Poet Warrior: A Memoir

I would give this book a 3.5, almost 4 stars. I loved the poetry (which is a surprise to me as I'm generally not a poetry person), and Harjo's life story is rich and captivating.

My main conflict with the book is the way it's structured. The story is told in a non-linear way, so often I will get intrigued, then we will switch to years behind or ahead, then switch again, and it feels hard for me to keep track of what is going on.

If you enjoy non-linear stories, this will definitely pique your interest, however if you find non-linear stories hard to keep track of, reading this book may be a bit difficult.

I always feel somewhat lost when reading Harjo; as if I skipped over a key paragraph or like the key to understanding is dancing just out of the corner of my eye. It's not, and I've stopped trying to wrap my head around it, because it's like night vision: stare directly at the object, and you'll never see it. Only by gazing obliquely do you have any chance of seeing its outline.

Side glances are not my thing. I'm left-brained, analytical. Give me bright direct sunlight, not shimmery reflections. I'm also trying to grow, in whatever few days are left to me, and that's why I keep reading Harjo. We speak different languages, even inhabit slightly overlapping realities, but hers is a reality I can and want to learn from: one of forgiveness, compassion, strength, respect. I will never fully understand her works, but I want to be someone who keeps trying.