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Motorcycles & Sweetgrass (Penguin Modern Classics
A story of magic, family, a mysterious stranger . . . and a band of marauding raccoons.
Otter Lake is a sleepy Anishnawbe community where little happens. Until the day a handsome stranger pulls up astride a 1953 Indian Chief motorcycle - and turns Otter Lake completely upside down. Maggie, the Reserve's chief, is swept off her feet, but Virgil, her teenage son, is less than enchanted. Suspicious of the stranger's intentions, he teams up with his uncle Wayne - a master of aboriginal martial arts - to drive the stranger from the Reserve. And it turns out that the raccoons are willing to lend a hand.
Otter Lake is a sleepy Anishnawbe community where little happens. Until the day a handsome stranger pulls up astride a 1953 Indian Chief motorcycle - and turns Otter Lake completely upside down. Maggie, the Reserve's chief, is swept off her feet, but Virgil, her teenage son, is less than enchanted. Suspicious of the stranger's intentions, he teams up with his uncle Wayne - a master of aboriginal martial arts - to drive the stranger from the Reserve. And it turns out that the raccoons are willing to lend a hand.
360 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2010
119 people are currently reading
2912 people want to read
About the author
Drew Hayden Taylor
58 books284 followersDuring the last thirty years of his life, Drew Hayden Taylor has done many things, most of which he is proud of. An Ojibway from the Curve Lake First Nations in Ontario, he has worn many hats in his literary career, from performing stand-up comedy at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., to being Artistic Director of Canada's premiere Native theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts. He has been an award-winning playwright (with over 70 productions of his work), a journalist/columnist (appearing regularly in several Canadian newspapers and magazines), short-story writer, novelist, television scriptwriter, and has worked on over 17 documentaries exploring the Native experience. Most notably, he wrote and directed REDSKINS, TRICKSTERS AND PUPPY STEW, a documentary on Native humour for the National Film Board of Canada.
He has traveled to sixteen countries around the world, spreading the gospel of Native literature to the world. Through many of his books, most notably the four volume set of the FUNNY, YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE ONE series, he has tried to educate and inform the world about issues that reflect, celebrate, and interfere in the lives of Canada's First Nations.
Self described as a contemporary story teller in what ever form, last summer saw the production of the third season of MIXED BLESSINGS, a television comedy series he co-created and is the head writer for. This fall, a made-for-tv movie he wrote, based on his Governor General's nominated play was nominated for three Gemini Awards, including Best Movie. Originally it aired on APTN and opened the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, and the Dreamspeakers Film Festival in Edmonton.
The last few years has seen him proudly serve as the Writer-In-Residence at the University of Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. In 2007, Annick Press published his first Novel, THE NIGHT WANDERER: A Native Gothic Novel, a teen novel about an Ojibway vampire. Two years ago, his non-fiction book exploring the world of Native sexuality, called ME SEXY, was published by Douglas & McIntyre. It is a follow up to his highly successful book on Native humour, ME FUNNY.
The author of 20 books in total, he is eagerly awaiting the publication of his new novel in February by Random House as "One of the new faces of fiction for 2010", titled MOTORCYCLES AND SWEETGRASS. In January, his new play, DEAD WHITE WRITER ON THE FLOOR, opens at Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay. Currently, he is working on a new play titled CREES IN THE CARRIBEAN, and a collection of essays called POSTCARDS FROM THE FOUR DIRECTIONS. More importantly, he is desperately trying to find the time to do his laundry.
Oddly enough, the thing his mother is most proud of is his ability to make spaghetti from scratch.
He has traveled to sixteen countries around the world, spreading the gospel of Native literature to the world. Through many of his books, most notably the four volume set of the FUNNY, YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE ONE series, he has tried to educate and inform the world about issues that reflect, celebrate, and interfere in the lives of Canada's First Nations.
Self described as a contemporary story teller in what ever form, last summer saw the production of the third season of MIXED BLESSINGS, a television comedy series he co-created and is the head writer for. This fall, a made-for-tv movie he wrote, based on his Governor General's nominated play was nominated for three Gemini Awards, including Best Movie. Originally it aired on APTN and opened the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, and the Dreamspeakers Film Festival in Edmonton.
The last few years has seen him proudly serve as the Writer-In-Residence at the University of Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. In 2007, Annick Press published his first Novel, THE NIGHT WANDERER: A Native Gothic Novel, a teen novel about an Ojibway vampire. Two years ago, his non-fiction book exploring the world of Native sexuality, called ME SEXY, was published by Douglas & McIntyre. It is a follow up to his highly successful book on Native humour, ME FUNNY.
The author of 20 books in total, he is eagerly awaiting the publication of his new novel in February by Random House as "One of the new faces of fiction for 2010", titled MOTORCYCLES AND SWEETGRASS. In January, his new play, DEAD WHITE WRITER ON THE FLOOR, opens at Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay. Currently, he is working on a new play titled CREES IN THE CARRIBEAN, and a collection of essays called POSTCARDS FROM THE FOUR DIRECTIONS. More importantly, he is desperately trying to find the time to do his laundry.
Oddly enough, the thing his mother is most proud of is his ability to make spaghetti from scratch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
April 14, 2010
Ok just before I post this review I would just like to say -- This is Canadian -- and it is FANTASTIC -- finally a piece of Canadian literature that showcases our sense of humor and doesn't depress the crap out of you! I also would love to chat with this author on how much I loved his book and about his quirky sense of humor -- you must read this just alone for the conversation between Jesus and Nanabush (Trickster). I dare you not to laugh your ass off.
Good Stuff
The authors realistic portrayal about life on a reserve in northern Ontario. Portrays them like any other Canadian living in a small community. Trust me there are characters like those portrayed in any neighborhood
Wonderfully realistic and quirky characters.
Snappy witty dialogue
Author pokes fun at his own people and politicians, while at the same time dealing with delicate issues such as non-natives attitudes to land clams and Residential schools in a way which is humorous but at the same time doesn't diminish the seriousness or lay blame
The conversation between Jesus and Nanabush is worth the price of the book alone
Made me laugh my ass off on many occasions
Hope full story about needing both the past and present and magic and reason.
Loved his ideas, thoughts and opinions on religion and his portrayal of Jesus is what I sort of hope Jesus would be like - a being with a great sense of humor, compassion and love
The scenes between Nanabush and the raccoons -- wonderfully unusual and downright laugh your ass off funny.
The beautiful scene with Nanabush and the chickadee is beautifully written
Not so good stuff
The only thing I can come up with that the first couple of chapters are a little confusing on who is who, but it is explained later in the book. You might have to reread the first 2 or 3 chapters
What I learned/
All sorts of information about the legend of the Trickster in native folklore
A better understanding and appreciation of native culture
Favorite Quotes/Passage
"I read somewhere that most religions have pretty much the same message, they just use different books"
"Wise men and women aren't born wise - wisdom is something achieved over years of experience. And for some, that experience includes -- skinny dipping.
"Some think everything we are is rooted in the past. It is, partially. But like evolution tells us, if things don't develop, change, evolve, adapt, they die"
"John remembered the story of it raining for forty days and forty nights, and wondered if the Ark had started off in Vancouver"
"I think it's called the Bible." "Yeah, needed and editor. No offense, but it went on forever and repeated itself""
Who should read
Pretty much anyone except for those who are extremely serious or sensitive about religion
Book burners really would not like this - but who cares what they like
There is some violence and sex so not for the younger reader
5 Deweys (I know still haven't figured out how to post a permanent post about rating system - see here http://raymentsreadingsrantsandrambli...)
Good Stuff
The authors realistic portrayal about life on a reserve in northern Ontario. Portrays them like any other Canadian living in a small community. Trust me there are characters like those portrayed in any neighborhood
Wonderfully realistic and quirky characters.
Snappy witty dialogue
Author pokes fun at his own people and politicians, while at the same time dealing with delicate issues such as non-natives attitudes to land clams and Residential schools in a way which is humorous but at the same time doesn't diminish the seriousness or lay blame
The conversation between Jesus and Nanabush is worth the price of the book alone
Made me laugh my ass off on many occasions
Hope full story about needing both the past and present and magic and reason.
Loved his ideas, thoughts and opinions on religion and his portrayal of Jesus is what I sort of hope Jesus would be like - a being with a great sense of humor, compassion and love
The scenes between Nanabush and the raccoons -- wonderfully unusual and downright laugh your ass off funny.
The beautiful scene with Nanabush and the chickadee is beautifully written
Not so good stuff
The only thing I can come up with that the first couple of chapters are a little confusing on who is who, but it is explained later in the book. You might have to reread the first 2 or 3 chapters
What I learned/
All sorts of information about the legend of the Trickster in native folklore
A better understanding and appreciation of native culture
Favorite Quotes/Passage
"I read somewhere that most religions have pretty much the same message, they just use different books"
"Wise men and women aren't born wise - wisdom is something achieved over years of experience. And for some, that experience includes -- skinny dipping.
"Some think everything we are is rooted in the past. It is, partially. But like evolution tells us, if things don't develop, change, evolve, adapt, they die"
"John remembered the story of it raining for forty days and forty nights, and wondered if the Ark had started off in Vancouver"
"I think it's called the Bible." "Yeah, needed and editor. No offense, but it went on forever and repeated itself""
Who should read
Pretty much anyone except for those who are extremely serious or sensitive about religion
Book burners really would not like this - but who cares what they like
There is some violence and sex so not for the younger reader
5 Deweys (I know still haven't figured out how to post a permanent post about rating system - see here http://raymentsreadingsrantsandrambli...)
March 19, 2022
This book has absolutely no plot whatsoever. There were countless spelling and grammar errors. The main character was insufferable. I genuinely can’t say what this book was about.
January 1, 2025
Read this book for English class. Definitely the most chaotic book I’ve ever read for school omg. It was for sure interesting with a lot of great moments. Ahhh I hope my essay comes out well 🤪
December 15, 2014
3,5
Drew Hayden Taylor is a humorist, and his book is like some kind of social portrait with many layers of the Anishnawbe modern society, critical, funny, mythical and painful. It could be read as an entertaining funny tale of a Canadian place, or you could feel uncomfortable by the in-between lines. The best comedians hit the nail with our weakness and our idiosyncrasy, the silliness and the ugly truths (estoy pensando aqui en el Coco Legrand).
A dying old woman is the last connection to the world for an ancient spirit, and he shook himself and goes to see her. He makes her a promise.
Maggie Second es la Jefe de Otter Lake, una comunidad indigena, y se siente presionada por vida, su viudez, la crianza de su hijo adolescente, y los dolores de cabeza burocraticos relacionados con la adquisión de unos terrenos para la comunidad. Su madre, Lillian esta muriendo, ella es una de las últimas de la generación que fue enviada a los colegios donde se les prohibia hablar su lengua, y donde nos quedan recuerdos de horror. Pero Lillian fue de las 'afortunadas' , estuvo alli sólo 3 años, y al parecer un caracter especial le permitió sobrevivir y ver dos generaciones de su familia.
Cuando John aparece es fácil ver que con todo ese encanto de bellaco hermoso podria ser una buena idea 'echar una cana al aire' con él.
(antes)
(después)
Claro que su hijo, Virgil, de 13 años esta receloso de él, desde que apareció en la casa de su abuela y vio lo que vio. Asi que recluta en esto a su tio Wayne, excentrico individuo, casi un desconocido para él, que practica artes marciales mienrtras vive solo en una isla.
Y Virgil, tenia razon, porque John, es en realidad Nanabush. En sus propias palabras:“Nanabush. The Trickster? The central character of Anishnawbe mythology, the paramount metaphor in their cosmology? The demigod? The amazing, handsome, intelligent and fabulous Nanabush? That Nanabush?”
O puede ser un espiritu del caos , como en esta historia...
(Wayne:)“Tricksters have the ability to change their shape, Virgil. Or didn’t you listen to your grandmother’s stories? It’s all right there. He can talk to the animals. You saw him. He’s riding a motorcycle, one that’s named after us. Tricksters love irony!”
...Hace pensar en su vida a una, en sus elecciones a otro, y ayuda a crecer a un par de adolescentes mientras los reconecta con sus raices.
(John:)“Oh, I think she realized how times had changed more than you may know. You have to understand, your mother came from a time when people still believed in mystical and magical things. The forest was alive. There were spirits everywhere. I mean, look at the Anishnawbe language itself—the only change in tense is when something is either active or inactive. Basically, alive or not alive. That says it all. Today’s world is very different. How active or magical is your Band Office? Not a lot seems alive today to those old-fashioned Indians. I think she wanted you to understand some of what she felt growing up. It made life more interesting, and more Anishnawbe. I think Lillian wanted that for you.”
Al final yo creo que quien le atina es el tio, Nanabush es el más humano de los humanos.
But he is more human than most humans, he has al their nobility, and all their faults — magnified. He’s a wild card, Virgil.
Asi que es una historia de dulce y agraz, con momentos divertidos, y otros con tonos más oscuros, como lo del hombre alcoholico que habla como Shakespeare, pero en dialecto.
¿Y los mapaches? Jaja, eso es parte de la historia y de una vendetta ;)
Drew Hayden Taylor is a humorist, and his book is like some kind of social portrait with many layers of the Anishnawbe modern society, critical, funny, mythical and painful. It could be read as an entertaining funny tale of a Canadian place, or you could feel uncomfortable by the in-between lines. The best comedians hit the nail with our weakness and our idiosyncrasy, the silliness and the ugly truths (estoy pensando aqui en el Coco Legrand).
A dying old woman is the last connection to the world for an ancient spirit, and he shook himself and goes to see her. He makes her a promise.
Maggie Second es la Jefe de Otter Lake, una comunidad indigena, y se siente presionada por vida, su viudez, la crianza de su hijo adolescente, y los dolores de cabeza burocraticos relacionados con la adquisión de unos terrenos para la comunidad. Su madre, Lillian esta muriendo, ella es una de las últimas de la generación que fue enviada a los colegios donde se les prohibia hablar su lengua, y donde nos quedan recuerdos de horror. Pero Lillian fue de las 'afortunadas' , estuvo alli sólo 3 años, y al parecer un caracter especial le permitió sobrevivir y ver dos generaciones de su familia.
Cuando John aparece es fácil ver que con todo ese encanto de bellaco hermoso podria ser una buena idea 'echar una cana al aire' con él.
(antes) (después)Claro que su hijo, Virgil, de 13 años esta receloso de él, desde que apareció en la casa de su abuela y vio lo que vio. Asi que recluta en esto a su tio Wayne, excentrico individuo, casi un desconocido para él, que practica artes marciales mienrtras vive solo en una isla.
Y Virgil, tenia razon, porque John, es en realidad Nanabush. En sus propias palabras:“Nanabush. The Trickster? The central character of Anishnawbe mythology, the paramount metaphor in their cosmology? The demigod? The amazing, handsome, intelligent and fabulous Nanabush? That Nanabush?”
O puede ser un espiritu del caos , como en esta historia...
(Wayne:)“Tricksters have the ability to change their shape, Virgil. Or didn’t you listen to your grandmother’s stories? It’s all right there. He can talk to the animals. You saw him. He’s riding a motorcycle, one that’s named after us. Tricksters love irony!”
...Hace pensar en su vida a una, en sus elecciones a otro, y ayuda a crecer a un par de adolescentes mientras los reconecta con sus raices.
(John:)“Oh, I think she realized how times had changed more than you may know. You have to understand, your mother came from a time when people still believed in mystical and magical things. The forest was alive. There were spirits everywhere. I mean, look at the Anishnawbe language itself—the only change in tense is when something is either active or inactive. Basically, alive or not alive. That says it all. Today’s world is very different. How active or magical is your Band Office? Not a lot seems alive today to those old-fashioned Indians. I think she wanted you to understand some of what she felt growing up. It made life more interesting, and more Anishnawbe. I think Lillian wanted that for you.”
Al final yo creo que quien le atina es el tio, Nanabush es el más humano de los humanos.
But he is more human than most humans, he has al their nobility, and all their faults — magnified. He’s a wild card, Virgil.
Asi que es una historia de dulce y agraz, con momentos divertidos, y otros con tonos más oscuros, como lo del hombre alcoholico que habla como Shakespeare, pero en dialecto.
¿Y los mapaches? Jaja, eso es parte de la historia y de una vendetta ;)
February 8, 2012
Actually a 3.5 but on the higher end of the scale. It's a bittersweet balance between humour and sadness; it's a farce; it's a throwback to the old Aboriginal myths; it's dealing with the loss of your culture and having to move on (and possibly even finding it again); and it's a coming-of-age tale too. Drew Hayden Taylor's good at making you smile then giving you a slap in the face right after--and vice versa--and he's not afraid to poke fun at religion and what's really sacred.
The thing is, some parts felt too long (the whole chapter dedicated to the stranger's appearance, for instance), some parts were built up too much with not enough pay off (the role of the raccoons, in this case), while others were not touched on enough. For instance, it was repeatedly stressed that Lilian was lucky to have only stayed at one for a couple of years, and I felt frustrated because I didn't know enough to understand the observation. Thing is, it got me researching for a good 2 hours straight and did make me feel impassioned to change things, which is always a good response. Pretty good and would totally recommend.
The thing is, some parts felt too long (the whole chapter dedicated to the stranger's appearance, for instance), some parts were built up too much with not enough pay off (the role of the raccoons, in this case), while others were not touched on enough. For instance, it was repeatedly stressed that Lilian was lucky to have only stayed at one for a couple of years, and I felt frustrated because I didn't know enough to understand the observation. Thing is, it got me researching for a good 2 hours straight and did make me feel impassioned to change things, which is always a good response. Pretty good and would totally recommend.
December 8, 2012
This book is somewhat about what it is to be Anishnawbe, and very much about what it is to be human. It is very Canadian: polite, with a sense of humour that pokes at the person telling the joke as much as it does anyone else.
Mr. Taylor draws us into a modern-day tale of Nanabush (he of many names) as he returns to old stomping grounds to find that many things have changed... and that many have not. Along the way, he encounters Virgil - a boy who is just finding out who he is, and his mother, the overly-busy Band Chief who seems to have forgotten who she was. As with many of the old stories, Nanabush sets out this own way to fix things, makes a mess... and perhaps leaves the world a better place behind him, in spite of himself. Above all, he reminds us that magic and laughter are both necessary elements of life.
It's a good book for a rainy day by a fire, or a sunny day on the beach. All I can say is that if I was given the chance to ride that motorcycle - no way am I turning it down!
Mr. Taylor draws us into a modern-day tale of Nanabush (he of many names) as he returns to old stomping grounds to find that many things have changed... and that many have not. Along the way, he encounters Virgil - a boy who is just finding out who he is, and his mother, the overly-busy Band Chief who seems to have forgotten who she was. As with many of the old stories, Nanabush sets out this own way to fix things, makes a mess... and perhaps leaves the world a better place behind him, in spite of himself. Above all, he reminds us that magic and laughter are both necessary elements of life.
It's a good book for a rainy day by a fire, or a sunny day on the beach. All I can say is that if I was given the chance to ride that motorcycle - no way am I turning it down!
November 29, 2015
I finished this book with a sense of disappointment - that it hadn't really provided me with a striking plot or left me with a sense that something profound had been share with me. It wasn't until I started to talk with others who read it that I began to understand the depth behind the silly and quirky characters. Maybe the deeper parts of this book are share only with those that understand the culture behind it. When you begin to understand that the aboriginal people portrayed in this book connect with each other and the Devine through humour and laughter, it is possible to recognize how much Motorcycles and Sweetgrass portrays what it really mean to be human. In the end, a book I initially thought of as silly and disappointing taught me more about life than any other I've read this year.
May 13, 2013
Since, in Drew's words, I'm a "wanabee" or "shouldabeen" Indian, and I like myths, this book was a wonderful read for me. The trickster was so beautifully described I think that I would have fallen for him too. I kept wondering why the natives thought he was so attractive since he was white, but I finally understand, that of course, he symbolizes the way the native people got sucked in by the bead traders and bible thumpers. Czech Reference: The bartender Karl was thinking "I left the Czech Republic for this?".
January 8, 2022
i actually really liked this book! i had to read it for one of my lectures in university and even though i had to read it on a pdf file (i hate it never gonna do it again) it was an interesting story with even more interesting characters!
June 6, 2022
This book was pretty good. The dialogue was really funny and intriguing and it had the right amount of mystery and suspense for its storyline- but the ending was reallyy anticlimactic and lowkey kinda disappointing. I don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t really what I had hoped 😭 still a solid book tho:)
April 15, 2023
Sometimes it’s good to read something out of your comfort zone cause you never know what’s gunna surprise you.
June 14, 2025
Franchement chouette! L'auteur est bon pour rendre son univers vivant, et j'accroche bien à son humour.
June 4, 2025
3.25
April 4, 2024
mediocre as fjuck mid writing mid all around middle
trickster archetype is weird
trickster archetype is weird
August 7, 2010
His mother is the band chief, his grandmother, a respected elder, is dying, and he's related to half the members of Otter Lake, Virgil doesn't imagine that life could be any more difficult for an Anishnawbe teenager. That is, until a shiny red 1953 Indian Chief Motorcycle was driven into town by a mysterious blond haired, blue-eyed white man. To further complicate matters, this stranger walks right into his grandmother's house and her bedroom as though he was family.
Being a curious teenager, Virgil sneaks a look in his grandmother's window and spies the stranger kissing his grandmother in a surprisingly passionate manner.
Something is afoot in Otter Creek and Virgil is convinced that the motorcycle riding stranger is behind it. with the help of his Uncle Wayne, a self styled Indian Martial Arts expert, he intends to get to the bottom of it and save his mother and family.
I loved every minute of this book. I read it while camping, shortly after a brief visit to Curve Lake First Nations, Drew Hayden Taylor's hometown. At first I wanted to learn more about Virigil's grandmother Lillian, but as the story continued, I realized that those very details were mixed in with the stranger's story. Turns out the stranger is.... Oh shoot, I can't tell you that. Let's just say that mythology figures large in this story, though it appears in such a way I didn't question it, I just accepted it.
Two scenes remain in my mind: the members of the Otter Lake Debating Society sitting on their porch discussing the events that have happened, and that of Nanabush and his conversation with Jesus.
This book is funny and serious in turns. Every page kept me wanting more. Even when I was finished I wanted more. I for one am hoping that there are more stories coming out of Otter Lake.
Being a curious teenager, Virgil sneaks a look in his grandmother's window and spies the stranger kissing his grandmother in a surprisingly passionate manner.
Something is afoot in Otter Creek and Virgil is convinced that the motorcycle riding stranger is behind it. with the help of his Uncle Wayne, a self styled Indian Martial Arts expert, he intends to get to the bottom of it and save his mother and family.
I loved every minute of this book. I read it while camping, shortly after a brief visit to Curve Lake First Nations, Drew Hayden Taylor's hometown. At first I wanted to learn more about Virigil's grandmother Lillian, but as the story continued, I realized that those very details were mixed in with the stranger's story. Turns out the stranger is.... Oh shoot, I can't tell you that. Let's just say that mythology figures large in this story, though it appears in such a way I didn't question it, I just accepted it.
Two scenes remain in my mind: the members of the Otter Lake Debating Society sitting on their porch discussing the events that have happened, and that of Nanabush and his conversation with Jesus.
This book is funny and serious in turns. Every page kept me wanting more. Even when I was finished I wanted more. I for one am hoping that there are more stories coming out of Otter Lake.
May 26, 2011
What a hoot! I really enjoyed this book. There are magical things going on here, and the fun is in just letting go and enjoying the ride. In to town rides a mysterious stranger - with a really hot motorbike. His appearance sends ripples of excitement and disquiet through the community and an unlikely band of allies come together to find out what the stranger is up to. I don't want to give away too much - but lets just say that I don't often read books in which raccoons are major players!
It is a funny book, but thought provoking, too. Life on a contemporary First Nations reserve, the implications of residential schools, interactions with the various levels of government, the differing opinions within the reservation residents about how their future should look - Hayden Taylor covers a lot of ground in this book. Well done!
It is a funny book, but thought provoking, too. Life on a contemporary First Nations reserve, the implications of residential schools, interactions with the various levels of government, the differing opinions within the reservation residents about how their future should look - Hayden Taylor covers a lot of ground in this book. Well done!
July 28, 2016
Motorcycles and Sweetgrass is a bit of a silly book- but I think this is precisely the point of the story. Silliness, fun, and magic are key pieces of this story; a stranger comes to Otter Lake Reserves, sweeping the chief Maggie off her feet and making enemies of her son Virgil and his uncle Wayne (not to mention an army of raccoons). While enjoyable to read, I wished it went a bit deeper into some of the Anishnawbe folklore and answered a few more questions I had about the characters. I think it is a novel worthy of a second read to uncover some of the messages which are hidden beneath the humour.
March 13, 2014
This novel comes with a recommended dose of silliness. “A good bout of complete nonsense now and again would keep everybody sane.” A tall, handsome stranger rolls into town. This classic plotting device sets up a humorous, light-weight social drama that’s loaded with mischief and magic. Whimsical. Unpredictable. Entertaining. A delightful tale that with keep you smiling from start to finish.
December 18, 2023
Having read through most of the positive reviews as well as all of the negative I wanted to express my opinion on this book, but fair warning to anyone who adores this book, you may not agree with what I bring forth. Perhaps I do not understand this book the same way you do.
Overall, I found that the lower stared reviews were those who either did not read the book in its entirety or were forced to read the novel for school. While I did see one or two that brought up general criticism, I wanted to bring forth a well-developed argument as to why I believe this book is of a poor quality, rather than being abrupt or vague with my critique.
In complete transparency, I read through this book as part of a requirement for an English course, but I tried my absolute hardest to maintain an open mind before and while reading this novel.
Motorcycles and sweetgrass is a poor piece of literature. The book presents a fun idea, but it was executed terribly. Characters are one dimensional and all of their actions throughout the book feel extremely forced and fake. The writing in general is sloppy, resorting to cliche after cliche that induces eye rolling for in reader. This would be understandable and forgiven if it was targeted for younger audiences, but the adult themes lead me to believe that it is not, bringing the book into a strange limbo in which it is not suitable for most people. The general concept of having a First Nations god or spirit come down to bring “more magic” into the people’s lives is interesting, and there are definitely statements that could be made around First Nations people, as well as teaching morals through aboriginal culture or stories. Unfortunately, this is not what is given. Instead, there is a generic plot with some aboriginal ties. Everything within the book feels so forced, and I am especially displeased with the portrayal of Maggie. This strong independent woman, who is the chief of the reserve and a single mother suddenly falls head over heels into the arms of John. While this type of arc is not impossible or even a bad idea, it is completely underdeveloped. Maggie switches on the head of a dime from a woman who is trying to balance her life as a chief and as a single mother to a complete damsel in distress in need of Johns rescue. It is particularly irritating, as the book is self-aware of this extreme contradiction, all the while deciding to not do anything about it. Maggie is but one character that feels so fictitious, only serving the plot. John experiences fewer extreme examples of shift in motivation to serve the plot, but still has his moments in which you're rolling your eyes at the lack of effort put in by the author to make any of the situations feel in any way authentic.
Despite the negative criticism, I enjoyed sections of this book, if they were few and far between. The conversations between Nanabush and Jesus were decent, and better than other aspects. Additionally, I thought that the commentary of the state of the reserve was good, if a bit obvious. People KNOW that reserves are not the greatest places to live, and that their people are still affected by the impacts of residential schools. Those who decide not to be informed about such issues will not have their views changed by this book. Ultimately, for the reader, it's more infuriating, as the book gives little teases as to how good it really could be, before reverting to cliche and fake tension. The author had the opportunity to do so much more, the ability to make a powerful statement and enjoyable story but failed to do so.
As mentioned before, one of the most annoying aspects of this book is the lack of depth in every single character. At no point do you feel as though the motivations make complete sense for the character as a whole. Instead, their decisions are based entirely on the moment, never thinking beyond the immediate presence. This type of characterization is acceptable and probably necessary on some level. But to have EVERY character act in a way that is so implausible and one dimensional is exasperating. Perhaps there are plausible reasons as to the characters motivation, but if this is the case, the author did a very poor job of conveying said reasons. As a nail to the coffin, the characters do not make any believable changes throughout the story. All of the character "development" occurs on the last chapter and is completely unconvincing. Once again, these characters completely change without any logical reasoning on the head of a dime. Some characters don’t change at all, instead just… doing something. Maggie is suddenly super laid back and not stressing over the worries of the land. Virgil doesn't change at all; Wayne tries to find love (the most believable) and Dakota starts a research project. Yippie. The lack of conflict resolution can ultimately be traced to the fact that this book has so little conflict to begin with.
The tension within this book is so unbelievably underdeveloped its almost comical. The most tension for the first 16 of the 26 chapters is wondering who this "John"character is, and even that is a stretch. With a little thinking you can come to a conclusion by the eighth chapter, or even earlier. Much later, there is some additional tension as you might think that John is going to kill Maggie. Though, if you think about it for even a second, it doesn't really make sense, and you're left skeptical. As it turns out, he wasn't, and this reveal is perhaps meant to be a big surprise but is ultimately a huge let down. Having hardly been talked about, built up or believable in the first place, leaves the reader with a feeling of lost time and annoyance.
I could go on and on about how the inciting incident never really made sense, or how the characters should know things they don't, but at this point, the best thing to do is to just not read it in the first place. This book was truly an eye roll to read. The prologue and the first chapter were probably my favourite, and the Raccoon plot was okay I guess, but this is the worst book I have ever read cover to cover. I tried to keep an open mind, and I tried to give it a chance, but this book consistently proved me wrong with its simplistic, cliché and overall boring writing.
For those who still would like to give this book a try and are not deterred by my writing above, be warned that these are the types of cliches (and more!) you are agreeing to:
1.Kids stopping in the middle of the street after chasing a ball. A mysterious character stops right in front of them causing a child to drop the ball and have it roll right to the foot of the character.
2.Character whispers a last dying wish, but the audience doesn’t know what it is
3. When a character asks the person who heard the wish ask what it was, a loud noise occurs just as they explain. With no follow up
4.Girl gets a flat tire and needs saving. She is reluctantly attracted to his strong muscles and body etc. etc.
5. A women having trouble with a bottle of wine need a Big Strong Man™ to come and open it with the littlest of effort
6.While one person is away from the table two men fight about the women, without her hearing, and return to being totally civil when she comes back
7. After the character leaves, the population sometimes hears a sound that reminds them of said character that makes them think “maybe”
8. Without reason other than being mildly provoked, the antagonist decided to unnecessarily fight the protagonist.
9. A martial artist and a child have a moment in which the older gentlemen show his great strength by having them fight, in which he does so with little effort
10. A character gets swept away by some exterior force right as the protagonist was going to give vital information
11. When a character tries to reason with other protagonist they completely shut them down not listening to any reason whatsoever
12. To get a romantic interest in them, stalking occurs and rescues in just the nick of time so that the character is a hero (x2)
TLDR: This book had a good idea but did it really terribly. The good moments are too far and in-between for this to be at all enjoyable. Don't bother.
Overall, I found that the lower stared reviews were those who either did not read the book in its entirety or were forced to read the novel for school. While I did see one or two that brought up general criticism, I wanted to bring forth a well-developed argument as to why I believe this book is of a poor quality, rather than being abrupt or vague with my critique.
In complete transparency, I read through this book as part of a requirement for an English course, but I tried my absolute hardest to maintain an open mind before and while reading this novel.
Motorcycles and sweetgrass is a poor piece of literature. The book presents a fun idea, but it was executed terribly. Characters are one dimensional and all of their actions throughout the book feel extremely forced and fake. The writing in general is sloppy, resorting to cliche after cliche that induces eye rolling for in reader. This would be understandable and forgiven if it was targeted for younger audiences, but the adult themes lead me to believe that it is not, bringing the book into a strange limbo in which it is not suitable for most people. The general concept of having a First Nations god or spirit come down to bring “more magic” into the people’s lives is interesting, and there are definitely statements that could be made around First Nations people, as well as teaching morals through aboriginal culture or stories. Unfortunately, this is not what is given. Instead, there is a generic plot with some aboriginal ties. Everything within the book feels so forced, and I am especially displeased with the portrayal of Maggie. This strong independent woman, who is the chief of the reserve and a single mother suddenly falls head over heels into the arms of John. While this type of arc is not impossible or even a bad idea, it is completely underdeveloped. Maggie switches on the head of a dime from a woman who is trying to balance her life as a chief and as a single mother to a complete damsel in distress in need of Johns rescue. It is particularly irritating, as the book is self-aware of this extreme contradiction, all the while deciding to not do anything about it. Maggie is but one character that feels so fictitious, only serving the plot. John experiences fewer extreme examples of shift in motivation to serve the plot, but still has his moments in which you're rolling your eyes at the lack of effort put in by the author to make any of the situations feel in any way authentic.
Despite the negative criticism, I enjoyed sections of this book, if they were few and far between. The conversations between Nanabush and Jesus were decent, and better than other aspects. Additionally, I thought that the commentary of the state of the reserve was good, if a bit obvious. People KNOW that reserves are not the greatest places to live, and that their people are still affected by the impacts of residential schools. Those who decide not to be informed about such issues will not have their views changed by this book. Ultimately, for the reader, it's more infuriating, as the book gives little teases as to how good it really could be, before reverting to cliche and fake tension. The author had the opportunity to do so much more, the ability to make a powerful statement and enjoyable story but failed to do so.
As mentioned before, one of the most annoying aspects of this book is the lack of depth in every single character. At no point do you feel as though the motivations make complete sense for the character as a whole. Instead, their decisions are based entirely on the moment, never thinking beyond the immediate presence. This type of characterization is acceptable and probably necessary on some level. But to have EVERY character act in a way that is so implausible and one dimensional is exasperating. Perhaps there are plausible reasons as to the characters motivation, but if this is the case, the author did a very poor job of conveying said reasons. As a nail to the coffin, the characters do not make any believable changes throughout the story. All of the character "development" occurs on the last chapter and is completely unconvincing. Once again, these characters completely change without any logical reasoning on the head of a dime. Some characters don’t change at all, instead just… doing something. Maggie is suddenly super laid back and not stressing over the worries of the land. Virgil doesn't change at all; Wayne tries to find love (the most believable) and Dakota starts a research project. Yippie. The lack of conflict resolution can ultimately be traced to the fact that this book has so little conflict to begin with.
The tension within this book is so unbelievably underdeveloped its almost comical. The most tension for the first 16 of the 26 chapters is wondering who this "John"character is, and even that is a stretch. With a little thinking you can come to a conclusion by the eighth chapter, or even earlier. Much later, there is some additional tension as you might think that John is going to kill Maggie. Though, if you think about it for even a second, it doesn't really make sense, and you're left skeptical. As it turns out, he wasn't, and this reveal is perhaps meant to be a big surprise but is ultimately a huge let down. Having hardly been talked about, built up or believable in the first place, leaves the reader with a feeling of lost time and annoyance.
I could go on and on about how the inciting incident never really made sense, or how the characters should know things they don't, but at this point, the best thing to do is to just not read it in the first place. This book was truly an eye roll to read. The prologue and the first chapter were probably my favourite, and the Raccoon plot was okay I guess, but this is the worst book I have ever read cover to cover. I tried to keep an open mind, and I tried to give it a chance, but this book consistently proved me wrong with its simplistic, cliché and overall boring writing.
For those who still would like to give this book a try and are not deterred by my writing above, be warned that these are the types of cliches (and more!) you are agreeing to:
1.Kids stopping in the middle of the street after chasing a ball. A mysterious character stops right in front of them causing a child to drop the ball and have it roll right to the foot of the character.
2.Character whispers a last dying wish, but the audience doesn’t know what it is
3. When a character asks the person who heard the wish ask what it was, a loud noise occurs just as they explain. With no follow up
4.Girl gets a flat tire and needs saving. She is reluctantly attracted to his strong muscles and body etc. etc.
5. A women having trouble with a bottle of wine need a Big Strong Man™ to come and open it with the littlest of effort
6.While one person is away from the table two men fight about the women, without her hearing, and return to being totally civil when she comes back
7. After the character leaves, the population sometimes hears a sound that reminds them of said character that makes them think “maybe”
8. Without reason other than being mildly provoked, the antagonist decided to unnecessarily fight the protagonist.
9. A martial artist and a child have a moment in which the older gentlemen show his great strength by having them fight, in which he does so with little effort
10. A character gets swept away by some exterior force right as the protagonist was going to give vital information
11. When a character tries to reason with other protagonist they completely shut them down not listening to any reason whatsoever
12. To get a romantic interest in them, stalking occurs and rescues in just the nick of time so that the character is a hero (x2)
TLDR: This book had a good idea but did it really terribly. The good moments are too far and in-between for this to be at all enjoyable. Don't bother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Very mixed feelings about this.
First of all, I just wasn't very engaged in the story and if I hadn't had to read this for class I doubt I would've finished it. I do think the story has the potential to make for a fun movie, especially because it could be told at a faster pace through a visual medium.
Secondly, it always felt like the story was toeing the line of being a parody and actually being the thing it was parodying. John's character especially was supposed to be a caricature (I hope), but I sometimes got the impression that author himself just was the kind of guy he was describing. (Now I know this is unbased on facts and I don't want to go around accusing him, I just wanted to be clear because this feeling definitely influenced my enjoyment of the book.)
Anyway... Team Raccoon forever!
First of all, I just wasn't very engaged in the story and if I hadn't had to read this for class I doubt I would've finished it. I do think the story has the potential to make for a fun movie, especially because it could be told at a faster pace through a visual medium.
Secondly, it always felt like the story was toeing the line of being a parody and actually being the thing it was parodying. John's character especially was supposed to be a caricature (I hope), but I sometimes got the impression that author himself just was the kind of guy he was describing. (Now I know this is unbased on facts and I don't want to go around accusing him, I just wanted to be clear because this feeling definitely influenced my enjoyment of the book.)
Anyway... Team Raccoon forever!
November 15, 2022
This was so perfect. It checks the box for Indigenous peoples month. The plot was so curiously interesting and engaging. And I learned some new info about the Annishanabe native Americans.
This book is hard to peg into a genre. It's part comedy, drama, and a little bit of romance fiction. And throw in a bit of magical realism.
Life is slow on this Ojibwe reservation until a White man on motorcycle comes to town. He's mysterious and exciting and he interrupts the lives of a certain family. Not everyone is convinced he's what he seems and the investigation begins. It may sound dull, but don't let the summary fool you. There's a feisty raccoon troup that's featured throughout the book along with a martial artist uncle who lives on an island alone. It was at times so bizarre and yet relatable.
This book is hard to peg into a genre. It's part comedy, drama, and a little bit of romance fiction. And throw in a bit of magical realism.
Life is slow on this Ojibwe reservation until a White man on motorcycle comes to town. He's mysterious and exciting and he interrupts the lives of a certain family. Not everyone is convinced he's what he seems and the investigation begins. It may sound dull, but don't let the summary fool you. There's a feisty raccoon troup that's featured throughout the book along with a martial artist uncle who lives on an island alone. It was at times so bizarre and yet relatable.
May 24, 2023
i think this book is kinda overly hated on bc we have to read it for school but it was honestly not too bad and kinda funny. i think the book focuses too much on being a great book and that there was a few non funny 3rd person random veiws that were unnecessary. i think my biggest problem with the book is how dull it is, half the book is thoughts and opinions from the characters and overly descriptive introductions to character povs for characters we already know. this doesn't give time for things to actually happen so i felt like half the book was buildup. i think virgil and maggie's relationship was such a big part of the book but nothing got solved which was a little disappointing. i do believe that the book handled sneaking in deeper meanings and refrence to history in a well done way that kept me engaged and waiting for more. the characters were built beautifully and their relationships well formed, raw and entertaining. the comedy was really funny and was super authentic and not fake which i find comedy generally is. i liked it, i think if it wasn't trying so hard to be a classic and let the reader enjoy a bit more it may be a five star read.
December 29, 2018
More of a 3.5. This is definitely a fun book that allows you to learn more about the Ojibway trickster.
Some things I really liked: learning more about Nanabush (I googled a lot!), the characters in the book, the story, the Anishnawbe references, the humour. At the end, I found myself wanting to learn more about Nanabush and I was also thinking about the believers vs the non believers in the book.
Some things I liked less: some parts of the book were drawn out and talked about a lot yet lacked relevance with the overall story.
Some things I really liked: learning more about Nanabush (I googled a lot!), the characters in the book, the story, the Anishnawbe references, the humour. At the end, I found myself wanting to learn more about Nanabush and I was also thinking about the believers vs the non believers in the book.
Some things I liked less: some parts of the book were drawn out and talked about a lot yet lacked relevance with the overall story.
January 15, 2024
I would’ve enjoyed this book more if i didn’t read this for school, but this was a great read either way. This is the perfect book to dissect, and learn the meaning behind scenes that may seem insignificant to the naked eye. I loved learning about Indigenous and Anishnawbe culture through the metaphors and symbolism that Taylor uses.
January 15, 2024
Really heartwarming. This book gives amazing insight to indigenous culture and ways of teaching. Highly recommend!
June 28, 2022
Trickster Nanabush rides into the Anishnabe Otter Reservation in Northern Ontario, and injects chaos into the lives of reserve Chief Maggie, her son Virgil, and into the major decision facing the band about future use of the large plot of land the government will be returning to them.
It’s an amusing tale, with the trickster assuming the look of a white man, adding extra shading to interactions he has with everyone on the reserve.
It’s a quietly amusing story.
It’s an amusing tale, with the trickster assuming the look of a white man, adding extra shading to interactions he has with everyone on the reserve.
It’s a quietly amusing story.
August 16, 2024
Most interesting of the NBE novels
October 8, 2023
this book was so funny but at some point it got so out of hand, like there was NO filter. he just let the book be what it was in the open air and im still frazzled from the experience
December 24, 2011
Why 2 stars? Because it was ok. You know how they say, "don't judge a book by its cover"? Well, that applies here. Initially, I thought this book would be the biggest waste of my time. I only read it for White Pine (although I am not sure why this particular book). So, giving it a 2 stars is a LOT better than the 0 stars I thought I would give it.
It's pretty funny. I laughed a couple times but honestly,there was nothing special. And the Jesus mention made me ... uncomfortable I guess. I'm sorry but I really did not like this book.
If you still want to read White Pine, not this one. There are amazing Canadian writers out there and unfortunately, Drew Taylor is not one of them. Read, "Blood Red Road" instead.
It's pretty funny. I laughed a couple times but honestly,there was nothing special. And the Jesus mention made me ... uncomfortable I guess. I'm sorry but I really did not like this book.
If you still want to read White Pine, not this one. There are amazing Canadian writers out there and unfortunately, Drew Taylor is not one of them. Read, "Blood Red Road" instead.
December 5, 2015
I picked this book up at LitFest this year and I'm glad that I did. I've read other books by Drew Hayden Taylor but they were non-fiction. this book was so entertaining. There was lots of native culture but it wasn't stand alone - it was just part of the story. The humour was very subtle. The story of the handsome stranger riding into town on his motorcycle and turning lives upside down is both funny and mysterious. And wait until you get to the racoons! Then there's the local diner's version of eggs benny... I highly recommend this book to anyone. I will certainly be looking for more fiction by this author. Also, if you ever get a chance to see a production of his play, "Toronto at Dreamer's Rock", do it!
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