Every Day is a Good Day

Summary:

Challenging and passionate are the voices in this gathering of proud indigenous women. Coming together as one, 19 strong and successful women provide a rare glimpse into their lives with the hope that their voices will be heard and their message understood: bear witness to the unforgivable acts that their people have survived and take a step forward in mending old wrongs and forgiving past and present hurts.

Brings to light the insight of women artists, lawyers, ranchers, doctors, and educators.  Discussions range from the land to government, love to family life.  Conversational style of writing presents a genuine Native American perspective. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

Indigenous voices are something that often gets overlooked in the US and I wanted to hear some of their perspectives.  Wilma Mankiller was an amazing advocate and impressive human in the range of activities including being the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, but this book isn’t just about her.  It is a compilation of impressive women’s perspectives with each chapter on a new topic.  The book easily could have been depressing or a vent of frustration, but instead it’s well-balanced with hope, appreciation, and an attempt to portray their sorrow.

I found the book is immensely powerful and continues to make me reflect when I hear things in the news.  I’d highly recommend it for someone who is feeling disenfranchised over recent current events and looking for some calm and renewed energy.

Rating: 4 stars!

Who should read it? I wish it were required reading for students in the USA.