from Sand Creek (Volume 42) (Sun Tracks)

I didn’t realize this was poetry. Although I like poetry, I probably would buy a book of all poetry. This was my mistake and not a fault of the book.

But you better be prepared to have your heart broken by this reporting of the quiet horror that has defined the experience of Native Americans since the genocidal fury of the European Invasion began. This is gorgeous minimalist poetry dealing with existential issues that I could not read for very long without weeping and having to put it down for another day. When I think about the lies I was taught in school: The Winning of the West, Manifest Destiny, all of it, I am disgusted with my white compatriots and have only a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Ortiz and so many others who have managed to respond from such a compassionate but relentlessly clear-eyed place. Thankfully the role of the artist is to stand for truth in the face of the ignorant and uncaring status quo.

I read this in college years ago in a class and had already liked his works. I am not one for poetry, but I enjoyed this even if it is about a terrible event in American history.

Simon Ortiz' From Sand Creek has written a powerful book of poetry on violence toward Native Americans. He weaves together his experiences at a veterans recovery center with the historic violence against Plains Native Americans. This is profound poetry.

There are not many Native American authors and this book brought tears to my eyes. He is an excellent author bringing realty that is not well known (Sand Creek Anniliation) to the reader in a most unique way. I suggest everyone get this book and understand what the Native Americans have suffered in the past and yet today suffer some of the same attrocities. Simon J. Ortiz, my hat is off to you, keep them coming and readers, if you do not have this book, I suggest you get it.

Carefully interwoven and deeply profound. Courage to write of an American history of barbarous brutality fused with a contemporary journey of insight. Spiritually, something a great poet has been able to do. Gentle and haunting. Profound and powerful. Reflective and word-painted with the kind of deep down sorrow I can not put into words.

Some of the absolute best poetry I have ever read. The poems are finely crafted and honed, thoughtful and provocative. Simon Ortiz breathes real life into these stanza; not one word is wasted or out of place. Moreover, there is profound meaning in the work. Read this book; it will change you.

This book was in excellent shape and arrived so quickly! I needed that because i needed to read this book for class. I also thought this book was moving, intense, wonderfully written, and overall an excellent read.