I was about to pick up house in the Cerulean sea and a few of TJ klunes other books that I own and of course he’s problematic. It has to do with the 60s scoop that involved Native Americans and what horrible things happen to them. My father being a part of that as a Native American himself and a young teen when it happened. He basically used a traumatic time in history as inspiration for his story house in the Cerulean sea. Which is not okay and he’s coming out with a second book to that one next year. I don’t think the publishers should be going forward with this next book but of course they will cuz it’s going to make them money. Should I now tell people the talk about this book but he’s problematic and after that let them do their own research or not say anything?
I think there’s a lot of value in books that present a thoughtful narrative about learning from the mistakes made but after a very quick google because of your post, that isn’t the case here. I’m glad to know this and will pass on the book.
It makes me think of a fairly recent issue with a book in my home. Our Ontario school boards have changed the 11th grade mandatory English to “Indigenous Voices”. So poems, songs and novels by Indigenous creators, reflecting their culture etc. My son was working on questions for The Diary of a Part Time Indian and asked for my opinion on something. Not sure either we googled and it turns out the author was reported for sexual harassment by 10 women https://www.npr.org/2018/03/05/589909379/it-just-felt-very-wrong-sherman-alexies-accusers-go-on-the-record
I did mention it in passing when I saw the teacher next (kid gets extra spec Ed support so we talk) but that’s about it.
I did use the opportunity to have a discussion with my then 16 yo son. One of many since he’s all OMG you’ve already said this lol. Good dude consent is #1.
So I hear you on how do you approach talking about these things. I am not Indigenous and I don’t want to insert myself but as a woman I had thoughts. Son 2 will be in this course next semester so I’ll know then if they picked a different book.
Sorry to add I wrote the title of the book incorrectly. It’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.