yellowcape's review against another edition

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4.5

Honestly the only reason I deducted a 1/2 ⭐️ is because it took me so long to get through but I must stress this is not at all the thought of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I just found it hard to find the time to read it in what has been a pretty hectic time for me personally. It is very well written and super readable. Coming from someone who has never successfully completed a work of non-fiction until today, that’s some pretty high praise. Just read it honestly it will open your eyes, enrage you, and educate you. 

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kelly_e's review against another edition

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5.0

Title: The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America
Author: Thomas King
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: November 13, 2012

T H R E E • W O R D S

Timeless • Sharp • Truthful

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, The Inconvenient Indian distills the insights gleaned from Thomas King's critical and personal meditation on what it means to be "Indian" in North America, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other. In the process, King refashions old stories about historical events and figures, takes a sideways look at film and pop culture, relates his own complex experiences with activism, and articulates a deep and revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands.

💭 T H O U G H T S
I will openly admit it has taken me far too long to read The Inconvenient Indian as this is an important and essential non fiction book about Canadian history. Thomas King details systemic and long-standing injustices facing Indigenous people in North America for generations with clarity and wit.

I listened to the audiobook while following along with the physical book, and I cannot recommend this method more. King illuminates centuries of white colonization that has impacted Indigenous communities. It is accessible, meaning it easy to read and will inspire deep thought and reflection. It is a book for understanding. A book for learning. A book for moving into a better future together. There is something for everyone here.

The Inconvenient Indian was my second King book (my first non fiction) it is evident he is a gifted storyteller. The underlying tone is serious, yet King takes a insightful and playful approach in putting this important part of history out there. There is significant and deeper meaning to the words of the page. Simply a put this is a fantastic piece of Canadian literature and a must read for all.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone with a social conscience
• all Canadians
• book clubs

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Instead of trying to kill the Indian to save the child, North America might have gone into partnership with the various nation, and, together, they could have come up with an education plan that would have complemented Native cultures and, perhaps, even enriched White culture at the same time."

"We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others."

"It was a pleasant conversation, and, the more we talked, the more I felt as though I were talking to a bowl of Jello." 

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windspice's review against another edition

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3.75


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maddyontheoffbeat's review against another edition

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4.0

For a non-fiction book, this kept my attention surprisingly well. King's writing style is sarcastic and funny, and it's quite the juxtaposition to the heavy content of this book. I did find myself crying at the end just a little, but this book isn't meant to be lighthearted and fun.  

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