The Color of Lightning

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "PJ did a great job of presenting both sides of atrocities committed. I've read quite a bit on this history, a favorite subject and time period of mine. This was a balanced account.

I also have rea..."

I am not surprised that she has first hand knowledge, there is a kind of understanding of the history that seldom comes from research alone.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Terry wrote: "To update on my personal progress, I am now in a rehab facility for a week of PT...."

Terry, that is great news! I will be praying for your speedy recovery. We're all pulling for you.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Thank you for all of your comments, Cathrine! I read NotW a couple of years ago and don't remember Britt at all. I'll also have to go back and re-read it.

Her nonfiction book, North Spirit: Sojourns Among the Cree and Ojibway, sounds awesome. Mmmm.. sounds like another great Buddy Read as a follow-up to all of our other great reads this year!

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

So many great questions are coming out of this book!

I was reading somewhere this week that one of the reasons captives did not want to return to their former ways of life was because they had more freedoms with the native Americans (especially the women). I'm thinking corsets, place in society, freedom of expression, dawn to dusk unrelenting drudgery, etc. And I agree with you, Sara, that the freed captives - again, mostly the women - were viewed as tainted. So, that was such a sad part of this, too. Apparently, it was not uncommon for former captives to commit suicide by starvation.

Regarding Jube and Cherry: (view spoiler)[It totally made sense that Jube and Cherry loved their lives with the Kiowa. Their skin color was not an issue with their place in the People. Probably for the only time in their lives, they could just be themselves. (hide spoiler)]

That part about Tissoyo! (view spoiler)[I LOVED his character. Apparently he wasn't high on the totem pole with his people, so he elevated himself emotionally by playing harmless games with people. I was just so sad when he died - especially as he and Britt had grown so close and had such mutual respect for one another. To me, this was one of the saddest parts of the book! (hide spoiler)]

[Lori]

About Tissoyo: (view spoiler)[He seemed to come out of nowhere from their first meeting, didn't he? Britt was very trusting of him from the beginning and Tissoyo was so very willing to help him. I think Tissoyo's vanquished status with his tribe may have played a part in this. Like Shirley said, he was a mischievous prankster, not married yet, so he was just having fun. He did love those 2 horses. Britt's gesture to return the paint horse to Tissoyo was admirable and he got revenge for Mary in the process of getting the horse back.

I think this scenario that lead to Tissoyo's death was heartbreaking. Jiles was trying to show the harsh reality these people were living in. Fear for life was real and they shot to kill if they sensed danger. They each sensed the other's presence but didn't know who they were aiming at. I'm sure this was an all too common occurrence. These men would never have shot the other if they were in the open. (hide spoiler)]

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Love both your thoughts on Tissoyo. (view spoiler)[I was heartbroken when it turned out to be Tissoyo. He seemed such an open-hearted character. It seemed ironic and sad that Britt saved his life, only to take it.

I was thrilled when Britt returned the horse to Tissoyo, especially since he only took it to have more leverage to get Mary and the children. Under other circumstances, I'm sure he would never have accepted it.

You are right, Lori. This probably was a common occurrence, particularly with the hostility that existed and made any unknown automatically an enemy. He was one of my favorite characters. Jiles made him seem very real and he was a light spot in a pretty gruesome situation. (hide spoiler)]

[Sue]

Sara wrote: "Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "I just checked my review. But I'm right on both counts. Britt is also in News of the World as noted here. But don't read it if you haven't read News. I read these in reverse ord..."

He was one of the two who brought Johanna to Captain Kidd I believe Sara. I didn't go back to look but I remembered that black man had rescued Johanna (not a spoiler because it happens in the beginning) but he couldn't take her back because it was too dangerous for him so he asked Captain Kidd. I love how neither seems overly significant in the other book but it makes it them all the more special.

[Sue]

I'm going to make more comments later. Just don't have the time right now.

[Connie]

I felt so much respect for Britt, knowing that he was a real person. He was such a "larger than life" person--intelligent, strong, charismatic, and a good shot. He lived his life in danger in his freighting business, and rescuing the captives. He managed to do this after living most of his life in slavery. I'm glad that Paulette Jiles wrote about this great man so that he will continue to be remembered.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I felt the same, Connie. He was an amazing man and didn't need any help from Jiles to make him into a hero. She certainly knew a good subject when she found one.

[Terry]

I also did not remember Britt from News of the World, but when reading this, I now picture Captain Kidd as Tom Hanks! That makes me smile.

I am a bit over 90% done. It is quite an amazing story, isn’t it? So interesting, it makes me want to read about how Jiles found her subject.

[Terry]

Here is a link to a photo of the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma.

https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/si...

[Terry]

Here is a modern shot of Fort Belknap, Texas.

[Sue]

Terry wrote: "I also did not remember Britt from News of the World, but when reading this, I now picture Captain Kidd as Tom Hanks! That makes me smile.

I am a bit over 90% done. It is quite an amazing story, i..."

In my Kindle copy, I believe there was an interview or something where she talked about it. Either that or I looked it up, but basically she came upon him while researching the time period, found him fascinating and kept digging as I remember. There was sufficient proof of his existence but not a lot of personal details.

I was so disappointed when I saw that Captain Kidd was going to be Tom Hanks. I love Hanks, but I had pictured someone more weathered, rugged and older looking. I did enjoy the film and Hank's performance but it didn't quite live up to the book for me. I'll always have a different image of Captain Kidd in my mind. The contrast of the more hardened loaner being transformed by his relationship with Johanna was more dramatic for me in the book. Also it was first so that makes a difference.

[Sue]

Terry wrote: "Here is a link to a photo of the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma.

https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/si..."

Beautiful! I hope your reading means you are feeling better Terry!

[Terry]

Sue, yes, I am doing well at a rehab facility in Northbrook, IL. Now off the heavy duty drugs for pain management, I am more able to walk (assisted by a Walker) every day. They have convinced my to stay until next Saturday to continue more intensive PT. In short, I am making great progress.

It seems that the photo of Fort Belknap did not make it into my post, so I will try again.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&u...

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Terry wrote: "Here is a link to a photo of the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma.

https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/si..."

That's a gorgeous, photo, Terry! It almost looks like NM or AZ. I'd love to go visit the area. I hope you're feeling better and are able to get up and walk around without too much pain.

[Sue]

Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "PJ did a great job of presenting both sides of atrocities committed. I've read quite a bit on this history, a favorite subject and time period of mine. This was a balanced account.

I also have rea..."

Catherine, you are so lucky to have been able to read her nonfiction book about her living with the Ojibway. I was excited when I read about it only to be knocked down by it's$50+ price tag and the fact that my library doesn't have it. Hopefully someday her celebrity will make someone want to put it back in print!

[Terry]

Here is a link to a shot of the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. (See Chapter 26)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&u...

[Sue]

Terry wrote: "Sue, yes, I am doing well at a rehab facility in Northbrook, IL. Now off the heavy duty drugs for pain management, I am more able to walk (assisted by a Walker) every day. They have convinced my to..."

That's great, Terry! I'm glad they convinced you to stay, usually I hear of people being pushed out too soon (because of Medicare or their insurance). You are probably a good patient and a fast healer. Even still, it is good to get as much therapy as you can while you can get it because they seem to be cutting corners on it.

[Terry]

Here is a link to the story about the trial against Big Tree and Samantha in Jacksboro, in the 1870s.

https://truewestmagazine.com/article/...

[Sue]

Sara wrote: "For those who have finished, here's a question to open the discussion. Jiles opens the book with a very violent event. Do you think this is just because this is where the story begins or is there a..."

I agree with you, about opening with the violence (view spoiler)[ I found it absolutely magical that Britt had such amazing character than despite how bad he and his family had been treated by white people and Indians, he didn't hold hatred for either race. His revenge was very compartmentalized and was more fueled by a need for justice than by hatred. I do think it was intentional to open for Jiles to put this scene near the beginning to make it all the more extraordinary that Britt rescued white children and had the great and tragic friendship with Tissoyo. (hide spoiler)]

I loved everyone's comments on Tissoyo. This relationship and the ending were brilliant.

[Connie]

Terry, that was a beautiful photo of the Wichita Mountains. Jiles' descriptions of the mountains and the plains was just gorgeous. It's easy to see why the Native Americans did not want to stay on a small reservation and wood houses when they had such a strong bond with nature. They followed the seasons, moving to find water, the new grass, the buffalo and other food sources.

[Terry]

This is a spider skillet:

https://i.etsystatic.com/16724984/r/i...

[Terry]

Here is a recipe for Native American Bannock, or Fry Bread.

https://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/ban...

[Lori]

Terry, so glad to hear you are healing quickly and making great progress! I'm sure you are relieved about that too!

The Wichita Mountains are gorgeous. We lived in Wichita Falls, Texas for several years (yes, the town where Captain Kidd begins his news reading) which is about a 40 minute drive up to Lawton, OK where Ft. Sill and the Wichita Mountains are located. We've hiked some of them and had a lovely time. I'd say worth a visit if you're ever near the area and want something to do.

I think this would make a great movie despite the violence. But I haven't seen NoTW yet and seem to fall into that trap of reading the book and seldom getting to the movie. And when I do, I'm often disappointed.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I'm also delighted to hear you are making such quick progress, Terry. Thanks for the pictures, especially of the fort, and the article about the trial. Always so interesting to know the facts.

I haven't seen NoTW, but I also can't really picture the Captain as Tom Hanks. Had a completely different image of him in my head when reading. I am completely sold on Jiles' writing!

[Cathrine ☯️]

Sue wrote: "Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "PJ did a great job of presenting both sides of atrocities committed. I've read quite a bit on this history, a favorite subject and time period of mine. This was a balanced accou..."

Wow Sue. If I recall I got it on Abe Books for $6.95 but it wasn't in our system either.

[Sue]

Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "Sue wrote: "Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "PJ did a great job of presenting both sides of atrocities committed. I've read quite a bit on this history, a favorite subject and time period of mine. This was a ba..."

You could probably sell it for a huge profit! Although the places that buy it from you probably make most of the money. You are lucky that you were on the forefront of recognizing her talent in this area!

[Sue]

Lori wrote: "Terry, so glad to hear you are healing quickly and making great progress! I'm sure you are relieved about that too!

The Wichita Mountains are gorgeous. We lived in Wichita Falls, Texas for severa..."

I think this would make and excellent film too, Laurie! It would take a great director to convey her balanced approach though. Too often films like to have a good guys and bad guys and glorify the violence. The nuance would likely be better captured in an indy film but the violent scenes would take a big budget. I do hope someone tries still. Britt Johnson especially deserves a wider audience. His story should be taught in schools.

[Cathrine ☯️]

In these times of Black Lives Matter and the trend towards inclusivity, this would be perfect material and an opportunity to produce a film using Native Americans and black people to tell a great story.
I'm not sure where I read it but according to historical facts, something like 20 to 25% of cowboys were African American. One would never know that by Hollywood westerns.

[Antoinette]

I finished the book and have to say I love Jiles even more now. She brought the time, the place and the people to life. Yes, it started with a bang but it sure got my attention. Do any of you remember watching all the cowboys and Indians movies growing up? Chapter 2 brought those movies back into my thoughts. So love these buddy reads and comments- gets me to read books that have been on hold for way too long.

[Terry]

So glad you joined us, Catherine and Antionette! And that you both enjoyed this book. I think we can all agree that Jiles is a great storyteller, and this book has some great current interest elements to it as you both point out.

By the way, I suspect there are others reading along with us that don’t speak up!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Antoinette wrote: "I finished the book and have to say I love Jiles even more now. She brought the time, the place and the people to life. Yes, it started with a bang but it sure got my attention. Do any of you remem..."

Does the same for me. I have had this on my TBR forever.