A Braid of Lives: Native American Childhood

A Braid Of Lives is a beautiful collection of photographs and poignant reminiscences of a series of Native American children of various ethnicities. From the terrifying to the mystical, each fragment captures an incomprehensible moment of life, vivid, stark or whimsical; sometimes all three. Part of Black Elk's vision is here, as well as a Paiute woman's memory of being buried alive as a child to avoid death at the hands of her 'white brothers.' All black and white photographs are exquisite in choice and composition, and each relates to the accompanying text, though it may not be the author quoted. At the end of the book is a list of speakers and writers, an index of Indian nations represented, picture sources, and suggestions for further reading. All of the narratives relate childhood experiences or memories. This is a book with a sacred feel about it, stunning quietly with its directness. It is suitable for adolescent readers as well as adults, and should lead the audience to want to learn more about Native Americans.Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer