The Last Pow-Wow

by That Native Thomas, Steven Paul Judd

Sparkling with magical realism, this book follows nine seemingly separate stories that dovetail in an unexpected and profound climax. It begins with a mysterious pow-wow to be held inside a colossal tipi, 200 feet tall and three miles wide, which suddenly appears on the outskirts of a small town. Advertising fliers blanket the area and all of Indian country, billing itself as "The Pow-Wow of all Pow-Wows." There is a stipulation to the pow-wow though: only full-blooded Native Americans are allowed to dance, drum, or attend the grand event.

Mixed-blooded Native Americans and non-Native Americans protest the gathering. Meanwhile, nine travelers make their journeys to the huge get-together, including a blind teenager lovingly transporting the dead body of his grandmother, who was the last medicine woman, to the pow-wow she wanted to attend before her death. None of the nine travelers realize that they are part of something more important, something much bigger than what they all seek from being at the pow-wow. And at the story's end, an epic battle between good and evil ensues that will change the world forever.

Genres: Indigenous, Magical Realism, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy

1 pages, MP3 CD

First published September 19, 2019

Reviews

[Aaminah Shakur · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is true, this book desperately needed a qualified editor. It is full of typos, incorrect word choices, etc. Yes, I realize this can be off-putting and distracting. But the story(ies) are worth looking past that failure to edit. Supporting Indigenous authors is also important. Reading some other reviews, I also feel compelled to point out that if you are not Native you might not understand some of the humor not only in the stories but in the way they are told. Read it anyway.

[Karin Biskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GREATEST NATIVE STORY EVER TOLD

This beautiful story was written in such a way that while reading it, you hear it in the voice of your favorite storytelling Auntie or Uncle...the one that told you all the stories your parents wouldn't. I love the interwoven humor/history/story/prophecy aspect of the book. It was a fairly quick read and worth the time spent doing so.

[Jen Davis Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy that only an indigenous writer could produce, an intriguing confluence of Indian spiritual figures (Deer Woman, Coyote the Trickster), Christian figures (Lucifer becomes Son of the Morning Star), and what it means to be Indian. Is it the color of the skin, the blood quantum, or is it the shape of the spirit?
I would have given this 4 stars, but there were so many characters that sometimes they were ill-defined, or disappeared for a hundred pages, only to become central to the storyline. Thomas could have written entire novels about several of his characters (the girl who talks ghost butterflies, for example).

[Angielina Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

traditional good & bad medicine stories from many of the tribal cultures, along with Native & American historical events that occurred, are woven together in this fast paced work of The Last Pow-Wow; aside from a few hours sleep and meals, i barely put this book down.

visually i could see this unfolding as a dark comedic, spiritual adventure that has piqued my interest into contemporary tribal stories and oral histories once more.

the nod to 'Dorian Gray' and soul-capturing was an especially nice touch in one of several sub-plots within 'The Last Pow Wow.'

i highly recommend this book

[Chris Linehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a story this would have been a five star affair. Even stacked up against other modern myth makers like Gaiman, Rushdie or de Bernières the plot, the twists and the incorporation of the fantastic into the ordinary would have kept this tale from feeling out of place. The characters are interesting and captivating. Even those with tremendous flaws like the alcoholic taxi driver that takes a blind sixteen year old boy to a strip club is noble in his own way. I seriously cannot praise the storytelling element of this book enough.

That said, the prose of That Native Thomas does not have the polish of authors like Gaiman, Rushdie or de Bernières. If you’ve read any of my reviews on here you would be right in pointing out that I live in a glass house; but, the language of the book is so raw that it took a lot of effort to look past it to see the beauty in the story. At times, the repetitive usage of certain words gave me the impression of a talented high schooler writing to desperately impress the teacher. That said, of the two paragraphs that I have written as my review, the former is significantly more important than the latter. Don’t let the language deficiencies dissuade you from reading an excellent piece of fiction.

[Mark Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, don't pick this book up if you have a low tolerance for poor editing; in fact, I'm not sure The Last Pow-Wow had an editor. It reads more like a self-published, on-line novel, than a book that went through any more editing than having a friend read and OK it. Rarely does a page go by without glaring grammatical errors, double words, missing words, awkward usage ... At times, one can sense, that maybe some half-hearted suggestions were made by that friend. For example, something like, "I'm not sure regular readers will know what Indian fry bread is or what you mean by "the rez," and the author dutifully and clumsily squeezed a dictionary-style definition into an already existing sentence. I almost stopped reading after three or four pages.

That said, many of the stories are interesting and fun, even if lamely told. The climactic chapter of the titular last pow-wow, however, is over-wrought and silly as it strives to bring all the stories together and create a mythic scene.

[Rachel Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great modern day storytelling!

Storytelling at it's best! Focusing on the issue of blood quantum and it's role in Indian lives. Wonderful story of unity.
One of my favorite quotes from the book "Indian tribes and the nooses of the U.S. Government were once familiar with each other, a part of U.S. history hidden by U.S. history books, but what was, happened regardless of what U.S. history books hide."

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audio book, and appreciated the tilt towards traditional storytelling. However, even through the audio book, I could tell that the writing was in sore need of an editor. I don't know if I would have been able to finish it if I were reading it. But there were a few laugh out loud funny jokes!

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. That ending is brilliant. If I rounded up 4.5 stars, I definitely would for this one. Definitely a book I recommend, though note there's probably going to be a point where you can't stomach the portrayal of Native Americans, but push through to the end. It's worth it.

It definitely has a There There vibe, but is distinctly different.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably better in print (Oh my ears!) but erratic storytelling gives way to a genuinely rousing hip hip hooray of an ending
My Full Review

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!! So much awesome indigenous humor and the authors pull in great Native storytelling along with weaving many different tribal myths/stories. Many I was familiar with, but there were some that were totally new to me.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far the best book I've read this year! Love the magical elements of the story, and love the author's narration (listened to Audible version). This needs to be a movie or series. Adding That Native Thomas to my growing list of favorite authors. Must read!

[Michael de Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an original and stunning story. Little too many characters but other than that it's perfect!

[Carl Aloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so imaginative, funny, witty, educational and moving. In an entertaining way, it really demonstrates the centuries-old plight and spirit of Native Americans, which continue to this day.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a little violent? But the storytelling is superb and the mix of stories that mesh together at the end is easy to follow. Plus the leak into native stories is very much appreciated

[Evon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend the audio version. Magic heard in the author's voice.

[Devon Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting novel. Fleshed out and even quite suspenseful at times

And also near the end I was crying To be fair it involved Chief and his owner but still

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories are just better listened to.

[Noelle Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cool story with fascinating characters that come together in a meaningful way.

[Lorin (paperbackbish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storytelling in this book! The way the characters and their seemingly disparate stories come together at the end is just magical.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book!

[Dawnsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was/is my favorite audiobook of 2021 (found it on my library site)!
I'd like to also say I very much appreciated That Native Thomas bringing these Native American Spirits to life; I can literally picture Coyote, and everyone else in my head. Just a great narration.
In a year full of anticipated series additions that were absolutely disappointing, The Last Pow Wow was a happy find.
Addressing comments from readers of the book format? (Yes, I read them). I believe the only way to fully appreciate any of this genre is to listen to it as is meant to be. Its to my understanding these are Oral Traditions; not written ones. Never mind punctuation. If you listen, rather than read, this book comes to life. Just one opinion though.
I sincerely hope there are more collaborations from these two co-authors. I'll be here waiting.

[Dawnsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful book! Story contains the Usual Suspects, Coyote for example. But this book is far more than it appears. It does truly appeal to a wide ranging market with the "supernatural," to it that is the thread to all Native American life lesson stories. The book begins with "The Why," of it and the culmination of good vs evil at The Last Pow Wow. Fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles will recognize some of the players involved. A very good book, well written, and I look forward to listening to more from these authors (storytellers).

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This feels like the first time in a long time I’ve found a new book I can give 5 stars with absolutely no hesitation. I cried at least five distinct times during this story. Probably more if I’m honest. I spent half the time reading (listening on audible actually) thinking this would make an excellent film, ESPECIALLY if it were animated. It then made a lot of sense when I found out That Native Thomas has a strong film background. I’m about to spend the next few months recommending this book to people nonstop.

[World Literature Today]

"The authors seamlessly incorporate Native American history and establish the context for the stories that play out in and around the powwow. There is a riveting description of Abraham Lincoln’s real-life role in the 1860s Dakota Uprising, which should be required reading for every fifth grader in the United States. It provides a perspective on President Lincoln’s legacy that is darker and more complex than the version most of us learned." - Ursula Pike

This book was reviewed in the May 2017 issue of World Literature Today magazine. Read the full review by visiting our website: https://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/...