Perspective

Mary Crow Dog knows her story and that of the Native American pretty well. She lived during a turbulent time in the Native American civil rights struggle and has close ancestral ties to the beginnings of that struggle. Mary provides a straight forward look at the realities of the abuse, displacement, and uncertainties encountered by the Indians. Mary does not hold back in her narrative, giving the reader details that are not found in history books. Her life is not easy and she does not attempt to shield the reader; however, Mary does not ask for sympathy. She does not tell her story to bring pity on the Indians, but to promote understanding.

The reader is certainly impacted by Mary's story. She comes from such a rich background that many readers do not have or do not know. Mary's desire to embrace her ancestral past encourages the reader...