Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee:
An Indian History of the American West

by Dee Brown

audiobook: 14.3 hours

narrated by Grover Gardner

*** About the Book ***

First published in1972, this book provides an extraordinary look at the collapse of the Indian Nations of the American West due to the encroachment of white settlers.  Separate chapters are dedicated to each Indian tribe and the particulars of its downfall.  Each chapter begins with a timeline that lists the major events going on around the world and in the United States.  This is followed by direct quotes from Indians regarding their experiences.  The rest of the chapter then details the events that led to either the extinction of the tribe or its forced move onto a reservation.


*** Why I Read It ***

A while back I watched the movie Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee and became interested in the Native American writer Charles Eastman.  After listening to some of his histories I wanted to learn more so I sought out this book, knowing that it had received high praise from a blogger I trust.


*** My Thoughts ***

This book is a must read for absolutely everyone. It should be part of the public school curriculum throughout the United States.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.

If you think you know anything about the history of the American West, you probably only know a fraction of what you think you know.  I always thought that my education was pretty balanced, or at least that I'd educated myself in areas that were lacking, but I can't believe how much of the "doctrine" I learned in elementary school continues to affect my thinking without me being conscious of it.  This book truly opened my eyes to the realities of American history, to things that I really thought I already knew but apparently did not.

I fully intend to listen to this book again.  And maybe even again after that.  I also intend to get a copy of the illustrated edition and to share it with Kiddo when he's a little bit older.  It is one of the best, most educational, books I've ever read/listened to.



*** Your Thoughts ***

It was Alyce's review (from At Home With Books) that made me put this book on my TBR list last year; I encourage you to check out her review as she says exactly what I am trying to say only better, AND she uses lots of pictures from the illustrated edition.

Have any of the rest of you read this book?  If you've reviewed it please leave a link in the comments.  For those who haven't read it, have I convinced you to pick it up? I hope so, because this is truly a phenomenal book.