Reviews

Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn

monicadery's review against another edition

5.0

A necessary read for every single human being on this living Earth.

salad_spoon's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn’t very sure about the first part of the book because it is a novel, but it gets better, especially the ending. The emotions of the characters are particularly well done. I'm glad I kept reading.

grantj00's review against another edition

4.0

Recommended to me by my Mom, (thanks Mom!) Glad I read it. I want to talk about two parts. First, the “fluff” — the writing which sets the stage for Dan’s talks. Overall, the author does a good job of this. I feel that it does what it sets out to do; whether or not this is the best way to tell Dan’s stories is another thing. Secondly, the meat — Dan’s thoughts on what he’s seen over his lifetime. While I didn’t necessarily agree with every sentiment he had, I loved how universal it was. The fact that each metaphor connects back to the Earth is amazing. For example, Christians tend to use Jesus as a north star, with one tenant to follow being to turn the other cheek. Meanwhile, Dan explains that Indians use the Mother Earth as their role models. If a mountain can grow grass over an old wound, then why can’t he? Apart from that the Thoreau metaphor really stuck out to me. (What makes everyone want to emulate Thoreau’s lifestyle, but not a redneck?) Finally, I found it interesting to think about the book in the context of the Israeli-Palestine conflict. “I cannot say these things are right. I simply say, I understand.”

hollyrebeccasmith's review against another edition

5.0

Essentially it's about the interactions between two men, Nerburn and Dan. Nerburn is a white man who had helped with an oral history project on a reservation. Dan had read it and through his granddaughter asked Nerburn to come and help him write a book. There are lots of stumbles and frustrations along the way while the two men try to understand each other. It's a really interesting read. It was engaging from the beginning and I really liked that while we were reading a lot of opinions about wider trends, the book didn't try to say that this is how all Native American or how all white people think. While a lot of the book was that discussion of opposing and misunderstanding viewpoints, there was also the clear narrative of two people becoming closer. 

jessielinden1's review against another edition

4.0

It feels silly rating a book like this. Rich with insights. Confirming things I already believed about history and whiteness and taught me much more. The dichotomy that was made out of honor and freedom is one I continue to think about often. I also deeply appreciated the chapter on Jesus, and relatedly the discourse on how white Americans have used history for centuries.

caseyjayner's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

crystalshoe1's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

hozhokait's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Reading this book as an indigenous person was interesting because it was overall topics I’m familiar with. It was a different experience to see through a non-native lense and understand the narrators growth through the events of the book. A great introduction to many non-natives to understand a general perspective of current Indigenous plights. 

kylalouis's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

natnoble18's review

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25