A Multifaceted Perspective

 Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah

Calling for a Blanket Dance book cover

This was one of the most touching and powerful books I’ve read in some time. A true highlight in my year of reading. I can see why this book won best debut novel and was a finalist for book of the year. The book tells the story of Ever Geimausaddle and all his friends and relatives. Each section of the book relates to Ever in some way, but is told from a different perspective of his family and friends. The title comes from a ceremonial dance where the members of the tribe will donate money to help pay for some kind of expense. It shows the kind of community and support that surrounds the Cherokee and Kiowa communities that play a part in the book. Following Ever from his inception, when his father and mother first experience injustice in Mexico, the book traces the history of Ever’s experiences as an angry kid who struggles with school until he becomes a father and ultimately a young elder of the tribe, someone who is not only responsible for his own children, but looks out for other kids who struggle and are challenged by life as well. I could not put this book down, and I loved seeing Ever’s evolution from an angry kid to someone who became like a role model and father figure in his community. It was a great transformation. Furthermore, it was so interesting to learn about the different practices and the intersections of different indigenous peoples in the book. My favorite element of this book, though, was the characterization and how Hokeah imbues each chapter with the unique language and viewpoints of their narratives and how they each share a different view and conception of Ever. I absolutely loved this book, and I can see how amazing this book would be to teach in a high school or even middle school class. I think that it is appealing to all people, and I especially think that young boys would be interested in seeing how Ever transforms and finds strength and support in his community. The book sends such a positive message to so many. I am looking forward to reading more from Oscar Hokeah.