A review by phoebe_phorreal
Making a Difference: My Fight for Native Rights and Social Justice by Theda Perdue, Ada Deer, Charles Wilkinson
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Wow. An utterly incredible memoir where Ada's grit, determination, sense of humor, relatability and thoughtfulness shines through. From commiserating with Ada's struggles in home economics, laughing at her puns she made during her run for Congress, to being enraged at the ways in which the federal government still tries to infringe upon Indian sovereignty, even after the era of outright termination, it was all incredibly informative, and the meditations on why such problems such as ambivalence towards education from Native people existed (hint: colonialism) were incredibly thought-provoking. I read this book to learn about Menominee termination and restoration, but it taught me so much more, and gave me unexpected glimpses into brief Hollywood stardom and the Queen's Jubilee. Nobody can say Ada Deer's life was uneventful, that's for sure.
This was created through a process of interviews, and I think that's partially responsible for why it works so well. The tone feels conversational and fluid, like Ada invited you to her home in Madison and you're having a chat, and even though I took copious notes because it was just so interesting, I still felt that tone throughout the book.
About the only critique I'd have is how Ada treats the Menominee opposition when she talks about tension over the restoration plan. Granted, she probably knows better than I do, but she comes across as a bit dismissive of their concerns and I'd definitely like to hear a memoir from someone who had grievances and was on the other side. Still, even there she's gracious, even if those old wounds and tensions are still palpable in her words.
This was created through a process of interviews, and I think that's partially responsible for why it works so well. The tone feels conversational and fluid, like Ada invited you to her home in Madison and you're having a chat, and even though I took copious notes because it was just so interesting, I still felt that tone throughout the book.
About the only critique I'd have is how Ada treats the Menominee opposition when she talks about tension over the restoration plan. Granted, she probably knows better than I do, but she comes across as a bit dismissive of their concerns and I'd definitely like to hear a memoir from someone who had grievances and was on the other side. Still, even there she's gracious, even if those old wounds and tensions are still palpable in her words.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Toxic relationship and Domestic abuse