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Red Thunder
Steeped in authentic cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs, this rich and wonderful historical novel follows the times and trials of a family band of the Schi’tsu’umsh Indians, now called the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in northern Idaho. Through a boy named Sun Bear and his sister, Rainbow Girl, the band’s oral stories are told as it struggles to hold onto what is precious and sacred about life.
The story spans several generations of the family, beginning in the early 1700s, before they had experienced widespread contact with European settlers. Set within the tribe’s originally claimed territory Red Thunder reveals a time when the tribe was governed by laws based exclusively on traditional teachings and the rules of nature.
The story spans several generations of the family, beginning in the early 1700s, before they had experienced widespread contact with European settlers. Set within the tribe’s originally claimed territory Red Thunder reveals a time when the tribe was governed by laws based exclusively on traditional teachings and the rules of nature.
- GenresHistorical
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 14, 2022
Stunning portrayal of a beautiful culture!
I had to savor this novel, as there were so many layers, depths, nuances, and intensities of wisdom, grace, purity, and truth. If all the world practiced the life lessons and noble teachings expressed in this literary work, the world wouldn’t be such a dark place. Written in fiction form, we are privileged to follow multiple generations of the Schi’tsu’umsh, now Coeur d’Alene tribe. Set in the early 1700s, before the appearance of European settlers, we are told the story through one boy as he goes through the seasons of life. Through him, we become especially enrapt with particular characters. I found great inspiration regarding reverence, thankfulness, and appreciation of Kolunsuten (God), nature, animals, and healing in the demonstration of relationships. The relationship values struck me the most, with the honor toward women especially. I’ve longed for these kinds of values. I’d also not had the blessing to know any of my grandparents, so it was emotional for me to imagine these relationships through the portrayals gifted in this book. The display of dedication and love revolving around the elders was beautiful, and honestly, holy. The finale of the novel was amazing; I’d even say anointed by the Holy Spirit.
There are reading guides provided afterward benefitting both adult and student discussion groups.
Intelligently written, spiritually sensitive, and colorfully and cleanly detailed, Red Thunder is suitable for all ages. I recommend taking this meaningful journey among the Schi’tsu’umsh. It will open your heart and your eyes.
I had to savor this novel, as there were so many layers, depths, nuances, and intensities of wisdom, grace, purity, and truth. If all the world practiced the life lessons and noble teachings expressed in this literary work, the world wouldn’t be such a dark place. Written in fiction form, we are privileged to follow multiple generations of the Schi’tsu’umsh, now Coeur d’Alene tribe. Set in the early 1700s, before the appearance of European settlers, we are told the story through one boy as he goes through the seasons of life. Through him, we become especially enrapt with particular characters. I found great inspiration regarding reverence, thankfulness, and appreciation of Kolunsuten (God), nature, animals, and healing in the demonstration of relationships. The relationship values struck me the most, with the honor toward women especially. I’ve longed for these kinds of values. I’d also not had the blessing to know any of my grandparents, so it was emotional for me to imagine these relationships through the portrayals gifted in this book. The display of dedication and love revolving around the elders was beautiful, and honestly, holy. The finale of the novel was amazing; I’d even say anointed by the Holy Spirit.
There are reading guides provided afterward benefitting both adult and student discussion groups.
Intelligently written, spiritually sensitive, and colorfully and cleanly detailed, Red Thunder is suitable for all ages. I recommend taking this meaningful journey among the Schi’tsu’umsh. It will open your heart and your eyes.
October 25, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed It! What I knew of this culture before reading this book was scant, though I always thought myself as more knowledge than most.
I grew up in the middle of Chief Black Hawk land between the Rock and Mississippi rivers. As a kid, we'd occasionally find an arrow head.
The rhythm of the book varies widely. The storytelling style was crucial to the overall feel of the narrative, in my humble opinion.
This should be read in middle schools.
I grew up in the middle of Chief Black Hawk land between the Rock and Mississippi rivers. As a kid, we'd occasionally find an arrow head.
The rhythm of the book varies widely. The storytelling style was crucial to the overall feel of the narrative, in my humble opinion.
This should be read in middle schools.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews