World Famous Comics: Bowman's Store: A Journey to Myself
Bowman's Store: A Journey to Myself
By: Joseph Bruchac Publisher: Dial Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Dial Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 320 Publication Date: October 01, 1997 Reading Level: Young Adult
Product Description: Tracing the journey of writer Joseph Bruchac from childhood to the beginning of his career as a storyteller of Native American history and lore, Bowman's Store is a compelling and deeply moving memoir. Gracefully weaving themes from Bruchac's intimate knowledge of Native cultures with the scenes from the past that helped shape his life, here the consummate storyteller unfolds his most personal and poignant story of all. 30 photos.
Captivating Bruchac's autobiography holds the reader's interest to the end. It's a well told story that could be read and enjoyed by young adults, as well as their parents.
'Bowman's Store' resonated with me because of my own history. I was told that my great-grandmother was French Canadian. I never saw a photograph of her - or even knew one existed - until a cousin showed me a picture from one of her own family albums. There is no mistaking the ethnic background of the woman with the intricately beaded collar and sober mien; no doubt about that of the unknown child at her side. This discovery came long after my mother's death. There was no one left to whom I could address my many questions - no answers to be had.
The silence seems impenetrable. What were my great-grandmother's origins - and by extension - mine? I can't reach her. She's carefully hidden from view by the traditions of shame that were felt by later generations. The same kind of silence experienced by Joseph Bruchac.
Memories of a life and a lifetime Bruchac does a wonderful job of mixing Indian tales and legends with the stories of his life. I found myself asking questions about events in one chapter, only to have them answered in a later chapter. Bruchac gives you enough detail to put you in the story, but doesn't inundate you with it. I hope someday to attend a storytelling festival where he is featured. His ease with the language and his experiences in life make Bruchac a fabulous storyteller. Thank you for sharing your memories and those of a great people.
Of life, dreams and memory Bowman's Store - the rememberances, of today and yesterday in an Abenaki life. The discovery of whispers in the blood and the path of discovery in the recovery and claiming of heritage. Circles are begun, completed, and heralded. This story will echo, for anyone who remembers family and celebrates their own. For Jr. High School readers and up. It should be in every library that wishes to have books by and for Indian people. John D. Berry, Native American Studies Librarian, U.C. Berkeley
A moving account of one man's recovery of his heritage. Joseph Bruchac lived through a childhood few would envy. His parents used him as a weapon in their own endless battle. However, he lived with his warm and loving grandparents, and this story retells his life with them. His grandfather, the "Bowman" who owned the store, claimed to be "French Canadian" to his Indian-hating neighbors. Forced to hide his heritage, Bowman still taught his grandson how to grow up strong and proud of himself and his achievements. Now that Bruchac has recovered his Indian heritage, and become a well-known writer and editor of Indian works, this biography shows both the power of that heritage, and the need contemporary Indians feel to recover it.
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