Illiterate’s Comments (group member since Oct 24, 2014)

Illiterate’s comments from the Reader with a Cause group.

I liked the depiction, I don't think it was overly done or candy coated. I liked the fact the thing that saved her was her personal sense of work undone. Although it was nice to have a loving husband depicted and a son full of hatred and anger toward the attacker. What eventually saved her from the downward spiral of anguish was that she still had purpose. Her survival, her sanity could hold the key to survival of another. That's when she began to survive. Survival comes from within -despite the attacker being found or not, a loving man or not. Realize your purpose and put it into effect. I like that message

I feel as if Linden was held accountable. It may not have been in a court of law, but it he was held accountable none the less.
He was suffering. That is why he relished the attack in the grocery store. That is why he made eye contact with shooter. He knew his demise was upon him. When you suffer like that - you welcome death. You welcome the end of it all.
It was sad that Joe and cappy had to take on the burden of vengeance.
I have spiritual approach to life. I feel there was a lot of spirituality in the book. Some karma. Some manifest destiny themes. Both cappy and, joe marched on toward the fate, despite warnings from various sources not to do so. Why? Is destiny in our hands or in the hands of higher power. Joe seems to reflect on it as there was a futility to fighting destiny. No regrets. He does not consider alternate paths -merely this is the nature of the story. It is interesting because the same reasoning is given for the annihilation and destruction of his people by the advancing white man. It is manifest destiny.
When seeking revenge, they say you must dig two graves. Joe seems to learn this first hand. He spends his life trying to avoid this for the future of his people. No matter how rickety and ill constructed - the slow build of a tribal justice system that will stand up in Americas eyes is better than high price of vigilante justice -through revenge

Moonshum and the priest. Loved Moonshums stories. I love stories of survival against incredible odds. He was giving Joe a the story of his people. And with those legends he was showing him that he has the ability forge the way for justice despite unreasonable odds. It is in his blood.
Loved the priest as well. I loved the fact he wrestled with Christianity and reality.
I think Sonya might have been my least liked. But did have a chuckle at the birthday gift scene for Mooshum

I don't know if revenge is justice, whether there is a judicial system in place or not. I think this book toys with the idea of the cost of revenge. Does it satisfy the avenger or does manifest itself into a punishment that takes its toll on all those around them. Would a judicial system help all the future people who dare to take justice in their own hands. Would it spare them this punishment, an unknowing punishment. I think that this book raises idea that punishment and revenge are not the same thing.

Loved this book. Read it through a book club. Couldn't put it down. Read it 3 times.
I loved the way the character updates and the 'end' of the book is weaved throughout the story. It creatively tells you the end as you start it.
I loved the fact it wasn't just a whodunit, but a story that introduces you to a culture, a way of thinking. A way of coping. Loved the spiritual aspect of it. Loved the ghosts and the tales from Moonshum (sp?). Great book