Customer Reviews:
 More than just tales July 16, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Of all the books in the library that I have checked out in an effort to learn about the Ottawa Indians, this is the only book I have had a desire to own. It's a great collection of tales that reflect a lot about the Ottawa culture and history. It also features a glossary of words and phrases in the Ottawa language. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in the Ottawa Indians.
 Fun Campfire Reading July 10, 2000
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a collection of 55 anecdotal legends as related to the author by his grandmother and other elder Ottawa tribesmen. The Ottawa once inhabited much of northern lower Michigan and had a well established settlement near present day Harbor Springs, Michigan, the author's home town. Wright's grandmother was reportedly the great grandaughter of Pontiac, the revered Ottawa Chief who lead the last rebellion against the English at Detroit in 1763. As with any "word of mouth" history, the authenticity and accuracy of these stories is questionable, but this is probably as good as it gets. The stories cover a variety of subjects: the changeable Michigan weather, the confusing federal bureaucracy. My favorite story is chapter 28, the Great Feast of the Ottawas, during which a villager named Shawn relates his experience on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., to obtain treaty payments. Overall, I was disappointed: some of the stories are so brief (less than 200 words) that it is difficult to grasp their intent; that is assuming that any story worth telling has a lesson to offer. The book also contains a glossary of 167 words, phrases and names of Michigan cities and their Ottawa translation. Recommended as light, summer reading.
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