This week’s reading list spanned various topics, from language revitalization and Native American culture to modern poetry and a classic American novel. Here’s how it all stacked up:
The Language Warrior’s Manifesto by Anton Treuer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5/5
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in linguistics, cultural preservation, or indigenous resilience. Treuer combines passion, practicality, and a deep understanding of the stakes in revitalizing endangered languages. It’s both a rallying cry and a roadmap for those wanting to make a difference.
Language is much more than words; it’s culture, identity, and survival. Treuer’s manifesto makes this abundantly clear, leaving readers with both hope and the tools to take action.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4/5
Treuer tackles big questions about Native American culture with candor and compassion in this accessible guide. While the scope is necessarily broad—covering everything from stereotypes to sovereignty—this breadth sometimes limits the depth of specific answers.
Treuer himself acknowledges the impossibility of generalizing across the 1,200+ tribes in North America, which is both a strength and a limitation of the book. Still, it’s an essential starting point for anyone looking to educate themselves and spark informed conversations.
Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong
⭐⭐ Rating: 2/5
Ocean Vuong’s poetry has received a lot of acclaim, but for me, Time is a Mother didn’t live up to the hype. While I appreciated his lyrical brilliance in places, I found the stark contrast between his raw, often vulgar depictions of sex and his poetic descriptions of other topics frustrating.
I’m sure this was an intentional choice—a deliberate juxtaposition—but it sometimes felt jarring and, frankly, off-putting. Still, I caught glimpses of the talent that has earned Vuong his reputation, so I’m willing to give his other works a shot. This collection, however, left me underwhelmed.
Rabbit, Run by John Updike
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4/5
What can I say about John Updike’s Rabbit, Run? It’s a supremely well-written novel, a classic of American literature, and a deeply flawed work at the same time. Updike’s prose is nothing short of masterful, but the book is also steeped in misogyny and vulgarity, particularly in its depictions of sex and women.
I almost didn’t finish it, but I’m glad I did. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Rabbit Angstrom is designed to disgust us. He’s a deeply selfish and flawed character whose actions—and the consequences—serve as a heartbreaking morality tale. While I suspect some of the objectification of women comes from Updike himself, the book’s ultimate lesson is clear: Rabbit is a cautionary example, not a hero.
I’d recommend this book to adult readers who are prepared for its harsh treatment of certain subjects. It’s a tough but rewarding read, and its third act packs a powerful, tragic punch.
This Week’s Takeaway
From Anton Treuer’s rallying cries for cultural understanding and preservation to the stark contrasts in Ocean Vuong’s poetry and the polarizing brilliance of Rabbit, Run, this week’s reading reminded me of the power of literature to challenge and inspire us.
What about you? Have you read any of these, or do you have another recommendation for me? Let’s chat in the comments!
