Even though Green Grass, Running Water provides a social commentary on the devestating effects to Native American culture at the hands of "white" society, you will laugh from the first page to the last. THis is not a sad, somber story about the plight of Native Americans today, even though their plight is a somber story; this story is humorous,witty, and ingenious.

This novel is truly an extroadinary experience; I wish everyone would read it. It is written by Thomas King, a Cherokee author, and it is set in Canada. He takes us on a journey; there really is no other way to describe it. We meet several members of the Blackfoot tribe in modern day Canada, where all sorts of strange events take place. Led of course, by the infamous Coyote. If you have read or studied Native American literature, you will be familiar with the Coyote figure. The Coyote in King's novel is funny, bold, and sly.

Coyote turns up to wreak havoc with life on the Blackfoot reservation, and with the creation stories of organized Western religion. There are stories upon stories that appear to be running seperate commentaries within the novel, but manage to gel into a cohesive novel. Like Native American culture, the stories in this novel are entertaining, and informative; they also happen to be hilarious. That is, if you have a sense of humor about religion. I am a Roman Catholic, and found the satires on the Christian Religion's creation stores truly genious; I defy anyone to read them without laughing.

The main story centers around a family on the Blackfoot reservation. Eli is protesting the damn that was built on the lake; Alberta is trying to get Lionel's life back on track, Lionel ends up in a protest which leads to him selling electronics for a living, Latisha runs a diner in which she utilizes Native American stereotypes in order to make a profit. This was truly wonderful; she lies to all the customers and tells them that she only serves dog meat. The tourists eat this up...literally; check out the descriptions of the paintings that line her restaurant. Throughout all this are four mysterious, somewhat magical, ancient Natives that are wandering around. Not only does Thomas King take shots at the government that cheated the Natives, he shoots at religion, at stereotypes, at ignorance, and even John Wayne.

Please go out and read this novel; I have since bought several more from Thomas King and cannot wait to read them. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves to experience reading; it does require partcipation of the reader; it is not your ordinary novel. So bring your sense of humour and a sense of adventure and read Green Grass. Happy Reading!