Circles in Evolved Publishing

Jan 09, 2012 Lane Diamond rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: edited

I had the pleasure of editing: Circles, by Ruby Standing Deer.

What drew me to this book can best be summed up in two words: The People. I fell in love with the characters, and I found their ancient culture more than just a little intriguing.

This is not a rock ‘em, sock ‘em, edge-of-your-seat action book. This journey will carry you inside the hearts and minds of a deeply spiritual People, who loved the Earth they inhabited and those who shared their space. Their quick wit and easy sense of humor ...more

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Mar 17, 2014 David Litwack rated it it was amazing

Circles is a beautifully written story depicting the lives of the fish people, a small -American Indian tribe at the time of the Europeans’ arrival to the continent. The characters are richly drawn and endearing, especially the young boy, Feather Floating in Water, whose powerful dreams foreshadow the impending threat to his people. As he grows, these dreams force him at too tender an age into leading his people through a time of crisis .

I’m not qualified to say how accurately the culture or his Circles is a beautifully written story depicting the lives of the fish people, a small -American Indian tribe at the time of the Europeans’ arrival to the continent. The characters are richly drawn and endearing, especially the young boy, Feather Floating in Water, whose powerful dreams foreshadow the impending threat to his people. As he grows, these dreams force him at too tender an age into leading his people through a time of crisis .

I’m not qualified to say how accurately the culture or history is portrayed. Since it’s a work of fiction, it doesn’t matter. Suffice it to say that the culture is spiritual but in a way that differs from our own, with deep ties to nature. Animals have names and serve as spirit guides, elders are honored, and dreams are visions that guide the tribe through difficult times.

If you’re looking for a western action-adventure, Circles will not be your cup of tea. The author takes you inside the hearts and minds of an almost mystical people, who live their lives in innocence, at peace with everyone and everything around them, lives filled with humor, mystery and wonder.

Some reviewers have worried about the long (and sometimes changing) names. These require a bit of work on the part of the reader but this so-called problem puts Circles in the same realm as books by Murikami, with unfamiliar Japanese names, or Garcia Marquez, whose Hundred Years of Solitude has many characters with identical names across generations. The brief introduction at the beginning of the book is worthwhile and can facilitate the understanding of the characters and culture.

Circles possesses a lyrical style, reminiscent of a book like The Little Prince, but with a unique view of American Indian culture. If you enjoy dwelling for a time in the hearts and minds of those with a different yet beautiful relationship with the world they live in, you will enjoy this book. It does what all good books do—it allows the reader to see a special world through different eyes. ...more

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Nov 08, 2014 Barry rated it it was amazing

Enlightening & entertaining.

I’ve always been fascinated by native peoples and how attuned to nature they are. This well-crafted tale of a tribe of American Indians facing the upheaval caused by the expansion of white settlers goes a long way to explaining their beliefs and the way they and their world are interconnected. We could learn a lot from such people.

The characters are clearly drawn, each one likeable in his or her own way, each one with something to offer to the tribe. There is a messag ...more

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