I read this book when I was in junior high, on my own, not as a class assignment. I had picked it up and put it down several times. My father gave me the book and I wanted to please him by enjoying it but I couldn't get started.

One day, I was horrendously bored. A heavy winter snow added an element of stillness to my day. I set my mind to getting past the block I had concerning this book and, around the middle, discovered why Dad had liked it so much. I now consider it one of the best books I've ever read.

I hope you enjoy it, too.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

to the Senn-Thomas Middle School.

Great surprise in my mail box for the students at STMS.

To learn about the author, link here.

Author Conrad Richter presents a paradox rich with American tradition, values, and beauty. The characters are archetypes of ancient cultures and the events are ethereal visions of the past. Still Richter weaves this tale with vivid details that captivate readers through generations.

True Son, the kidnapped child of a pionneer family, is raised by Cuyloga and his Lenni Lenape tribe of Indians. Richter places True Son in a difficult situation when he is returned to his family as part of a peace treaty. But 12 years of resentment, natural freedom, and purity in purpose and life have turned True Son against the society he was born to.

Slowly he learns the ways of his white family and is slightly bent by their ways. But his heart and mind never leaves his family of the forest. Then one day, opportunity affords him the way home. His return to his native bretheren though is bittersweet as he faces his priorities.

Richters writing ins colorful and detailed. He uses an omnipotent voice and laces it with native American vocabulary. The reader sees the world through the eyes of True Son. Colors, movements, lands, skies, animals, and trees have a renewed value and slowly the reader learns to value these things, long forgotten by white society.

I enjoyed reading these descriptions and hearing them from an Indian voice. Still the bittersweed ending is hard to swallow, like a chalky stone that has been dried on a barren road. The history, conflict and traditions revealed here are everlasting. Readers will contemplate the roll life plays and the strange twist of fate we each must face.

I also journaled this book here and here.

BookCrossing Bookshelf in English classroom at Senn-Thomas Middle School.

This is an excellent story, but I thought it ended in a disappointing way. Richter makes a good pointthough. Will we ever accept people despite our differences? Blind hate is the most destructive kind.

I am passing this on to one of my classmates to read.

Thanks Tappiocca! I will read this then let my mom read it.

CAUGHT IN BUFORD GA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

i picked this one up and read it today. I was stuck inside with a sprained ankle and decided I might try it. I liked it but it was very sad.

Maybe passing it here will get it moving some more again.