Grand Avenue: A Novel in Stories

This is a collection of delightful stories about real Indians living real lives. Sarris' style artfully complements each story, capturing the voices of his characters. Funny and irreverent, we need more of this in our lives.

As a Native American, I found the book to be a compelling and truthful view of the modern world of urban Indian life. The clean lines of the stories are perfectly juxtaposed with the "stuff" of daily life in the urban rez. Sarris masterfully captures the meat and bread of this group of "Injuns" who are trying to get by the best way they can despite their disenfranchisement and despair. The basket of stories he weaves is a hypnotic mix of laughter and tears. Once the reader embarks on the adventure he simply cannot stop til the very last word. One finds a sort of happiness in the daily doings of these relateds. The humor that exudes from nearly every page ameliorates the drastic situations the characters encounter. I found the issue of "poison" to be the most compelling issue Sarris brings forward in his finely-crafted novel. I hope that non-Indians will take this look carefully as there is poison in every group of humans. If one cannot see it, it will take over. Sarris lays it out for all to see and for the lesson. What will be learned fromt his brilliant novel? There may be poison in your own family, in your neighborhood, down the street, on the freeway, in the government...watch out! be careful!For Sarris fans, please check out his latest, Watermelon Nights. It is a winner too!

I SAW THE HBO SPECIAL 2 PARTER OF "GRAND AVENUE".. IT WAS POWERFUL & TRUE TO THE REAL WORLD... THERE ARE SOME BRUTAL MOMENTS, & SOME FUNNY REZ HUMOR... I BOUGHT THE 2 PART VIDEO.. AND I WILL NOW BUY THE BOOK TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF THE MOVIE.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

trying to find the video . can anyone help me locate the 3-hour movie or tape. Thanks in advance [email protected]

I read this book a few months ago. I tried to read it a year ago and found myself unengrossed. However, the second try was much better. This collection of short stories about an extended Indian family, thier plight and difficult circumstances are telling and harsh. I found myself relating to the characters' language and thoughts, not to mention family life. I suppose the difficulty in the first try was due to the tragic reality that the author has portrayed in this book. I highly reccomend this book of mondern day Indian life laden with poverty and self reliance. I look forward to reading other Indian authors' works with modern stories of Indian life to tell. Thank you.Numunu