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Cory Douglas

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Waterless Mountain

by Laura Adams Armer

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Cory Douglas said: " Although Native American literature is not a genre that I generally choose, I did enjoy the ambiance of this book. I found Younger Brother to be an enjoyable character, and I appreciated his gentle perspective. I also enjoyed the way in which each re Although Native American literature is not a genre that I generally choose, I did enjoy the ambiance of this book. I found Younger Brother to be an enjoyable character, and I appreciated his gentle perspective. I also enjoyed the way in which each relationship that he formed within the book was meaningful; each character had an important role and helped Younger Brother to grow more as a medicine man and as a person. I found it interesting that even the weather and animals were personified as well. This gave everything within the book a sense of life and vitality, which of course was extrapolated by the presence of water at the end of the story. I think the overarching theme of this book is the idea of life, and the ways in which everything is connected. Similarly, the book underscores our connection to the past as well; Uncle's character reiterated this idea throughout the book. Also, the way in which plants healed humans and pollen brought good fortune to the people connected human life to plant life. Even the death of the handsome husband during the flood was brought full circle when Younger Brother saw him portrayed in the movie. I found Younger Brother's relationship with the Big Man endearing; when Big Man entered the story, I anticipated him to be a negative character who would perhaps exploit the family, but he was ultimately a source of protection and nourishment for them, which gave me a sense of relief. All throughout the story, I waited for Big Man to change, but I was glad that he remained a positive force within the book.

The most difficulty that I had with this book was that at times the personification of animals and weather were a bit confusing. I understand that these animals such as Yellow Beak and the Pack Rat were important figures within the book, and I also understand that the personifications coincide with Native American beliefs, but I found them a bit hard to follow. However, I do feel that in a classroom context, this book would be an ideal work of study for figurative language! Because of the personification, the great deal of imagery and symbolism, this book would be useful for review of such items.

All in all, I greatly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the positive relationship that the Native Americans had with the Pelicanos, and the characters which Armer featured. I also enjoyed the simplistic sense of family, and Younger Brother's voyage to the sea. I rated this work 3 stars only because of the confusion that I experienced, and because Native American Literature is not my genre of choice. However, this book contains many good qualities that made it a worthwhile read. ...more "

Feb 12, 2018 06:20AM · see review