Rebel Poet: More Stories from a 21st Century Indian

by Louis V. Clark (Two Shoes)

This eagerly anticipated follow-up to the breakout memoir How to Be an Indian in the 21st Century delves more deeply into the themes of family, community, grief, and the struggle to make a place in the world when your very identity is considered suspect. In Rebel More Stories from a 21st Century Indian , author Louis Clark examines the effects of his mother's alcoholism and his young sister's death, offers an intimate recounting of the backlash he faced as an Indian on the job, and celebrates the hard-fought sense of home he and his wife have created. Rebel Poet continues the author's tradition of seamlessly mixing poetry and prose, and is at turns darker and more nuanced than its predecessor.

Genres: Poetry

112 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2019

Reviews

[Frank Karioris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful story teller, without doubt; and I loved feeling like I was back in Wisconsin - for all its highs and lows.

[Thomas Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel Poet

I am simply impressed by this book. It makes a statement about living in Wisconsin, being a man, and being a Native American. I read Clark’s other books, really liked them and thought that he was done with memoir/chapbook. In this book he shows he has a lot more to say.

I think Clark wants to be a fun poet. But I believe he has grown from a fun poet with powerful truths into a truth poet that dips into his love of fun. His first book How To Be A Indian in The Twenty-first Century had power in his words. In his latest Book, Clarks poetry and his prose has grown in depth, power and imagery. It’s power is in its honesty.

I have met Mr. Clark and if you have a chance to go to one of his readings, do so. He is a warm, wonderful person. This book (he does not brag or put himself as the hero) proves that he is what he appears to be.

Okay, he does talk about how he had to do things better, faster, smarter to get ahead. Come to the Lakefly Writers Conference In Oshkosh where he is a volunteer and you will see he is the hardest worker.

The poems in this book were darker than his previous books, but he is more masteryful with symbolism and imagery. The prose about his childhood is compelling and well-written. Some of his simple ideas stick with me. For example, it makes sense that mascots are Indians or animals. People hunted both. There is much more, but read the book.

Clark’s writing cuts to the heart of matters.

[Mr. K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a friend of Louis', helps me hear his voice in every poem and explanation. He has a wonderful way of making the words jump off the page. Although he may downplay his abilities, his wit and love for his family shine brightly throughout his story. My favorite poem is HOPE. It, as well as the book, are worth more than one reading.

[David M. M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

When my local library got this book in, one of the librarians emailed me specifically because she thought I might want to read it. She was absolutely right. Part memoir, part poetry collection. Uncomplicated and enlightening, fantastically conversational, at turns troubling and cozy.

[Andréa]

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher at ALA Annual 2019.

[Tuyet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great voice showing an experience many people have in Wisconsin that is not given its due often enough.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's poems seem simple, but the images they convey are deep, demanding the reader not to look away from truth.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

More irony, more love, and more quirky poetry.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got an advance copy from ALA and was blown away, Clark blends poetry and prose so beautifully to create amazing story - reminds me of Sherman Alexie in his humor, grit, rawness, emotion, questioning and fighting against prejudice - this author is awesome.