to be insightful, perceptive and fun. I have enjoyed picking it up so many times and spending a couple minutes reading a gem that gives me the inspiration I need to move forward with my own work.
Thanks Dakota for a terrificly thought provoking book that distills and honors the creative process.

At first glance this book gave me the impression that it really was going to be a visual delight. The format of the pictures and interviews were a creative way to feel as if I were there with each artist Ms Mitchell interviewed. I am just beginning to experiment with the idea of artistic painting. This book has a variety of methods and formats to chose from if I want to experiment in various areas. As a teacher, I like the exercises at the end of each chapter. This book could be used for art classes as well as just for information about painting.

This book is an easy-to-follow guide to sort out your own style of creative expression. I'm not a painter, but I have started dabbling in mosaic. I'm convinced that this book can help anyone interested in forming and developing their unique style in any visual art medium.

The book is spiral-bound which means it can lay flat on the table while you refer to it. I love this feature. The chapters flow logically from recognizing your inspiration and suitable subject matter, to more technical topics like lines, composition, and process. The information is presented simply, with many examples to illustrate each point. Contemporary painters offer their advice through carefully guided interviews throughout the book. The most clever aspect of the book is the chance to review and reflect on each topic through end-of-the-chapter questions. Finally, exercises help you to apply what you have discovered about yourself and your art. Finding Your Visual Voice is a process of developing self awareness and you are gently guided through that process with this excellent book.

This book has been an inspiration to myself and several of my artist friends. It really helps you focus on your individual style and helps you find techniques that are best suited you personally. The layout is exceptional, and I loved the workbook style which allows you to experiment and use the various information provided by the guest artists.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in painting, no matter what level they are. What artist, or person for that matter, wouldn't benefit from learning to find and listen to their "inner voice"?

I am truly enjoying this book. It has helped me reflect on my artwork, as well as validate my subject preferences and style. In addition, the artist interviews and works featured are inspirational. It is a great addition to any artist's library.

In searching for that illusive "something", I came upon this book. Its stories and lessons have made a profound impact on my life and how I view the world. As a Mohawk, I have deep respect and admiration for the way Henry has honored Bill Eagle Feather. The sharing of the amazing experiences and teachings is done in such a way that anyone can grasp the meaning and depth and power of the Lakota ways.

The faith of the Native peoples is captured here, and if you are looking for something to touch you and change your direction, this could be the book. Aho Mitake Oyasin.

"The author's memoirs of the Lakota ceremonies are brilliantly vivid and downright fascinating. I cringed as they were making flesh sacrifices and discovered that I was rubbing my chest after reading how the Sacred Tree would not allow him to break free during his first Sun Dance, even though he had only been lightly pierced. Eagle Feather's explanation for this sent chill bumps down my spine."
-RAMBLES pub. March 13, 2004
written by Alicia Karen Elkins

The Man Who Knew the Medicine: The Teachings of Bill Eagle Feather A wonderful truth. A story of discovery and of the path of the red road. Henry Niese weaves a wonderful panorama of his life, seen through the eyes of experience as taught to him by Bill Eagle Father. This is a MUST have book, to pull out again and again throughout life. Each time I pick it up, I learn something new. I love this man, and this book.

The Man Who Knew The Medicine: The Teachings Of Bill Eagle Feather by Henry Niese (who has participated in more than one hundred Native American ceremonies, including dancing in thirty-seven Sun Dances) showcases the Lakota shaman Bill Schweigman Eagle Feather who in the 1960s defied a U.S. government ban on Native American religious practice and performed the Sun Dance ritual with public piercings and continued on as a Sun Dance chief and instructor in the Lakota way of life until his death in 1980. Niese first met Bill Eagle Feather during a Seat Lodge ceremony preceding a Sun Dance on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in 1975 and now carries on the work and legacy of Bill Eagle Feather by performing healings and giving seminars and workshops on medicinal plans and Native American healing practices. The Man Who Knew Medicine is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to Native American Studies collections, and an invaluable contribution to Alternative Medicine reading lists as well.

It's a testament to the writer's humility that this book is not a how to in the Ways of The Lakota. More honestly it is a loving and skilled tribute to Bill Eagle Feather. I cried through much of this book..everything so vivid and real. I only wish it had been twice as long.

Meadowlark's Song was an excellent read from start to finish! I was immediately and thoroughly absorbed in the author's story. Phyllis Amoth Dirk's writing made the people come alive in my mind--I feel I have actually known and lived among these people. Where's the sequel?

This extremely well-written book has a calm pace, which nevertheless impels the reader forward -- I found myself caring deeply about the characters. The descriptions of the everyday life in the author's family and extended family were fascinating. I have to say that the book often made me hungry, because the author described the simple, delicious meals so that I could almost taste them! This book depicts a simple, yet deep experience of growing up in a very different time and place. I highly recommend it!

This is a moving story of a little girl in a sheltered and loving family growing up in a time and place far removed from our present day lives. I found it to be immediately engaging. The author has managed to give us a clear picture of a strict, religious lifestyle during a fascinating period of our history in a style that is both compelling and educational. I have recommended it to many of my friends and give it a whole-hearted 5 stars for anyone who loves to read quality literature.

The Meadowlark's song by Phyllis Dirks is very well written and the author has proven to be a great storyteller. Although the book is about everyday Mennonite farm life in North Dakota in the 1930's it still alway has an air of mystery about it; what is going to happen next. This keeps the reader alway anxious to read on and see how it all turns out. I hope the author will write a sequel to tell us about her life in Idaho that follows her leaving North Dakota. She has left us all in suspense and ready to read on.

For a grown man it's almost embarrasing to admit it, but I sometimes had a hard time holding back the tears while reading this book. A very touching tale indeed.
This is the story about a girl born in a time very different from now. The family lived a life with much struggle and hardship, but they also seemed able to enjoy the good things in life with more sincerity than most people nowadays.
A recommendable book, and a good reminder of what really matters in life.

This is a fine book about the life of Peter Catches. This is a must read for anyone studying Native medicine. You will not be disappointed.

I like this book, it is very enlightening. It tell about the struggles our people went through, and their hadships. Thanks for the wake-up call. Dianne

This book is great for those who wish to know the truth about the traditional Lahkota values and ceremonies. Ceremonies are explained with great care and love. The author conveys the wonderful sense of peace that he has found with following the rituals and the love he has for the Creator.

This is a MUST have book. I was fortunate enough to meet "Grandpa Pete" before his death and was so excited when I saw this book. Not many have been through more than him, and he expresses his beliefs wonderfully in this book. even if you are new to Lakota spirituality, he explains things in a way anyone can understand. He was a great man, and left a great legacy with this book.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in Lakota spirituality. The author tells many stories from his life, the stories are so real and touching I could not put the book down.Just the chapters describing the various Lakota ceremonies, inipi,sun dance ,hanbleceya etc are worth the price of the book. I finished the book feeling uplifted and warm.The author's love and caring for his people,the earth and allits creatures is very apparent.Buy the book.lcossutt@hotmail.com

Latza's "Back on the Farm" is a terrific piece of work! Whether you grew up on a farm or just admire the lifestyle, this is a book you won't want to miss. Beautiful, thought provoking photos, combined with creative and informative captions and a fantastic foreword by Terry Woster, this book has it all.

As a South Dakota native, and now residing elsewhere, this book is a great reminder of the land, the farms, and the people. If you are from the upper midwest this book will trigger fond memories, if you're not it will create them!

This book not only rivals most of the Day in the Life books but could be compared to anything that you see in National Geographic. Mr. Latza has an eye and a heart for his state. Bravo Greg, when is the next book coming out.

I would like to thank Greg for taking me back to the farm. I grew up about 10 miles from Greg's farm. Having lived on the farm as a young child and then selling the farm as the prices dropped in the '80's, was not uncommon. Living in Mitchell was still not close enough to the country. I worked at my uncles Dairy farm whenever I got time. It did not matter if he paid me or not. I just enjoyed viewing God's Country. I am now living in Houston, TX and miss the smell of fresh cut alfalfa in the morning or a calf's first wobbly step. This book took me back for a moment in time. I want to thank Greg once again for the beautiful book. The pictures do justice to our beautiful state and people. You can put a man in TEXAS but you can't take the South Dakotan out of him.....

In the summer of 1985 I spent a day roaming the Rosebud battle site with the author, Neil Mangum. I was lucky to have the "expert" on this fight interpreting the story for me.

For those of you not so lucky, I highly recommend this book. Of all the books written on the Rosebud fight this is by far the best. The maps alone are worth purchasing this book because one gets a great sense of soldier and Indian movements, in time, along with the engagements just by reviewing the maps.

Plus, there is a great chapter entitled, "Crook and the Custer Connection." This chapter should make all those who blame Crook for Custer's defeat eight days later on the Little Bighorn rethink their ideas.

Neil Mangum served as superintendent at the Little Bighorn from 1998-2002. During his administration we saw for the first time red granite markers on the battlefield (similar to the white ones for soldiers) for Cheyenne and Sioux warriors; Lame White Man, Noisy Walking and Long Road. On June 25, 2003 an unknown warrior marker was unveiled on Wooden Leg Hill. The next day a marker for Dog's Back Bone was placed at the Reno-Benteen Defense Site. This year, 2005, we plan to place two markers for some of the "Suicide Boys" -- they joined the fight near the very end promising to give their lives for their people.

The old wayside exhibits that stood along battle road have been replaced with modern interpretations. Most importantly, Neil's efforts finally produced $2.3 million dollars to build the Indian Memorial. This memorial stands 75 yards from Last Stand Hill. Construction began in the spring of 2002 and completed in May 2003. The Indian Memorial was dedicated on June 25, 2003 with thousands of Indians, from all tribes represented at the battle, attending.

Between the confusion typical of any engagement and the scarcity of surviving testimony, it may be that no definitive account of any Euro-American vs. American Indian battle can ever be produced. However, Neil Mangum has produced a through, balanced, and convincing book that is as close as any such work may ever come to being authoritative.

This is by far the most intriguing and accurate book I have read concerning the Rosebud. Neil Mangum's writing is accurate and a complete joy to read.

Mangum, the Superintendent of the Little Big Horn (LBH) battlefield writes a portrayal of the Crook's campaign against the Sioux that culminates in the Battle of the Rosebud 8 days prior to Custer's attack. Since the LBH is roughly 30 miles southeast of the LBH, Mangum is extraordinarily familiar with the battlefield that still looks like it did 134 years ago. The book covers Crook's earlier March campaign where he was first in the field which peaked at a failed attempt to destroy a predominately Cheyenne village which also included some Sioux on the Powder. Crook again restarts in June with almost 200 Shoshone and Crow allies. As Mangum expertly retells the battle, Crook is surprised while encamped leisurely along Rosebud Creek on June 17. Mangum notes that Crook was similarly surprised also with great consequences in the battle of Cedar Creek in 1864 where he was surprised by Jubal Early. In the description of the battle, Mangum points out that if it wasn't for the Shoshone and Crow who spotted the Sioux and Cheyenne first relatively distant from camp while also absorbing the initial attack, Crook's command may have been destroyed. The allies gave Crook's troopers a chance to prepare for the attack. Crook's forces, which included mule mounted infantry and miners, stemmed the attack but as Mangum points out, the Sioux seemed to come at Crook from three sides from the high ground to the north. After Crook seems to control the battle, Colonel Royall with his calvary battalion rolls up the Indian right so successfully, his enthusiasm isolates himself from Crook allowing the Sioux and Cheyenne to consolidate against him requiring a furious battle of retrograde movements causing the most severe casualties of Crook's forces. Mangum states that Crook was in peril with Royall's potential collapse because Crook sent off another battalion to the Indian's left in search of their village that was not in the immediate area as perceived. Only the recall of Mills saves the day but the Sioux and Cheyenne have initiated enough casualties and psychological harm to cause Crook to retire and take over a month to retrofit his command. I was at the Rosebud site in 1999 and had I read Mangum's book with the terrain maps, my tour would have been far more beneficial. The battlefield today is a State park and the modest valley that Crook stopped in on June 17 looks is framed with high hills and interesting landmarks like Conical Hill. This is a great book about a key battle that indicated that the Sioux and Cheyenne were agressive in defending their village which was overlooked by all of Sheridan's generals. This battle besmirched Crook's otherwise great post Civil War career.

Featuring color paintings by Sioux artist S. D. Nelson (who was inspired by the traditional art style of the Plains Indians), Crazy Horse's Vision by Joseph Bruchac is the true story of a young Native American boy named Curly who witnessed fierce battles between his tribe of Lakota Indians and white settlers. Defying the custom of his people, Curly ran to the hills in search of a vision, and what he saw would transform him forever. Curly would then come to be known in history as the Sioux war chief Crazy Horse. An author's note following the story relates a summary of the life and death of this brave an unselfish leader. Crazy Horse's Vision is an outstanding picture book and a welcome addition to personal, school, and community library collections.

I adore Crazy Horse and bought this for my 5 year old daughter who just loves this story. It's a great story for anyone and I highly recommend it for all schools.

This beautifully illustrated book is one to read to your children many times over. It tells a story all American children should hear, and it has a magical feel to it.

I especially enjoyed the illistrations in this book. The pictures almost draw you into the pages. They are drawn in the traditional style of the Sioux People. The story is about a man who is greatly respected by his people.

Very nice reading all stories very thought provoking and all have a good message. Something I will enjoy reading to my grandchildren.

READ ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING BY THIS MAN YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON....HIS ESSAYS AND STORIES IN THIS COLLECTION ARE WELL WRITTEN AND EXCEPTIONALLY PROFOUND...THE ANSWERS TO A HARMONIOUS AND BALANCED LIFE LIE IN THESE PAGES....COME FIND THEM.

Joseph Marshall III's the Dance House: Stories from Rosebud relates knowledgeable insight from the Sicangu Lakota Sioux's point of view, using everyday incidents as well as historical events. A Lakota Sioux historian who was raised on the Rosebud reservation, the author's simple yet harmonious language creates a memorable collection of eight short stories and five essays that present a truthful representation of Native Americans. Using the underlying theme that heritage is important to one's identity. Marshall is adamant in erasing the white man's barbaric, ignorant image of the Indian.

In the title story, after the tribe's dance house was ordered burned by the United States Government which seized the Black Hills land where the house stood, Jacob Little Thunder and others, outwitting the white "boss farmer" and defying the Dawes Act, build a house of happiness where the people of Grass Valley could come together to remember "the old days and traditional way."

Gus Pretty Crow, through his unwavering honesty, brought the demise of the haughty sheriff in "1965 Continental." One rainy night a stranger appears at Gus' door requesting mechanical help. When Gus recommends that the man wait until the next morning and call the local wrecker "that runs, sometimes," the stranger propositions him: "Sell me your [1950] truck and I'll give you that 1965 Lincoln Continental." After Gus explains that an Indian owning a new luxury vehicle would create problems for him, the stranger promises that just a phone call to him would fix any problem that would occur. Reluctantly Gus agrees to the transaction and soon after the harassment by the local sheriff begins.

Jon Marichale educates his grandfather during a reminiscent outing about the petrifaction process of a stone turtle the grandfather had discovered years before.

The Dance House is necessary reading for anyone who is interested in the truth about Native American culture, or simply enjoys gifted storytelling.

Lakota Sioux historian and novelist Marshall proves himself a triple threat with these powerful essays and short stories. As the subtitle suggests, the nine pieces collected here all deal with life on the author's home reservation of Rosebud, SD, and it is a credit to Marshall's ability as a storyteller that the fictional stories are nearly indistinguishable from the factual essays. Subject to changes brought in by Euro-American culture that surrounds it, Marshall's Rosebud is nevertheless a timeless place where the Sioux insist on maintaining their identity. Readers will be grateful to Marshall for building a dance house of the mind, one that draws on autobiography, nature writing, legend and the day-to-day adventures and misadventures of his own family and neighbors.

Buruma has the key to a door I, a newbie Nipponophile, use: cinema. His own personality leaks tastefully into his blend of experience and academics. Just the levels I like! Some of the articles are a little outside my area of interest, but he managed to hook me into finishing them.

I found Buruma's collection very absorbing, especially helpful to someone living out East (Hong Kong and Singapore), as I was in the late 90's. The Singapore essay, "The Nanny State of Asia," is an extremely perceptive look behind the official facade of Harry Lee Kuan Yew's police state. If you plan to visit/live in S'pore, the things the locals won't dare discuss with you (out of fear) are dealt with here. Even if you're just travelling from the armchair, this is a well-written and (again) extremely absorbing read.

As someone who lived out East I rank this up with Christopher Lingle's Singapore's Authoritarian Capitalism and Stan Sesser's The Land of Charm and Cruelty (another great essay collection on various Asian countries) as books helpful to the Westerner trying to learn about the region. Buruma's God's Dust has more essays on Asia, including S'pore. For Singapore, I also recomend Francis Seow's A Prisoner in Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore, and Paul Theroux's Saint Jack (a Singapore novel set in the Seventies but (I found) remarkably up to date in the attitudes it records of both locals and expats).

Very well documented essays about the East, although most of the articles are treating already out-of-date items. Still they will continue to be essential reading for historians.

In his ironic style, he unveils the lies and double-talk of political and industrial leaders. E.g. Sony's Akio Morita's statement that 'today's Japanese do not think in terms of privilege', while he almost disowned his son, when he wanted to marry a popular singer.
Other targets are Benazir Bhutto, Cory Aquino, Imelda Marcos and most of all the imperious leader of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew.

I recommend nevertheless the autobiography of Yew 'From first world to third', because it is an essential read in order to understand what's happening in China today. Lee Kuan Yew is Jiang Zeming's best friend.

Buruma is a very perceptive observer and reader. His analyses of writers like Yuhio Moshima, Mircea Eliade or Junichiro Tanizaki, or movie directors like Nagisa Oshima or Sayajit Ray are brilliant.
This book is to be put on the same high level as the works of Simon Leys on China.

Sceptical of all talk of "asian values" (profound "culture differences" used to justify the denial of human rights), Buruma is a clear-sighted observer of the East. Buruma describes the phases that Western visitors to Japan tend to go through; an initial phase of delight oft succeeded by rage, and ultimately leading to a sort of near manic-depressing rapidly-alternating hatred/love of the East. Buruma, while obviously retaining a great love and respect for Eastern culture combined with a deep scepticism about "asian values", is unseduced by either extreme. The book opens with essays on individual figures, such as Yukio Mishima (it is impossible to take Paul Schrader's 'Mishima' seriously after Buruma's curt dismissal of its portentious bombast) and Wilfred Thesiger (again, one sees this oft-romanticised figure anew, as a misogynistic, rather sinister worshipper of racially pure noble savages) It closes with a section of essays devoted to Japan, on topics as diverse as Michael Crichton's Black Rain, the Hiroshima peace industry, the treatment of black American baseball players in Japan and the continuing echoes of Pearl Harbor.