little

Little: A Novel
$16.00
In a housing tract called Poverty, population seven, a grave is dug, then filled, even though eight year old Little's body is missing. This unsentimental first novel revolves around the seven people who knew the nearly silent Little and who scratch out a difficult life on a Ojibwe reservation in Minnesota. They lend their voices and perspectives, some contradictory, to this bleak story of how Little came to "be in everything." The heart of this novel is not Little, however, but the people who knew him. Even though Little is not a major character the way his brother Donovan is, he represents the deformity in the others that must be overcome to survive. Treuer has structured his novel in individual stories that are connected more through the association of the characters than any solid narrative drive. His writing is stark - sometimes poetic and others ordinary, but always fitting the mood of the moment. If this novel suffers from anything, it's obtuseness. The reader knows when he is supposed to read more into dialogue or a description, but the connections aren't always clear. The author's talents far outweigh this flaw, as Poverty and its residents are memorable, complex creations. LITTLE is not an uplifting novel, nor is it an easy read, so readers looking for these qualities should look elsewhere. For those interested in literary fiction or in issues facing contemporary Native Americans, you will find much offered here by the author of a later work, THE HIAWATHA.

Death Instinct
$7.99
This book is a page turner! I don't even need to write words of praise, if shocking horror is your thing, Bentley Little is your author! He has established his place among the greats with this one. It'll have you thinking long after you've put the book down.

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home
$22.00
Opening this book with a little insite to the life (My Grandfather was also "equvilant to the Pope" in his Mennonite world) I was curious of her story & looking forward to a little history. It did deliver a little history but it also offered humor. & quite funny in places too. Then the middle to the end of the book happened, where it just seemed to run on & on. It wasn't the best book I have ever read however I did enjoy it. With both of my parents raised in the close-knit community of Mennonites, I could appreciate the humor a bit more. I think that could be key to truely understanding her quandry of returning to her roots - the extremes of how she lived compared to her expectations growing up. I could relate to portions of her story due to how I was raised although my family isn't the extreme Mennonite as she described hers to be.

Have a Little Faith: A True Story
$23.99
To have spiritual faith you must hold a particular belief. I believe Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, i.e. I am a Christian. The Jewish faith believes in God the Father yet are still waiting for the Christ so they are half way home. Chistianity believes there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ - period. That said, Jesus was not mean spirited to those who did not believe; in fact, that is why the Father sent Him to us, to reach the unbelievers. And He always did so with compassion. We are called to have compassion for one another, to be our brother and sisters keeper. Mitch Albon's book is contrary to most writings of the day; he calls us to have compassion for one another whether or not that ever leads to salvation. He leaves the question of how we are to believe to us, just as Jesus did. Whether we accept Jesus Christ or not is up to each of us individually. It is my hope and desire for all to come and accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Until then, I will practice compassion without compromising my faith; not as a way to obtain salvation but as a thank offering for having accepted the free gift of salvation. Mitch's simple book stimulates one to think as well as remind us we need one another, be willing to practice forgiveness and to love one another through the use of whatever talents we have been blessed with. It's simple but not always easy; thanks Mitch for sharing.