What do you think?
Rate this book
Medicine Game
MEDICINE GAME is a modern-day story set on the fictional Sparrow Lake Nation. It’s a story of Tommy Henry’s life on the Rez. Events from Tommy’s childhood lead him down a path of violent outbursts that trouble him throughout his young life. The very same outbursts he saw from his father Beau.
Tommy finds solace in the friendships he develops with his lacrosse teammates. He finds that the game of lacrosse is where he can go to let out the emotions, he has hidden deep inside him. Unfortunately, Tommy turns to heavy drinking and violence to help forget the issues he had hoped to leave in his past. Tommy’s friends and his love for the game of lacrosse keep him balanced for most of his life, but a time comes when he is forced to deal with his past demons. Beau soon must help his son fight the same battle he faced as a young man.
The people of the Sparrow Lake believe that the game of lacrosse was a gift given to them by the Creator. It was meant to be played with a good mind and strong heart. They believe that when they play the game the Creator smiles and blesses them with good health. That is why lacrosse is known to them as MEDICINE GAME . Embracing a good mind and strong heart, Tommy must come to terms with his childhood problems and find a way to heal before he hurts himself and those he loves.
MEDICINE GAME is an emotional story that brings to light some of the dark issues in Native communities while displaying the comedy that many Native people use to cope with such issues. This is the story of one young man’s healing journey.
Tommy finds solace in the friendships he develops with his lacrosse teammates. He finds that the game of lacrosse is where he can go to let out the emotions, he has hidden deep inside him. Unfortunately, Tommy turns to heavy drinking and violence to help forget the issues he had hoped to leave in his past. Tommy’s friends and his love for the game of lacrosse keep him balanced for most of his life, but a time comes when he is forced to deal with his past demons. Beau soon must help his son fight the same battle he faced as a young man.
The people of the Sparrow Lake believe that the game of lacrosse was a gift given to them by the Creator. It was meant to be played with a good mind and strong heart. They believe that when they play the game the Creator smiles and blesses them with good health. That is why lacrosse is known to them as MEDICINE GAME . Embracing a good mind and strong heart, Tommy must come to terms with his childhood problems and find a way to heal before he hurts himself and those he loves.
MEDICINE GAME is an emotional story that brings to light some of the dark issues in Native communities while displaying the comedy that many Native people use to cope with such issues. This is the story of one young man’s healing journey.
249 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 8, 2021
Medicine Game takes the reader inside life on a reservation where lacrosse is king. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I agreed to review this book but I can say without a doubt, that I am very glad I read it!
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's not a light and uplifting read. It's raw and emotional and real. I was somewhat caught off guard by the narrative style but I think it really works with how the story is told.
Delby's ability to weave the stories of so many characters together, alone was a triumph. I'd say this book may work for those who loved Beartown. I found something similar between the two, using sports to get a glimpse into the lives of the people in and around the specific sport in question as well as the use of various POVs. You are also presented with characters you genuinely want to see succeed, and not because they are so perfect or good, but because they are flawed and struggling and still have that certain something that makes you stand up and cheer.
Medicine Game will take you on a ride through highs and lows and there will be times you may wonder "why?" but when the ride is over you'll smile and say "awe that's why!"
Thank you to Delby Powless for a copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for introducing me to the Henry family!
TRIGGER WARNINGS
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Abuse, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, suicidal thoughts/actions, death due to OD, Death due to car accident, Car Accident, Hit and run
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's not a light and uplifting read. It's raw and emotional and real. I was somewhat caught off guard by the narrative style but I think it really works with how the story is told.
Delby's ability to weave the stories of so many characters together, alone was a triumph. I'd say this book may work for those who loved Beartown. I found something similar between the two, using sports to get a glimpse into the lives of the people in and around the specific sport in question as well as the use of various POVs. You are also presented with characters you genuinely want to see succeed, and not because they are so perfect or good, but because they are flawed and struggling and still have that certain something that makes you stand up and cheer.
Medicine Game will take you on a ride through highs and lows and there will be times you may wonder "why?" but when the ride is over you'll smile and say "awe that's why!"
Thank you to Delby Powless for a copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for introducing me to the Henry family!
TRIGGER WARNINGS
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Abuse, Drug & Alcohol Abuse, suicidal thoughts/actions, death due to OD, Death due to car accident, Car Accident, Hit and run
February 28, 2021
Medicine Game refers to the game of Lacrosse which is considered to be a gift from the Creator and instrumental in healing. Medicine Game was truly a journey of healing, not only for the protagonist Tommy Henry but for me as a reader too.
I was just a few pages into the book when I came to know that Tommy was being sexually abused by his babysitter Jenn. I was not prepared for it but I think I wouldn't had been ready even if it came a few pages later.
Tommy grew up to be just like his father Beau, he had all of his traits including the rage and temper and his love for the game of Lacrosse. Having a tough childhood and the feeling of never being good enough, a feeling of hollowness inside, sleepless nights and frequent fights with his girlfriend made Tommy realise that all was not well with him and that he needed someone and that someone was Hazel Blackwater.
What followed is a journey of healing for Tommy and for the readers an emotional tale of Hazel's life journey.
The book leaves an impact and very few stories are able to leave the kind of impact this book has left on me. Hazel's character is definitely my favourite character from the book. Though all the characters are very well penned, Hazel's character is the voice of reason, giving both the story and the characters a proper direction. Here are some of my favourite quotes of Hazel from the book:
"Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and I don't think there is a thing anyone can do about that. No one can protect everybody all the time, and even if you cry for help, sometimes there isn't anyone listening."
"What happens to you doesn't have to shape you. You don't have to let the bad things make you into a victim for the rest of your life. I learned to see beyond what was happening to me and forward to where I was meant to go."
The writing style is so good that I felt like an audience watching the lacrosse games of the state championship hearing the commentary and cheering for the Hawks.
The book ended perfectly with things coming a full circle.
I was just a few pages into the book when I came to know that Tommy was being sexually abused by his babysitter Jenn. I was not prepared for it but I think I wouldn't had been ready even if it came a few pages later.
Tommy grew up to be just like his father Beau, he had all of his traits including the rage and temper and his love for the game of Lacrosse. Having a tough childhood and the feeling of never being good enough, a feeling of hollowness inside, sleepless nights and frequent fights with his girlfriend made Tommy realise that all was not well with him and that he needed someone and that someone was Hazel Blackwater.
What followed is a journey of healing for Tommy and for the readers an emotional tale of Hazel's life journey.
The book leaves an impact and very few stories are able to leave the kind of impact this book has left on me. Hazel's character is definitely my favourite character from the book. Though all the characters are very well penned, Hazel's character is the voice of reason, giving both the story and the characters a proper direction. Here are some of my favourite quotes of Hazel from the book:
"Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and I don't think there is a thing anyone can do about that. No one can protect everybody all the time, and even if you cry for help, sometimes there isn't anyone listening."
"What happens to you doesn't have to shape you. You don't have to let the bad things make you into a victim for the rest of your life. I learned to see beyond what was happening to me and forward to where I was meant to go."
The writing style is so good that I felt like an audience watching the lacrosse games of the state championship hearing the commentary and cheering for the Hawks.
The book ended perfectly with things coming a full circle.
February 14, 2021
The story revolves around Tommy Henry who goes through a lot of ups and downs in his life.
In the initial chapters, we get introduced to the Henrys’ and the beautiful emotions that resides within that family. Beau and Marian Henry (parents of Tommy Henry) come to know that their younger child James, who is four years old is suffering from a kind of cancer Leukemia.
Without revealing much about the story I would ask you to read it only if you’re not a person with a sensitive heart. Regardless of the small chapters, each chapter holds some or the other sort of emotions in it.
Friendship is a lifelong relationship and I must say that this novel portrays it really well. “Medicine Game” is a novel that brings a new meaning to the definition of friendship. I totally feel that this book is a treasure. The author was very well able to write the book in such a way that there are definitely parts that you'll need to have your tissues handy for.
It was well thought out and amazing. The plot never truly stopped, it continued moving. It took me just a couple of days to finish this book and trust me this is worth a read! I feel that this review won’t be able to convey the thoughts or feeling that I hold for this book.
I would say this time and again that you need to read this book!! I highly recommend it.
In the initial chapters, we get introduced to the Henrys’ and the beautiful emotions that resides within that family. Beau and Marian Henry (parents of Tommy Henry) come to know that their younger child James, who is four years old is suffering from a kind of cancer Leukemia.
Without revealing much about the story I would ask you to read it only if you’re not a person with a sensitive heart. Regardless of the small chapters, each chapter holds some or the other sort of emotions in it.
Friendship is a lifelong relationship and I must say that this novel portrays it really well. “Medicine Game” is a novel that brings a new meaning to the definition of friendship. I totally feel that this book is a treasure. The author was very well able to write the book in such a way that there are definitely parts that you'll need to have your tissues handy for.
It was well thought out and amazing. The plot never truly stopped, it continued moving. It took me just a couple of days to finish this book and trust me this is worth a read! I feel that this review won’t be able to convey the thoughts or feeling that I hold for this book.
I would say this time and again that you need to read this book!! I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2021
Edited to add on 3/28: This author showed up in my DM’s to attempt to argue with me about the book and my thoughts on it. He seemed to equate my thoughts on the misogyny in the novel, with me being racist because “his female co workers read the book and had no problem with it...that’s how we talk on the Reservation.” I have always been 100% honest in my reviews on books and I stand by this review. Authors, if someone critics your novel, accept the loss and complain about it to friends or family members. Do not take it upon yourself to attempt to change a reviewers mind. Just because you sent me the book for free, does NOT entitle you to a full 5 star, glowing review.
When I first learned about lacrosse, I thought it was primarily an East Coast/Midwest sport played by rich white kids who were super obnoxious and smoked a lot of weed. This was mostly influenced by my cousin who lived in Naperville and the guys at my rival high school who were like the epitome of douchebags. I had no idea it was a sacred game to First Nations and Native American tribes, beginning long before European colonization. That lacrosse is considered the “medicine game,” because it’s “played when the Creator smiles and grants good health, good mind and strong heart.” The fictional tribe Sparrow Lake Nation believes in the power of lacrosse and it’s something that Tommy, a young man growing up on the reservation, takes very seriously. Tommy, who deals with sexual abuse and his younger brother’s cancer diagnosis, is just like his dad, struggling with a temper. Despite that, Tommy has a core group of friends, including his recovered younger brother and devoted parents, that have his back. With the guidance of a wise woman in the community, Tommy needs to find a way to work through his demons or be forever lost to himself. I enjoyed the way this showed how females can be child predators as well as males. I thought the general storyline was really well done and intriguing. However, the rampant misogyny was repetitive and subtracted away from the story. I get that these are teenage boys, they’re lacrosse stars but Jesus, the way these teenage girls are described, the way these boys talk about women: it’s disrespectful to say the least and absolutely disgusting to say the most. It’s full of that “locker room talk” that a certain reality TV show star was so defensive about. Do better.
When I first learned about lacrosse, I thought it was primarily an East Coast/Midwest sport played by rich white kids who were super obnoxious and smoked a lot of weed. This was mostly influenced by my cousin who lived in Naperville and the guys at my rival high school who were like the epitome of douchebags. I had no idea it was a sacred game to First Nations and Native American tribes, beginning long before European colonization. That lacrosse is considered the “medicine game,” because it’s “played when the Creator smiles and grants good health, good mind and strong heart.” The fictional tribe Sparrow Lake Nation believes in the power of lacrosse and it’s something that Tommy, a young man growing up on the reservation, takes very seriously. Tommy, who deals with sexual abuse and his younger brother’s cancer diagnosis, is just like his dad, struggling with a temper. Despite that, Tommy has a core group of friends, including his recovered younger brother and devoted parents, that have his back. With the guidance of a wise woman in the community, Tommy needs to find a way to work through his demons or be forever lost to himself. I enjoyed the way this showed how females can be child predators as well as males. I thought the general storyline was really well done and intriguing. However, the rampant misogyny was repetitive and subtracted away from the story. I get that these are teenage boys, they’re lacrosse stars but Jesus, the way these teenage girls are described, the way these boys talk about women: it’s disrespectful to say the least and absolutely disgusting to say the most. It’s full of that “locker room talk” that a certain reality TV show star was so defensive about. Do better.
March 9, 2021
The book revolves around the little town of sparrow lake nation, also known as Rez and their love for the game of Lacrosse, which they fondly refer to as 'medicine game'. The central characters to the story are the Henry family, the father Beau, the mother Marian, the elder son Tommy and the younger one James. Six year-old Tommy holds his father in high regard and wants to waste no opportunity trying to impress him while playing lacrosse. As he grows up to be a teenager, he comes to the understanding that no matter what he does, his father will never complement him wholeheartedly.
Tommy had a tough childhood as his babysitter Jen molested him and his little brother James was diagnosed with leukemia, which created a rift between his parents as his father had taken to drinking as a solution to all the problems the family was facing. Somehow, the family made through these tough times without breaking apart but some of it has still stayed up with Tommy, messing up with his head pretty bad.
Tommy finds comfort in Hazel Clearwater, an older woman living on the Rez. She helps him heal himself by sharing her own story of facing trying times and how she tackled them all. She gives him the much needed push in the right direction.
The story is one of a kind with interesting characters, promising premise and excellent prose!
Highly recommended if you love reading about sports blended with a good emotional story of self-discovery!
Tommy had a tough childhood as his babysitter Jen molested him and his little brother James was diagnosed with leukemia, which created a rift between his parents as his father had taken to drinking as a solution to all the problems the family was facing. Somehow, the family made through these tough times without breaking apart but some of it has still stayed up with Tommy, messing up with his head pretty bad.
Tommy finds comfort in Hazel Clearwater, an older woman living on the Rez. She helps him heal himself by sharing her own story of facing trying times and how she tackled them all. She gives him the much needed push in the right direction.
The story is one of a kind with interesting characters, promising premise and excellent prose!
Highly recommended if you love reading about sports blended with a good emotional story of self-discovery!
September 28, 2021
Delby Powless writes about what he knows, one of the best things an author can do.
Medicine Game is equal parts Canada's official sport, lacrosse, and boys partying & fighting.
The feedback given, both good and awful, from a couple of coaches, is obviously from Powless' experience as a professional lacrosse champion. Anger is expressed well, and as in real life, a few main characters struggle dealing with it. Strong female persona Hazel touches on her painful residential school memories, a timely topic as we approach the nation's long overdue National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
"Well, that's the thing about some people around here. They ain't happy unless they're mad."
We all know this to be true, right?
"Tommy. Sooner or later in life, you're gonna get knocked on your ass. It happens to everybody, and when it does, you have to decide if you're gonna get back on your feet. That's something I learned from boxing. It's okay to get knocked down; you just have to get back up."
The heavy topics are told in a down-to-earth way, with silly character Weasel providing some comic relief. Even in contemporary times, elders like Hazel, who acts as the Rez's spiritual guide, and Tommy's robust Grampa are full of wisdom, and sought out for help. Good lessons for us all.
Thank you to author Delby Powless for sending me a copy to review.
Medicine Game is equal parts Canada's official sport, lacrosse, and boys partying & fighting.
The feedback given, both good and awful, from a couple of coaches, is obviously from Powless' experience as a professional lacrosse champion. Anger is expressed well, and as in real life, a few main characters struggle dealing with it. Strong female persona Hazel touches on her painful residential school memories, a timely topic as we approach the nation's long overdue National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
"Well, that's the thing about some people around here. They ain't happy unless they're mad."
We all know this to be true, right?
"Tommy. Sooner or later in life, you're gonna get knocked on your ass. It happens to everybody, and when it does, you have to decide if you're gonna get back on your feet. That's something I learned from boxing. It's okay to get knocked down; you just have to get back up."
The heavy topics are told in a down-to-earth way, with silly character Weasel providing some comic relief. Even in contemporary times, elders like Hazel, who acts as the Rez's spiritual guide, and Tommy's robust Grampa are full of wisdom, and sought out for help. Good lessons for us all.
Thank you to author Delby Powless for sending me a copy to review.
November 25, 2021
Lacrosse, the Creator’s Game or the Medicine Game are all names given to a sport invented by Native Americans Centuries ago. A sport which they believe heals the sick and performs miracles.They say it has the powers of connecting people by strengthening the family and friendship ties since it’s solely played to worship their Creator.
The Medicine Game is a novel which will make you think again and again about fate and its effects on the decisions people make. The first three chapters will take you high and later on would throw you mercilessly down. The characters’ strong desire to live happily is faced by unexpected twister of pain and sorrow.
Beau’s family is facing hard circumstances, and swimming against the tide isn’t easy. The life of their little son James is at stake and Tommy, the elder son isn’t safe either.A fact which they have to endure and survive all together thanks to Lacrosse, the healing game.
Delby’s strong and clear narrative style succeeded in capturing the attention of his audience with an inspiring story, so different and so new. It's a novel that you can't get enough of till it is finished.
I strongly recommend it to all my followers.
January 30, 2023
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Child molestation
Rape
Child cancer
Domestic violence
Car accidents
Residential Schools
Child fatality
Racism
Death
Intergenerational trauma
Divorce
With my heritage rooted deep in Six Nations and a lacrosse stick made from Delby Powless Sr. against my wall in my room, I figured this would be a good book for me to dive into. Even though the traditional standpoint is nothing really new to me, the way in which it is shared is odrihwaga:nó:ni: (excellent)
The story follows the life of Tommy Henry, a rising lacrosse star who falls victim to many tragedies the fictional Sparrow Lake Rez throws at him. From a repulsive baby sitter as a child to an abusive relationship as a teenager, Tommy struggles with his anger and coping mechanisms. Along the way he spends his time learning to heal from a lovely Elder named Hazel Blackwater who shares her troubled past in an attempt to have Tommy open up and heal himself. She reminds him that his sport lacrosse is the Creator’s game and it is medicine. Creator smiles when you play the medicine game and that smile will help you heal.
The bigger picture I would take from this book is that “when you get knocked down, you just have to get back up”. This mantra has been used several times but creates an excellent theme, even when implied in a more spiritual way with Hazel.
Delby did an excellent job with this one and I’m curious to see if he will write another novel. Oyá:nre’ Delby!
Child molestation
Rape
Child cancer
Domestic violence
Car accidents
Residential Schools
Child fatality
Racism
Death
Intergenerational trauma
Divorce
With my heritage rooted deep in Six Nations and a lacrosse stick made from Delby Powless Sr. against my wall in my room, I figured this would be a good book for me to dive into. Even though the traditional standpoint is nothing really new to me, the way in which it is shared is odrihwaga:nó:ni: (excellent)
The story follows the life of Tommy Henry, a rising lacrosse star who falls victim to many tragedies the fictional Sparrow Lake Rez throws at him. From a repulsive baby sitter as a child to an abusive relationship as a teenager, Tommy struggles with his anger and coping mechanisms. Along the way he spends his time learning to heal from a lovely Elder named Hazel Blackwater who shares her troubled past in an attempt to have Tommy open up and heal himself. She reminds him that his sport lacrosse is the Creator’s game and it is medicine. Creator smiles when you play the medicine game and that smile will help you heal.
The bigger picture I would take from this book is that “when you get knocked down, you just have to get back up”. This mantra has been used several times but creates an excellent theme, even when implied in a more spiritual way with Hazel.
Delby did an excellent job with this one and I’m curious to see if he will write another novel. Oyá:nre’ Delby!
March 25, 2021
MEDICINE GAME
Authored by Delbi Powless
Medicine Game is a story pivoted around the henry family and lacrosse game. People of sparrow lake belief the skill to play the game of Lacrosse was a gift from god to the henry family as it requires strong heart and a good mind. They call it as a medicine game as it heals all. Beau Henry gained the hearts of the viewers when he was a young energetic player. His sons Tommy and James had contrasting personalities. Tommy grew up loving the game deeply from his heart just like his dad. Things were fine but a sudden family health crisis shatter their blissful family life. A traumatic childhood affects tommy and thus he soon starts to portray those negative traits in his adulthood. A lot of insecurities start to bloom inside him alongside rage as he cannot satisfy his father’s bottomless expectations for him. It is not only the game that he playing on the outside field but a game he needs to win internally simultaneously with his inner conflicts and facing his childhood memories with his troubled romantic relationship. In such hard times another person arrives and she touches his life with new hope. While I am not a sport enthusiast but I was amazed how much I enjoyed this book for this was dull of emotions touching different social issues in native American communities presented through an engrossing narrative.
This is story about one’s journey of finding inner strength, hope and understanding the real essence of having a family.
February 28, 2021
This book is one of a kind and engages the reader right from its start.
The story is set in the background of a city named 'Sparrow Lake Nation' (the Rez). Henry and his wife are leading an ordinary lifestyle with their sons Tommy and James. Like all families, they also share an integral love among themselves. James has been an impassive, self-possessed child who could sleep alone at night from a very small age. Contrastingly, Tommy is a vulnerable and subtle kid who suffered from nightmares that would keep him awake. Just like his father, Tommy has an immense interest in Lacrosse, even at six years old, and wishes that this game will bring him fame one day. He is obsessed with the game and collected all newspaper cut-outs of his favorite lacrosse players. When James is faced with continuous pain in his legs he is admitted to a hospital and is diagnosed with Leukemia. This leaves the family in distress and a financial nightmare. Marian mostly stayed in the hospital overnight, while Henry had to stay away at work, leaving Tommy with a babysitter.
As the family is fighting to keep their son under treatment with a little help of a fundraiser Marian's sister arranged, Henry is gradually lost by what has happened to their family. He starts spending most of his time out of the house neither going to work nor attending to his seriously ill son. Alcohol grabs him as he tries to cope with this situation. When Marian is faced with an intoxicated version of Henry beating a guy for no reason, it disrupts her patience, and she decides to stay away at her mother's with Tommy for a while. Although a few months later when James is back from the hospital from long chemotherapy treatment, he starts attending school. When it seemed that their family life has settled down to normal, much has changed especially affecting Tommy. The story is then shifted to Tommy as a protagonist.
Without revealing a lot, I might say that I'm absolutely stunned by Powless's approach in shaping relationships in a very whole new dimension. it is a smoothly written novel with a well-thought-out plot. Throughout the story, the reader is visaged with sexual assault, domestic violence, police brutality, drug abuse, and attempted suicide. “Medicine Game” could be a unique novel that brings a fresh intention to the definition of a relationship. Friendship could be a womb-to-tomb relationship which I ought to say that this novel portrays very well. This book is one of a kind and engages the reader right from its start. I feel that this review won’t be ready to express the long-lasting impression this book had on me.
The story is set in the background of a city named 'Sparrow Lake Nation' (the Rez). Henry and his wife are leading an ordinary lifestyle with their sons Tommy and James. Like all families, they also share an integral love among themselves. James has been an impassive, self-possessed child who could sleep alone at night from a very small age. Contrastingly, Tommy is a vulnerable and subtle kid who suffered from nightmares that would keep him awake. Just like his father, Tommy has an immense interest in Lacrosse, even at six years old, and wishes that this game will bring him fame one day. He is obsessed with the game and collected all newspaper cut-outs of his favorite lacrosse players. When James is faced with continuous pain in his legs he is admitted to a hospital and is diagnosed with Leukemia. This leaves the family in distress and a financial nightmare. Marian mostly stayed in the hospital overnight, while Henry had to stay away at work, leaving Tommy with a babysitter.
As the family is fighting to keep their son under treatment with a little help of a fundraiser Marian's sister arranged, Henry is gradually lost by what has happened to their family. He starts spending most of his time out of the house neither going to work nor attending to his seriously ill son. Alcohol grabs him as he tries to cope with this situation. When Marian is faced with an intoxicated version of Henry beating a guy for no reason, it disrupts her patience, and she decides to stay away at her mother's with Tommy for a while. Although a few months later when James is back from the hospital from long chemotherapy treatment, he starts attending school. When it seemed that their family life has settled down to normal, much has changed especially affecting Tommy. The story is then shifted to Tommy as a protagonist.
Without revealing a lot, I might say that I'm absolutely stunned by Powless's approach in shaping relationships in a very whole new dimension. it is a smoothly written novel with a well-thought-out plot. Throughout the story, the reader is visaged with sexual assault, domestic violence, police brutality, drug abuse, and attempted suicide. “Medicine Game” could be a unique novel that brings a fresh intention to the definition of a relationship. Friendship could be a womb-to-tomb relationship which I ought to say that this novel portrays very well. This book is one of a kind and engages the reader right from its start. I feel that this review won’t be ready to express the long-lasting impression this book had on me.
March 26, 2021
Blurb:
MEDICINE GAME is a modern-day story set on the fictional Sparrow Lake Nation. It’s a story of Tommy Henry’s life on the Rez. Events from Tommy’s childhood lead him down a path of violent outbursts that trouble him throughout his young life. The very same outbursts he saw from his father Beau.
Tommy finds solace in the friendships he develops with his lacrosse teammates. He finds that the game of lacrosse is where he can go to let out the emotions, he has hidden deep inside him. Unfortunately, Tommy turns to heavy drinking and violence to help forget the issues he had hoped to leave in his past. Tommy’s friends and his love for the game of lacrosse keep him balanced for most of his life, but a time comes when he is forced to deal with his past demons. Beau soon must help his son fight the same battle he faced as a young man.
The people of the Sparrow Lake believe that the game of lacrosse was a gift given to them by the Creator. It was meant to be played with a good mind and strong heart. They believe that when they play the game the Creator smiles and blesses them with good health. That is why lacrosse is known to them as MEDICINE GAME. Embracing a good mind and strong heart, Tommy must come to terms with his childhood problems and find a way to heal before he hurts himself and those he loves.
Title:
I have heard a lot about this game, title seemed interesting to me and therefore I decided to read this book.
Cover:
The cover is intriguing and it depicts a glimpse of the game. Amazing cover.
Language:
The language is simple and easy to understand. The author has beautifully presented the novel with a perfect narration.
This book is recommended to each and every person. I kept on reading till the last page of the book and didn’t want to stop reading. It took me a little long time to read this book but it was worth reading.
My perspective:
Much appreciated work by the author. Hope to see this novel as a movie in future. MEDICINE GAME is an emotional story that brings to light some of the dark issues in Native communities while displaying the comedy that many Native people use to cope with such issues. This is the story of one young man’s healing journey.
Worth reading! Recommended to all.
MEDICINE GAME is a modern-day story set on the fictional Sparrow Lake Nation. It’s a story of Tommy Henry’s life on the Rez. Events from Tommy’s childhood lead him down a path of violent outbursts that trouble him throughout his young life. The very same outbursts he saw from his father Beau.
Tommy finds solace in the friendships he develops with his lacrosse teammates. He finds that the game of lacrosse is where he can go to let out the emotions, he has hidden deep inside him. Unfortunately, Tommy turns to heavy drinking and violence to help forget the issues he had hoped to leave in his past. Tommy’s friends and his love for the game of lacrosse keep him balanced for most of his life, but a time comes when he is forced to deal with his past demons. Beau soon must help his son fight the same battle he faced as a young man.
The people of the Sparrow Lake believe that the game of lacrosse was a gift given to them by the Creator. It was meant to be played with a good mind and strong heart. They believe that when they play the game the Creator smiles and blesses them with good health. That is why lacrosse is known to them as MEDICINE GAME. Embracing a good mind and strong heart, Tommy must come to terms with his childhood problems and find a way to heal before he hurts himself and those he loves.
Title:
I have heard a lot about this game, title seemed interesting to me and therefore I decided to read this book.
Cover:
The cover is intriguing and it depicts a glimpse of the game. Amazing cover.
Language:
The language is simple and easy to understand. The author has beautifully presented the novel with a perfect narration.
This book is recommended to each and every person. I kept on reading till the last page of the book and didn’t want to stop reading. It took me a little long time to read this book but it was worth reading.
My perspective:
Much appreciated work by the author. Hope to see this novel as a movie in future. MEDICINE GAME is an emotional story that brings to light some of the dark issues in Native communities while displaying the comedy that many Native people use to cope with such issues. This is the story of one young man’s healing journey.
Worth reading! Recommended to all.
March 1, 2021
To begin with, Medicine game by Delby Powless is a modern day story which mainly revolves around the life of Henry. In the fictional city of Sparrow lake, people love to play lacrosse. It is more than just a game for them, it's their way of life. Henry's father, Beau, himself plays the game very well. While the happy family enjoys the chilly winter, the snow and the game, their world turns upside down when they discover that the 4 year old boy James, Henry's younger brother, has been suffering from Leukemia. The treatment drains the family both emotionally and financially. It is only then when Laurie, Beau’s sister, organises a fundraiser that relieves the family.
Tommy in his younger age has some dreadful past which makes him violent and alcoholic. The game of lacrosse helps him to drain out all his emotions but the nightmares continue to knock his door, every now and then. The plot of the story is an amazing blend of humour, emotions, sufferings and healing. Characters are well built and are well justified too. The sense of belongingness can be taken as it's hidden theme. The book successfully portrays a modern day family which is closely knit but has their own struggles to overcome. A few of the sensitive issues prevailing in our society are also addressed through the story.
Language used is quite lucid but at times get a bit over descriptive. The game of lacrosse is believed to bring good health, good mind and a strong heart by the Native Americans which is why they call it the “Medicine Game.” This belief justifies the title and the story so well. Cover is chosen to be simple yet powerful. Although the book is divided into 40 chapters, but with a fast paced narration, it hardly takes a day or two to finish 220 odd pages. Talking about the climax, I absolutely love it.
In a nutshell, this book comes with different shades of emotions. Readers looking for a positive healing story but at the same time, have an eye for pain can surely opt for it.
Happy Reading!
Tommy in his younger age has some dreadful past which makes him violent and alcoholic. The game of lacrosse helps him to drain out all his emotions but the nightmares continue to knock his door, every now and then. The plot of the story is an amazing blend of humour, emotions, sufferings and healing. Characters are well built and are well justified too. The sense of belongingness can be taken as it's hidden theme. The book successfully portrays a modern day family which is closely knit but has their own struggles to overcome. A few of the sensitive issues prevailing in our society are also addressed through the story.
Language used is quite lucid but at times get a bit over descriptive. The game of lacrosse is believed to bring good health, good mind and a strong heart by the Native Americans which is why they call it the “Medicine Game.” This belief justifies the title and the story so well. Cover is chosen to be simple yet powerful. Although the book is divided into 40 chapters, but with a fast paced narration, it hardly takes a day or two to finish 220 odd pages. Talking about the climax, I absolutely love it.
In a nutshell, this book comes with different shades of emotions. Readers looking for a positive healing story but at the same time, have an eye for pain can surely opt for it.
Happy Reading!
March 2, 2021
🌀🌟The book I recently completed is a perfect book which a reader would enjoy reading and will experience the scenes like they are really happening the book is called " Medicine Game”
🌀🌟Starting with the title of the book " Medicine Game ". When it comes to the title, I feel it must be the one which explains the content of the book in one word/line which is easily understandable. Whereas this one qualifies an additional part with is the Curiosity to the viewer. I personally was curious to read the book when I saw the title. The cover on the other hand completes the title and give it a picture. Overall, the outer appearance of the book is appealing and for the romance readers I feel this is eye catchy.
🌀🌟Medicine Game by Delby Powless which I finished reading in just one sitting and trust me I was hooked to the story and it is decent read of 250 pages.
🌀🌟So coming to the plot it is a story of well developed character Tommy henry who has seen cloud highs and floor lows and that’s what gets him going.
🌀🌟When I heard about James suffering from Leukemia I was little sad about it , but then I came back from my emotions and continued this one. We all find a escape to let our emotions out , for me its music and books but for Tommy Henry it was lacrosse , through it he felt he can easily let his emotions out and leave the things he had been holding for so long.
🌀🌟As the story progresses incidents happen and are revealed, and things become fascinating which kept me hooked throughout. You are pulled into the storey from the very first pages and the author holds you there through the novel.
🌀🌟You will be surprise to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline. I bet you will not be able to predict things
when you will get to read it.
🌀🌟There was no unnecessary stretching at all. It was all so perfect. I just loved it all. I loved the experience this book gave. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there.
🌀🌟Starting with the title of the book " Medicine Game ". When it comes to the title, I feel it must be the one which explains the content of the book in one word/line which is easily understandable. Whereas this one qualifies an additional part with is the Curiosity to the viewer. I personally was curious to read the book when I saw the title. The cover on the other hand completes the title and give it a picture. Overall, the outer appearance of the book is appealing and for the romance readers I feel this is eye catchy.
🌀🌟Medicine Game by Delby Powless which I finished reading in just one sitting and trust me I was hooked to the story and it is decent read of 250 pages.
🌀🌟So coming to the plot it is a story of well developed character Tommy henry who has seen cloud highs and floor lows and that’s what gets him going.
🌀🌟When I heard about James suffering from Leukemia I was little sad about it , but then I came back from my emotions and continued this one. We all find a escape to let our emotions out , for me its music and books but for Tommy Henry it was lacrosse , through it he felt he can easily let his emotions out and leave the things he had been holding for so long.
🌀🌟As the story progresses incidents happen and are revealed, and things become fascinating which kept me hooked throughout. You are pulled into the storey from the very first pages and the author holds you there through the novel.
🌀🌟You will be surprise to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline. I bet you will not be able to predict things
when you will get to read it.
🌀🌟There was no unnecessary stretching at all. It was all so perfect. I just loved it all. I loved the experience this book gave. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there.
December 12, 2020
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of Medicine Game to review!
Medicine Game is the story of Tommy Henry, who struggles with his life on the fictional Sparrow Lake reservation. His young life is impacted by more tragedy than anyone should ever experience, and how he deals with those various tragedies make up the plot of the book. It’s an examination of how abuse and tragedy shape our lives as we grow, and how we can pass down that abuse and tragedy to future generations – but also how we can heal ourselves through lacrosse.
This book is not for the sensitive. From the opening pages, the reader is faced with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death. It is very dark indeed, but the book, like life, is a journey.
Each chapter is short and many are self-contained, reading like short stories. At times it’s like a Stuart McLean piece of Canadiana, if the late Stuart McLean had written Indigenous stories.
Some of the best characters are Tommy’s friends, who are with him throughout his life. Those scenes, especially the ones that include red-headed Weasel, make you long for your childhood, when sports were all that mattered and you felt invincible. The comradery between such close teammates comes off as if Roy MacGregor himself had penned the characters.
Powless is an important new voice in the Canadian literary scene, and his writing evokes some of the greats. You’ll be sucked into Tommy’s world from the opening pages and rooting for him to find his way as he grows, in spite of the tragedy that always seems to surround him. Medicine Game is an utterly readable and familiar journey.
For my full review please visit https://inlacrossewetrust.com/review-...
Medicine Game is the story of Tommy Henry, who struggles with his life on the fictional Sparrow Lake reservation. His young life is impacted by more tragedy than anyone should ever experience, and how he deals with those various tragedies make up the plot of the book. It’s an examination of how abuse and tragedy shape our lives as we grow, and how we can pass down that abuse and tragedy to future generations – but also how we can heal ourselves through lacrosse.
This book is not for the sensitive. From the opening pages, the reader is faced with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death. It is very dark indeed, but the book, like life, is a journey.
Each chapter is short and many are self-contained, reading like short stories. At times it’s like a Stuart McLean piece of Canadiana, if the late Stuart McLean had written Indigenous stories.
Some of the best characters are Tommy’s friends, who are with him throughout his life. Those scenes, especially the ones that include red-headed Weasel, make you long for your childhood, when sports were all that mattered and you felt invincible. The comradery between such close teammates comes off as if Roy MacGregor himself had penned the characters.
Powless is an important new voice in the Canadian literary scene, and his writing evokes some of the greats. You’ll be sucked into Tommy’s world from the opening pages and rooting for him to find his way as he grows, in spite of the tragedy that always seems to surround him. Medicine Game is an utterly readable and familiar journey.
For my full review please visit https://inlacrossewetrust.com/review-...
March 14, 2021
Set on the fictional Sparrow Lake Nation, this is the story of Tommy Henry and his life growing up on the reserve (the "rez"). He has anger management issues that create trouble for him in his life, and he struggles with heavy drinking and violence. He plays lacrosse as a form of "medicine," a place where he can let go of his emotions and finally start to heal. The people of Sparrow Lake Nation call it "medicine game," a gift from the Creator, to be played with a good mind and a strong heart. This story brings light to some of he dark issues in Native communities while displaying the comedy that many Native people use to cope with such issues. This is the story of one young man’s healing journey.
Wow, this book was powerful. There was a wide array of characters that all had their own stories. This book takes a hard look at discrimination and violence towards those who live on reserves, the evil that happened in residential schools and the impact and cycle that can be created with intergenerational trauma. This book was very educational and sheds light on issues that I was ignorant of previous to reading it.
I felt all the feelings reading this book, there was a lot of sadness and loss, but despite everything, I saw the strength of the human spirit to persevere, to become stronger, and felt the faith and hope portrayed by the characters. If I were into sports at all, or interested in lacrosse, I think I would have rated this even higher.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about strength and the human spirit, or who wants an inside look at life on the rez.
CW: drugs, alcoholism, rape, abuse, violence
Thank you so much to Powless for the gifted copy of this gem. I appreciate it and will definitely be telling my friends about it!
Wow, this book was powerful. There was a wide array of characters that all had their own stories. This book takes a hard look at discrimination and violence towards those who live on reserves, the evil that happened in residential schools and the impact and cycle that can be created with intergenerational trauma. This book was very educational and sheds light on issues that I was ignorant of previous to reading it.
I felt all the feelings reading this book, there was a lot of sadness and loss, but despite everything, I saw the strength of the human spirit to persevere, to become stronger, and felt the faith and hope portrayed by the characters. If I were into sports at all, or interested in lacrosse, I think I would have rated this even higher.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about strength and the human spirit, or who wants an inside look at life on the rez.
CW: drugs, alcoholism, rape, abuse, violence
Thank you so much to Powless for the gifted copy of this gem. I appreciate it and will definitely be telling my friends about it!
March 10, 2021
In the Little Town of Sparrow Lake Nation also referred to as Rez, we meet the Henry Family. The family members are father Beau, mother Marian, older son Tommy and the younger brother James. Tommy looks up to his father and does everything he can to try to impress and receive a compliment or at least a word of reassurance. Tommy soon comes to the realization that nothing he does will win his fathers approval. Suffering from nightmares and with his brother suffering from Leukemia , Lacrosse or also known as ‘medicine game’ is the one thing that Tommy turns to, he’s loved the game since he was a little kid, he has always hoped he would be a famous player. The game of Lacrosse is believed to bring good health, mind and a strong heart by the Native Americans this is why it’s called “Medicine Game”. With his brother declining health his family is pushed into a financial nightmare. His father has begun to drink and putting himself in situations that are not favorable, his mother is always at his brothers side and it leaves Tommy with a babysitter. With no money his family fights for James to receive the treatment he desperately needs. We follow Tommy In his journey and how the wonderful Hazel an older woman who lives on the Rez, she steps in and we watch him grow and heal after she shares her own story with him. This story is powerful and it sticks with you even after you read the last page, the author did an amazing job and his words just poured off the pages and suck you in. The characters really built this story. please beware there are sensitive subject of , sexual abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse, suicide and police brutality. I’m giving this five stars.
February 26, 2021
Starting with the title of the story, the title is so joyful that makes your heart happy and for title I will certainly rate it 1/1. Cover of the novel is attractive and matches the plot of the story, you will get to know when you will read this one out.
➡️Tommy Henry, who struggles with his life in the fictional reservation of Sparrow Lake, is a medicine game. His young life is more tragic than ever before, and how he deals with these different tragedies are part of the novel.
➡️During reading “Medicine Games”, reader is faced with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death.
➡️The flow while reading the book was smooth. Talking about the words and the language used in the book, in terms of difficulty I personally did not face any difficulty while reading the book. Whereas the choice of words is something that gives a flow while reading and it was awesome.
➡️Read the book, Gift it to close ones and enjoy. Also, I would like to thank the author for giving me such an experience through the book. I do not want to be a spoiler so without breaking any suspense, I would request you all to read this book. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there to give it try and tell me if you liked it or not.
➡️Tommy Henry, who struggles with his life in the fictional reservation of Sparrow Lake, is a medicine game. His young life is more tragic than ever before, and how he deals with these different tragedies are part of the novel.
➡️During reading “Medicine Games”, reader is faced with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death.
➡️The flow while reading the book was smooth. Talking about the words and the language used in the book, in terms of difficulty I personally did not face any difficulty while reading the book. Whereas the choice of words is something that gives a flow while reading and it was awesome.
➡️Read the book, Gift it to close ones and enjoy. Also, I would like to thank the author for giving me such an experience through the book. I do not want to be a spoiler so without breaking any suspense, I would request you all to read this book. I highly recommend it to all the readers out there to give it try and tell me if you liked it or not.
February 27, 2021
The author is a lacrosse player, something I didn't know before starting this book and then googling it. This explains why the game is the main focus in the book.
"This game can heal your spirit and lift you to new heights at the same time. Watching the game can excite you and also calm you. Native Americans believe when lacrosse is played the Creator smiles and grants them good health, a good mind, and a strong heart. That’s why they call it the 'Medicine Game.'"
It's the story of a young Mohawk man, Beau Henry, who has a regular life in fictional town of Sparrow Lake Nation with his wife Marian and two sons Tommy and James. But his little boy James is diagnosed with Leukemia, a cancer.
Tommy starts playing lacrosse trying become like his hero, his father. The initial part of the book is about the Henry family and their struggles.The latter part of the book is about Tommy's life.
This is a the story of the healing through the Lacrosse game and it deals with topics like family, family, emotions, teenage anger, alcoholism, child abuse.
There were too many extra characters in the story and too much abuses. I've not read a book based on a game so it took a bit longer for me to finish the book. But I'm glad that I got a chance to read this one.
The book is aptly titled and cover is suitable too.
4.5/5
"This game can heal your spirit and lift you to new heights at the same time. Watching the game can excite you and also calm you. Native Americans believe when lacrosse is played the Creator smiles and grants them good health, a good mind, and a strong heart. That’s why they call it the 'Medicine Game.'"
It's the story of a young Mohawk man, Beau Henry, who has a regular life in fictional town of Sparrow Lake Nation with his wife Marian and two sons Tommy and James. But his little boy James is diagnosed with Leukemia, a cancer.
Tommy starts playing lacrosse trying become like his hero, his father. The initial part of the book is about the Henry family and their struggles.The latter part of the book is about Tommy's life.
This is a the story of the healing through the Lacrosse game and it deals with topics like family, family, emotions, teenage anger, alcoholism, child abuse.
There were too many extra characters in the story and too much abuses. I've not read a book based on a game so it took a bit longer for me to finish the book. But I'm glad that I got a chance to read this one.
The book is aptly titled and cover is suitable too.
4.5/5
March 2, 2021
⭐Medicine Game is the story of Tommy Henry, who grapples with his life on the fictional Sparrow Lake reservation. Ever since I started reading his struggles and strategies I have been thinking about it a lot, and how author paints the vivid description of what he deals with those various tragedies make up the plot of the book.
⭐From the opening pages, the protagonist goes through with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death. It is very dark indeed, but the book, like life, is a journey.
⭐You’ll be sucked into Tommy’s world from the opening pages and rooting for him to find his way as he grows, in spite of the tragedy that always seems to surround him. Medicine Game is an utterly readable and familiar journey.
⭐Powless paints an unvarnished picture of life on the reservation in his novel. The exact description of the characters makes this very vivid. This leads to strong emotions. The great importance of lacrosse, whether as a game in the backyard or as a competitive sport, becomes very clear.
⭐I am not much into sports but this fine read got me to learn more about lacrosse as a sport. I applaud and admire the author for bringing truth and fiction together to create such a page turner!
Check out this awesome book which will surely take you to a ride you will not forget!
⭐From the opening pages, the protagonist goes through with sexual abuse, cancer, violence and attempted suicide. It continues with domestic violence, police brutality, substance abuse and death. It is very dark indeed, but the book, like life, is a journey.
⭐You’ll be sucked into Tommy’s world from the opening pages and rooting for him to find his way as he grows, in spite of the tragedy that always seems to surround him. Medicine Game is an utterly readable and familiar journey.
⭐Powless paints an unvarnished picture of life on the reservation in his novel. The exact description of the characters makes this very vivid. This leads to strong emotions. The great importance of lacrosse, whether as a game in the backyard or as a competitive sport, becomes very clear.
⭐I am not much into sports but this fine read got me to learn more about lacrosse as a sport. I applaud and admire the author for bringing truth and fiction together to create such a page turner!
Check out this awesome book which will surely take you to a ride you will not forget!
February 25, 2021
📝The book I recently completed is a perfect book which a reader would enjoy reading and will experience the scenes like they are really happening the book is called "Medicine Game”
📝Friendship is life-long and I have to say this news depicts it very well. "Medicine Game" is a novel that gives the definition of friendship a fresh sense. It's a treasure I feel entirely. The author was very well able to write the book so that you definitely have pieces to do with your tissues.
📝Medicine Game is Tommy Henry's storey that struggles with his life on the fictitious reservation Sparrow Lake. His youthful life is more tragic than ever before and how he handles these various tragedies make up the plot of the book.
📝As the story progresses incidents happen and are revealed, and things become fascinating which kept me hooked throughout. You are pulled into the story from the very first pages and the author holds you there through the novel.
📝You will be surprised to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline.
📝Friendship is life-long and I have to say this news depicts it very well. "Medicine Game" is a novel that gives the definition of friendship a fresh sense. It's a treasure I feel entirely. The author was very well able to write the book so that you definitely have pieces to do with your tissues.
📝Medicine Game is Tommy Henry's storey that struggles with his life on the fictitious reservation Sparrow Lake. His youthful life is more tragic than ever before and how he handles these various tragedies make up the plot of the book.
📝As the story progresses incidents happen and are revealed, and things become fascinating which kept me hooked throughout. You are pulled into the story from the very first pages and the author holds you there through the novel.
📝You will be surprised to see how elaborately the author has delivered the story and this will completely take you to a ride of perfectly blended storyline.
March 4, 2021
When I started reading the book I didn't know that there is a game like Lacrosse 🥍 which makes me curious. Then I searched it and found so many different things about it, I also found out the author was a lacrosse player too.
From my perspective, the story is in three-phase. First, the story of Beau Henry a Lacrosse player also a husband and a father of two boys named Tommy and young James from 'Sparrow Lake Nation'. This small family struck with lightning when they found out James has Leukemia. We can see the sweet brotherly bond and a helpless father.
The second phase, the story of Tommy when he was contained with so many emotions because of the loss, sexual abuse, violence, and suicide attempt. I'm a very emotional guy and the story of Tommy Henry's childhood was so emotional I can say darkly that at some point I don't wanna read the book.
However, I kept reading because I wanna reached the good part. In the third part, the rising journey of Tommy Henry. Tommy's friends stand strong with him and become his strength. Their friendship defines what a friend really should be like. His father loves lacrosse so he is. But this game gives him strength I cannot describe with my words. But the author Delby Powless described so amazingly at some point I felt I was in the game and I can feel the fire and cry in his words.
It is a dark book but it makes you feel good too. I gladly recommended this book.
From my perspective, the story is in three-phase. First, the story of Beau Henry a Lacrosse player also a husband and a father of two boys named Tommy and young James from 'Sparrow Lake Nation'. This small family struck with lightning when they found out James has Leukemia. We can see the sweet brotherly bond and a helpless father.
The second phase, the story of Tommy when he was contained with so many emotions because of the loss, sexual abuse, violence, and suicide attempt. I'm a very emotional guy and the story of Tommy Henry's childhood was so emotional I can say darkly that at some point I don't wanna read the book.
However, I kept reading because I wanna reached the good part. In the third part, the rising journey of Tommy Henry. Tommy's friends stand strong with him and become his strength. Their friendship defines what a friend really should be like. His father loves lacrosse so he is. But this game gives him strength I cannot describe with my words. But the author Delby Powless described so amazingly at some point I felt I was in the game and I can feel the fire and cry in his words.
It is a dark book but it makes you feel good too. I gladly recommended this book.
March 17, 2021
"It's okay to get knocked down; you just have to get back up"
A lovely story following Tommy through his childhood and into early adulthood.
He goes through a lot inadvertantly getting himself on the wrong path.
The story also follows Tommy's friends and family and their struggles with the game of lacrosse as the back drop and tie for them all.
Whilst I enjoyed the premise of the story and the first few chapters not only gripped me but shocked me as I wasn't expecting that twist. I did struggle to read it quickly as the book wasn't written in a style I would usually go for, nor was it my genre style. Sentences are short and clipped but not lacking in detail and the chapters are quite short too, which I do like.
I would have preferred the story to have just been from Tommy's perspective rather than jumping into the thoughts of every other character too but I found the story informative as I knew very little about the culture or sport that is discussed and for that I award 3🌟s.
TW Child sexual abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Cancer
A lovely story following Tommy through his childhood and into early adulthood.
He goes through a lot inadvertantly getting himself on the wrong path.
The story also follows Tommy's friends and family and their struggles with the game of lacrosse as the back drop and tie for them all.
Whilst I enjoyed the premise of the story and the first few chapters not only gripped me but shocked me as I wasn't expecting that twist. I did struggle to read it quickly as the book wasn't written in a style I would usually go for, nor was it my genre style. Sentences are short and clipped but not lacking in detail and the chapters are quite short too, which I do like.
I would have preferred the story to have just been from Tommy's perspective rather than jumping into the thoughts of every other character too but I found the story informative as I knew very little about the culture or sport that is discussed and for that I award 3🌟s.
TW Child sexual abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Cancer
February 24, 2021
Title: Medicine Game
Author: Delby Powless @delbz9
❣️An emotional tale which is all about the son of Beau and Marian i.e., Tommy Henry.
❣️ Tommy's life becomes topsy turvy after certain incidents so he decides to spend his time by playing lacrosse.
❣️ He finds the team to be cordial and things go well. But will this last ? Grab the book to know more about the people in Sparrow Lake and the way they treat Lacrosse ! Also to know how the life of Tommy and Beau turns out !!!
❣️ There is laughter, sadness, heart-wrenching situations and witty moments which depicts real life situations.
❣️The twists and turns makes us gasp without any doubt 🧐
❣️The characters are vibrant showing varied emotions when the situation calls for.
❣️The creativity and narration flows like a stream.
❣️Justification of the title is top notch ❤️❤️❤️
❣️Recommended to those who look for tales with battling inner demons or to know more about lacrosse.
Author: Delby Powless @delbz9
❣️An emotional tale which is all about the son of Beau and Marian i.e., Tommy Henry.
❣️ Tommy's life becomes topsy turvy after certain incidents so he decides to spend his time by playing lacrosse.
❣️ He finds the team to be cordial and things go well. But will this last ? Grab the book to know more about the people in Sparrow Lake and the way they treat Lacrosse ! Also to know how the life of Tommy and Beau turns out !!!
❣️ There is laughter, sadness, heart-wrenching situations and witty moments which depicts real life situations.
❣️The twists and turns makes us gasp without any doubt 🧐
❣️The characters are vibrant showing varied emotions when the situation calls for.
❣️The creativity and narration flows like a stream.
❣️Justification of the title is top notch ❤️❤️❤️
❣️Recommended to those who look for tales with battling inner demons or to know more about lacrosse.
March 29, 2021
This book was sent to me by the author for free in exchange for a honest review.
I'm not a big fan of sports, but I don't mind reading about them if they are tastefully done. The author does a fantastic job of making lacrosse a vital and pivotal part of the book. I never knew that the Native American community created the game and has a special connection with it. This book did a have a few issues and a couple triggers which I'll mention at the end of the review. Overall, this book brought to light the struggle and coming of age of a young Native American boy on the reservation.
Triggers: child molestation, verbal abuse, suicidal thoughts, child with cancer
I'm not a big fan of sports, but I don't mind reading about them if they are tastefully done. The author does a fantastic job of making lacrosse a vital and pivotal part of the book. I never knew that the Native American community created the game and has a special connection with it. This book did a have a few issues and a couple triggers which I'll mention at the end of the review. Overall, this book brought to light the struggle and coming of age of a young Native American boy on the reservation.
Triggers: child molestation, verbal abuse, suicidal thoughts, child with cancer
August 2, 2024
-an indigenous reserve in upstate New York
-starts with Tommy as a young boy being abused and dealing with his younger brother’s illness and dad’s temper
-cuts to him older with his brother well and his dad on a better path
-then to him in high school playing lacrosse
-the team deals with daily hardships, losses, deaths and childhood traumas
-they are guided by an elder, Hazel and his grandfather who relate to the boys with their stories of residential school
-ends happily with the boys finding a good path and peace
-starts with Tommy as a young boy being abused and dealing with his younger brother’s illness and dad’s temper
-cuts to him older with his brother well and his dad on a better path
-then to him in high school playing lacrosse
-the team deals with daily hardships, losses, deaths and childhood traumas
-they are guided by an elder, Hazel and his grandfather who relate to the boys with their stories of residential school
-ends happily with the boys finding a good path and peace
February 27, 2021
Medicine Game by Delby Powless is a powerful and emotional novel about the trauma experienced by our indigenous communities and how the fictional character in this book, Tommy Henry, begins a journey towards healing. This books speaks of a fictional indigenous community, the Sparrow Lake Nation.
This novel covers many heavy topics including sexual abuse, alcoholism, childhood illness, residential schools and violence.
This book is a great addition to our Canadian Indigenous literature 🇨🇦❤📖🤓
This novel covers many heavy topics including sexual abuse, alcoholism, childhood illness, residential schools and violence.
This book is a great addition to our Canadian Indigenous literature 🇨🇦❤📖🤓
April 18, 2021
The book was ok but not what I thought or expected. While it tells a story about the medicine game and a group of Indian High School aged boys and the issues of life in the Rez. It also talks about the spirit of the game and how one finds his way through the demons and succeeds.
January 14, 2021
Great read, thank you for the insights on the true meaning of lacrosse. Enjoyed the characters and the story
January 17, 2021
Predictable in spots, but spots as a reader you want the story to go that direction even if expected.
A very satisfying read.
Would make a great TV series.
A very satisfying read.
Would make a great TV series.
April 28, 2021
In his debut novel, Delby Powless introduces the reader Tommy Henry, a high school lacrosse player who resides on the Sparrow Lake Reservation. We learn about Tommy’s family history, the good (lacrosse, loyal friends, and unique culture) and bad (health scares, generational traumas and maladaptive coping mechanisms). The main timeline in the story follows Tommy and a group of his friends through his Senior year lacrosse season, through the highs of winning the game and the lows of unexpected loss and grief.
I was not expecting the subject matter of the book to be as heavy as it was, but I felt that the author appropriately used these key events to build a cohesive profile of Tommy and why he develops specific reactions and behaviors as he is coming of age. I recommend seeking a cohesive list of content warnings prior to reading if you have any reading sensitivities.
Overall, there were moments in this book that had my heart aching for the characters, and others where the teenage boy antics had me laughing out loud (Weasel was my favorite character 😅). If you’re a fan of the movie Stand by Me, you’ll love Tommy and his group of friends. They talk like teen boys, but not to a level that I found offensive.
I loved watching Tommy’s growth, and reading about the lacrosse games. Powless did an amazing job building tension during the games in the book! I also appreciated the normalization of mental health and seeking out wisdom and help when you need it. The relationship between Tommy and Hazel was beautiful.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend; it’s short but packs a punch, hitting all the emotional scales.
𝐀𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞.
I was not expecting the subject matter of the book to be as heavy as it was, but I felt that the author appropriately used these key events to build a cohesive profile of Tommy and why he develops specific reactions and behaviors as he is coming of age. I recommend seeking a cohesive list of content warnings prior to reading if you have any reading sensitivities.
Overall, there were moments in this book that had my heart aching for the characters, and others where the teenage boy antics had me laughing out loud (Weasel was my favorite character 😅). If you’re a fan of the movie Stand by Me, you’ll love Tommy and his group of friends. They talk like teen boys, but not to a level that I found offensive.
I loved watching Tommy’s growth, and reading about the lacrosse games. Powless did an amazing job building tension during the games in the book! I also appreciated the normalization of mental health and seeking out wisdom and help when you need it. The relationship between Tommy and Hazel was beautiful.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend; it’s short but packs a punch, hitting all the emotional scales.
𝐀𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews