A review by grantj00
Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn

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.”