Grand Avenue

Rating:
Summary: It is Grand...a must-read!
Review: As a Native American, I found the book to be a compelling and truthful view of the modern world of urban Indian life. The clean lines of the stories are perfectly juxtaposed with the "stuff" of daily life in the urban rez. Sarris masterfully captures the meat and bread of this group of "Injuns" who are trying to get by the best way they can despite their disenfranchisement and despair. The basket of stories he weaves is a hypnotic mix of laughter and tears. Once the reader embarks on the adventure he simply cannot stop til the very last word. One finds a sort of happiness in the daily doings of these relateds. The humor that exudes from nearly every page ameliorates the drastic situations the characters encounter. I found the issue of "poison" to be the most compelling issue Sarris brings forward in his finely-crafted novel. I hope that non-Indians will take this look carefully as there is poison in every group of humans. If one cannot see it, it will take over. Sarris lays it out for all to see and for the lesson. What will be learned fromt his brilliant novel? There may be poison in your own family, in your neighborhood, down the street, on the freeway, in the government...watch out! be careful!

For Sarris fans, please check out his latest, Watermelon Nights. It is a winner too!

Rating:
Summary: It is Grand...a must-read!
Review: As a Native American, I found the book to be a compelling and truthful view of the modern world of urban Indian life. The clean lines of the stories are perfectly juxtaposed with the "stuff" of daily life in the urban rez. Sarris masterfully captures the meat and bread of this group of "Injuns" who are trying to get by the best way they can despite their disenfranchisement and despair. The basket of stories he weaves is a hypnotic mix of laughter and tears. Once the reader embarks on the adventure he simply cannot stop til the very last word. One finds a sort of happiness in the daily doings of these relateds. The humor that exudes from nearly every page ameliorates the drastic situations the characters encounter. I found the issue of "poison" to be the most compelling issue Sarris brings forward in his finely-crafted novel. I hope that non-Indians will take this look carefully as there is poison in every group of humans. If one cannot see it, it will take over. Sarris lays it out for all to see and for the lesson. What will be learned fromt his brilliant novel? There may be poison in your own family, in your neighborhood, down the street, on the freeway, in the government...watch out! be careful!

For Sarris fans, please check out his latest, Watermelon Nights. It is a winner too!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I became interested in the book Grand Avenue after having it recommended to me by a friend; I am extremely interested in Native American culture, so I purchased the book thinking that it would be a classic. Unfortunately, I was wrong; this book is incredibly dull, and I totally regret buying it. The transitions between different periods of time are awkward and confusing, making it a somewhat frustrating read. Nothing really exciting takes place within, and I did not feel much sympathy for any of the characters, something which I was hoping for in a book featuring Native Americans; I have been more moved by history books that tell of Native Americans than this novel. The only entertaining story is that of Sam Toms, but this is definitely not enough to save an entire book. Perhaps there are some who will appreciate Grand Avenue; I, on the other hand, do not.

Rating:
Summary: FROM THE REZ TO GRAND AVENUE
Review: I SAW THE HBO SPECIAL 2 PARTER OF "GRAND AVENUE".. IT WAS POWERFUL & TRUE TO THE REAL WORLD... THERE ARE SOME BRUTAL MOMENTS, & SOME FUNNY REZ HUMOR... I BOUGHT THE 2 PART VIDEO.. AND I WILL NOW BUY THE BOOK TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF THE MOVIE.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: This is a collection of delightful stories about real Indians living real lives. Sarris' style artfully complements each story, capturing the voices of his characters. Funny and irreverent, we need more of this in our lives.