Rating: 
Summary: awsome book!
Review: If you want to understand the REAL HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICANS READ IT FROM REAL NATIVE AMERICANS NOT FROM WHITE PEOPLE, OR FROM ANTHROPOLOGISTS WHO DON'T KNOW NOTIHNG! READ THIS BOOK AND YOU WILL LEARN ALOT ABOUT THE REAL HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICANS , AIM, AND MOST OF ALL ABOUT RUSELL MEANS! THEY DON'T CALL HIM THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA FOR NOTHING!
Rating: 
Summary: Sonii Wytewa, a Native woman
Review: Most people have probably heard of Russell Means at some point. Means is the best known member of the American Indian Movement (AIM). AIM was the group that took over Wounded Knee in the early 1970's and engaged in numerous protests to try and bring attention to the plight of the Native American. This autobiography not only gives the reader a detailed description of the life of Russell Means, but insights into the philosophy of this revolutionary. While AIM has receded into the background quite a bit since its glory days, Means is still going strong. This book shows us why.The book doesn't flinch from unpleasantness. We find out that Means' parents were abusive and that his father was an alcoholic. Russell himself became mixed up in drugs during his youth and quickly became sucked into the same alcoholic world that his father inhabited. Throughout his career as a member of AIM, Means drank constantly until he finally came to terms with this problem and discovered that his rage could be controlled. During the course of the book we see Russell being beaten up, shot, arrested numerous times, and imprisoned for his activities. This guy has seen it all, and the picture on the front of the book tells me that I would hate to be on this man's bad side. He's tough, but cares deeply for his people and what he believes in, a trait that is certainly noble and admirable. What comes across most strongly in this book is how AIM helped Means find his spirituality. Before becoming conscious of his heritage, Means spent most of his time in bars drinking. Once he gained awareness of his heritage, Means took part in numerous rituals, such as the Sun Dance and crying for visions. The book goes into intricate detail in describing the importance of these rituals and how they are practiced. This spirituality helped Means to quit drinking and allowed him to begin taking care of his family (which is sprawling; he was married a lot and has many children). The element of spirituality in the book is important because for years many Indians were denied the right to practice their religious ceremonies by the federal government. Even now, according to Means, there is still opposition to some of the ceremonies. The last several chapters of the book show why AIM became increasingly insignificant. Fractures within the group over spiritual matters escalated, and Means himself became wrapped up in trivial issues. Means associated himself with Larry Flynt, the Unification Church, and the Libertarian Party. All of these associations reflected poorly on what AIM tried to accomplish. The final straw seemed to be when Means defended the Indians in Nicaragua against the Communist Sandinista regime. The Indians there were being bombed and killed by the Communists, and Means spends a chapter or two showing how serious this was. American Leftists and other pro-Marxists vilified Means when he proved his case. These people just couldn't accept that Commies were killing indigenous people. This is an excellent book that will make people think about their culture. I recommend this to anyone interested in Native American studies or political movements. Russell Means, whether you agree with his life or not, should be commended for standing up for what he believes in and never backing down. We should all be more like that.
Rating:
Summary: Honest and thought provoking!
Review: Mr Means has been on a journey most of us white bread types would not attempt even if we had to. His auto biography is candid, sincere and an inspiration!!! Like or dislike his politics, his mistakes or triumphs -- this is a man that is a Human being to the bone and lives and learns as we all do. Fortunately or unfortunately , being an "Indian" human being has colored his world and showed him the worst side of humanity, but also shown him the best we humans have to offer. This is a man I admire and respect greatly. He is a good man that loves this earth and his people -- a true patriot for his people. (And in my mind a patriot for the human race) Hoka Hey!! Russell!!! (a must read for any one that 'thinks' they 'know' what the American Indian faces in this society. As Vine Deloria implied, in "Custer Died for Your Sins" ...."we who think we 'Understand" Indians...by a trip through Arizona, watching a documentary or having known one or read a BOOK 'about them!" For some of us that is what fires our couriosity and admiration, but Mr. Means tells you the reality of being an American Indian in the United states of america during his life time. Again Russell--Hoka hey--
Rating:
Summary: Mr Means shares a fascinating story!
Review: Russell Means has written a most fascinating account of his life. It was hard for me to relate to in a lot of instances, being a white woman who does not know her heritage. I was struck through out the book by Mr. Means "connectedness" to his people and to the land. I was in emotional awe of these feelings. At times, I had to remind myself not to take some of his feelings toward whites personally, but to remind myself of where he comes from and that his statements are the truth he has lived with. This book was a great read. Mr Means life has certainly been full. He has had hard times and has learned from them. He has had good times and learned from them too. Above all else, I came away with a totally different perspective of the Russell Means I had read about in other books and in the media. He is a human, just like the rest of us.
Rating:
Summary: Mr Means shares a fascinating story!
Review: Russell Means has written a most fascinating account of his life. It was hard for me to relate to in a lot of instances, being a white woman who does not know her heritage. I was struck through out the book by Mr. Means "connectedness" to his people and to the land. I was in emotional awe of these feelings. At times, I had to remind myself not to take some of his feelings toward whites personally, but to remind myself of where he comes from and that his statements are the truth he has lived with. This book was a great read. Mr Means life has certainly been full. He has had hard times and has learned from them. He has had good times and learned from them too. Above all else, I came away with a totally different perspective of the Russell Means I had read about in other books and in the media. He is a human, just like the rest of us.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful and Great Book
Review: Russell Means is an amazing guy and has been through so many situations which are mentioned in the book. His book explains his life and how he discovered his true identity - Lakota and how he dealt with the issues that impact his tribal identity. In addition, the book also mentions how his involvement with the movement and other demonstrations which represent his views and why many things that are done by the US are wrong or a flagrant insult to the tribes. I strongly suggest you to read his book to learn how he found his true identity, how he evolved from being indifferent into a big time activist, and what messages we lack to understand about the tribes. Lastly, the book is easy to read and entertaining!
Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: Russell Means is controversial, but I admire him for
telling it like it is, after all,
this is HIS book, HIS viewpoint. If we don't like what he
says, we don't have to finish the book. I may not agree with everything he says, either, but
he does have the right to express his opinions.
Rating:
Summary: I was sorry to see it end!
Review: Russell Means' story is fascinating, scary, funny, and angry. He comes across as an old friend who is sitting across from you at your kitchen table telling you about his life and you sit there fasinated and unable to move. He also has a great deal of Native American history here, which is equally fascinating. Thank you, Russell, for writing this wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: The best book from an indians point of view,the true story!
Review: Special Thanks to Russell Means for giving us the true story and a look inside what it means to be an indian,The trials and tribulations of being an indian in the early years,from the stories of his Grandmother to what really went down at Wounded Knee,to having a not so great dad.It really hit home,it was like reading my own life story with someone else playing the part.READ IT!AND UNDERSTAND!POWERFUL,POWERFUL STUFF!Thanks again Russell. John Shadowwolf Gunter (CHOCTAW)
Rating:
Summary: okay, but not GREAT
Review: The entire time reading this book, I couldn't help but think: Russell Means is doing a good job of marketing Russell Means. Means needs to knock the chip off his shoulder, and quit the 'poor, poor pitiful me' routine. His attitude and outlook as 'victim' just doesn't cut it here. Means has done well for HIMSELF. I don't think he's done much to help 'his people.' PARTS of this book are worth looking into, but whatever you do, DON'T buy the book. Check it out at the public library. And save your cash for something better.
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