I Heard the Owl Call My Name

Rating:
Summary: AVOID THIS MESS AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!
Review: This could possibly be the worst book I've ever read. I had to read this for honors English class, and, oh my. I like reading usually, and I'm a fast reader, but...oh my. Took me forever. Avoid this mess. Unless you like droll books with no plot and action, no character develpment, and absolutely no life at all. Literally. Lots of people die. Its a terrible book, and at the risk of repeating myself...AVOID THIS MESS!!!!

Rating:
Summary: I Heard The Owl Call My Name
Review: This is a fasinating book! It is real easy to read, and understand. I thought it had a great theme, an symbol. This is a must read book. It will touch your heart. This is a great book for teenagers!!

Rating:
Summary: Negative Review
Review: This is a negative review. Let the unhelpful clicking begin. Please read and respond first.

I read this book in high school and its title popped into my head this evening. I remembered loathing it so much that I couldn't keep myself from bashing it as soon as possible.

The sort of book commonly referred to as a 'rich tapestry' or 'a journey of self-discovery' it is, in short, drivel.

Not that its prose is remarkably poor, it is in fact above average, nor that the plot is not tight, it is decently crafted. But in much the same way that a brick wall, finely crafted, is not the Sistine Chapel, "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" is not "Things Fall Apart". Heck, it's not even "Pigs in Heaven".

The novel is evidentally crafted by an aging politico in love with a lacrimose and, as it turns out, largely imaginary vision of what Native Americans once were and sets off to use this Eden-like noble savage to depict the evil white male in all his terrible malevolence. I have yet to read a less subtle book in all honesty. Stretching back to kindegarten, I could read more into "Buffy and Mac" or "If I Ran the Circus" than this party line concoction.

On the book's behalf, the insights on Native American alcoholism were interesting and stay with me to this day. Also, the book has evil white women too so it's not sexist, really.

Nonetheless, we've done this before. The Native American's story is plenty sad and, much like anything on the Holocaust, it seems difficult to potray it with any skill and not produce a winner. Nevertheless, there appear to be no Weisel's among those moved to write on the subject, and this one's a particular stinker, trite as "Hi Mom". If you like this book, you're bound to like anything about Indian suffering, a phenomenon that dilutes what's produced on the topic. Which is too bad because I think we're still waiting for the Cherokee version of "Hawaii" or the Miwok "The Godfather".

Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL
Review: This is a very moving and hopeful story. I thoroughly recommend this beautiful book to all.

Rating:
Summary: I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Review: This is such a beautiful book. I was taking English Honors and this was the required read on the summer reading list.

I absolutely loved it. It was a little difficult at first to get into it, with the wording and all, but once I gave it a second try I found it quite easy to read. It is utterly remarkable and I am definitly going to read it again! I think the reason why some of you disagree with it or dare give it "negative stars" may be because you are too ignorant to understand it. Most of the time, people who lack the ability to understand something find it easier to disagree with it than to give it another try. (idiots). (this goes especially to the guy who refered to books he read in KINDERGARDEN... hmmm.)

Seriously, this is one of the best books I have read. (And I have read my share of books within the past few months...) I now have a deep respect for Margaret Craven and I praise her "I Heard the Owl Call My Name."

Rating:
Summary: This is the best book I have ever read.
Review: THIS IS THE BEST BOK I HAVE EVER READ BECAUSE I KEEPS YOU IN THE BOOK. MARGARET DID A GO JOB ON THIS BOOK BECAUSE I HAVE READ THIS BOOK ABOUT REED IT ABOUT 3 TIMES.

Rating:
Summary: Not as great a book as everyone says it is.
Review: This is THE most tasteless book I have read in my entirelifetime. I used to think that there was no such thing as a book thatwas BAD through and through, but I Heard the Owl...proved me wrong. No characters that had an ounce of realism in them, no sensitivity, nada. Yeah, I know the Kwaciutl tribe doesn`t show emotion and that the death of a child wouldn`t cause them to burst into tears, but please. This book comes across as more of a boring text book teaching us about Indian culture than a novel about teaching us about life, death, and love (and speaking of love, don`t expect to find an ounce of it in the story.)

Rating:
Summary: QUIET, MOVING AND WONDERFUL
Review: This novel is an outstanding portrait of a young vicar's journey through life, love, and friendship. His journey to a new parish becomes a spiritual journey into his own heart and soul. Although often thought of as a young adult novel, this book is more suited to an adult aduience. It is complex, compelling, and makes the reader think about his or her own way of living. Life, death, tradition, Christianity, the preservation of culture, prejudice, friendship, nature--all issues that are quietly addressed in this important book. This is a must-read for anyone interested in or exposed to Native American culture, as well as anyone who enjoys a fine story that rings true.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Rainy Day Book
Review: This quick read is a rather enjoyable book that can be easily read in 1 or 2 sittings. I really enjoy reading it. I would have like to have seen more character development in regard to some of the members of the tribes but overall it was a great book. This book of self-discovery is great for students and adults. If you don't enjoy this book now put it on the shelf and read it again in a few years. Eventually it will be the perfect book for your situation.

Rating:
Summary: Mother/Teacher
Review: Unbelievably moving and personal...this book is for those people who like to read books with deep meaning, are willing to connect with the Indian characters without bias, and are willing to put all of their concentration into it. If you are forced to read this book, as I see several other reviewers were, you will need to get the obligation out of your head before you can truly see the amazing qualities of this book, and this I believe is true with any book. It is sad for me to see that this wonderful book could be given one star by so many...open your heart and you will love it.