Big Medicine Pretty Water

by Mike Katko

Trapped in a cabin with her dying uncle during a blizzard in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico in 1927, Alyssa Aleeray must create a plan to save their lives. Abandoned at birth fourteen years before and found wrapped in a Navajo blanket, she was raised in the ways of her ancestors by her adoptive family in Otowi Station, a village along the historic Chile Line. For years, Bootlegger Boss Walt has schemed to destroy Alyssa's Native American lifestyle by separating her from the family she loves. For years, her tenacious spirit has served her well. But overcoming the death-defying challenges she now faces will require divine intervention. Her adoptive father often predicted, "Someday, Alyssa will attract Big Medicine." Will his dream for her come true?

232 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2023

Reviews

[Bonnie Streetman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was fast paced and exciting. The characters were rich. Being from Los Alamos, I loved all the various places that were visited in the story. I basically read it all in one day. I couldn’t put it down.

[Stefanie Barnfather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not knowing anything about the cultural landscape of this book before I read it—and the legend of the main character, Alyssa Aleeray—I was surprisingly touched, and inspired, by the tale (especially the ending, which I did not see coming). Mike Katko started Alyssa’s story at the perfect place, with a brief introduction of her genealogy followed by a high-stakes plot which instilled in Alyssa the values that made her a conduit for Big Medicine. The underlying themes within the narrative are close to my own heart—connection to nature, living things, and having respect for diverse spiritual systems—and Katko’s meticulous inclusion of the descriptive details intended to educate readers about the importance of these themes was the perfect blend of literary prose and scientific/historical accuracy. Katko’s writing style is precise, courageous, and the embodiment of Big Medicine: this author has the narrative “power to make things happen and bring about racial equity and peace.” (p. 193) Big Medicine Pretty Water is an excellent example of historical fiction. I believe its lessons could definitely help readers get to know themselves.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impetuous Mexican/Pueblo girl-hunter takes on Mother Nature to save an injured guide from a treacherous mountain blizzard. Set in 1927, New Mexico and Rocky Mountains, this well-nuanced tale takes fourteen-year-old Alyssa Aleery on a journey that will test her faith, family, and survival skills, as she challenges society's expectations for her future.

I'd love to see a film adaptation of the book!

Themes include: coming-of-age, feminine vs. masculine roles, human power vs. nature, faith vs. doubt, material vs. spiritual power.