Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan

by Barbara J. Barton

2019 Michigan Notable Book Award Winner and 2018 State History Award! This is the first book of its kind to bring forward the rich tradition of wild rice in Michigan and its importance to the Anishinaabek people who live there. Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan focuses on the history, culture, biology, economics, and spirituality surrounding this sacred plant. The story travels through time from the days before European colonization and winds its way forward in and out of the logging and industrialization eras. It weaves between the worlds of the Anishinaabek and the colonizers, contrasting their different perspectives and divergent relationships with Manoomin. Barton discusses historic wild rice beds that once existed in Michigan, why many disappeared, and the efforts of tribal and nontribal people with a common goal of restoring and protecting Manoomin across the landscape.

Genres: Food, History

214 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt pretty dense and list-like, but the nature imagery was really relaxing for reading before bed. I found the topic really interesting and I appreciated the detail about Manoomin in my home state.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging micro-history of food & culture, not unlike Mark Kurlansky's Cod or Salt. What sets this work apart from those is a commitment to a multivocalic presentation, with Anishinabek representatives discussing the significance of manoomin in their own voice.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful weave of a narrative and science.

I must admit, I did a quick surface read skipping over charts and drawings so I could quickly understand the thesis. I have since gone back to sections for a more indepth study.

This book is a keeper for future reference.

[Rita Hosey · Rating 4 out of 5]

good history book about Michigan and the native Americans

[Henry DeForest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manoomin was a fascinating read. There is a lot of historic and cultural weight to these two species, and I feel Barton did them justice.