Book Review: Firewater
How Alcohol is Killing My People (and Yours)
by Harold R. Johnson
University of Regina
180 pages Trade Paper
Firewater is a tough read. What Harold Johnson writes is the hard truth about the devastating impact alcohol has had on our Indigenous peoples.
Johnson, from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, was a prosecuting attorney. He writes about tribal traditions, spirituality, and modern medical research to take on the stereotype of "lazy drunken Indian."
The author writes in plain frank language. Firewater speaks to anyone struggling with addiction.
One sentence in particular struck me. "To solve alcohol we need sober leaders."
The First Nations Drum wrote: "Welcome and tragically overdue, this book should be a bible on the fight for survival and recovery."
Johnson not only exposes the truth about alcohol but he brings solutions. The book also includes testimonials.
Firewater was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award.
BOOK SHORTS
Arrow of Lightning
by Joseph Bruchac
Tu Books Hardcover 392 pages
Months after she has been healed from the Enemy Sickness that afflicted her in Trail of the Dead, Lozen and her family have gathered a community around them in Valley Where First Light Paints the Cliff and have begun to rebuild.
Masterful storyteller Joseph Bruchau delivers a satisfying conclusion of the series.
Take Us to Your Chief and other stories
by Drew Hayden Taylor
Douglas & McIntyre Trade Paper
150 pages
A computer learns to feel sadness and grief from the history of atrocities. A young Native man discovers the secret to time travel in ancient petroglyphs. Drawing inspiration from science fiction legends like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury, Drew Hayden Taylor frames classic sci-fi tropes from an Aboriginal perspective.
