War Dances: Stories and Poems

I have been pleasantly surprised with War Dances. I have read a few other books from Sherman Alexie, and this one is not one of his most popular. I can see why. This is a mix of poetry and prose. I do like his stories better than his poetry, but the poems in this collection are still enjoyable and thought provoking. Overall, I am glad I read this (granted, I did get it on sale). But it is hit or miss. You might connect with some stories and not others. For me, there were some stories that were forgettable. On the other hand, there were a few that were so outstanding and memorable I would put them among some of the most impressive short stories I have read.

I have been a long time fan of Mr.Alexis. This volume is consistent with all his writing.

Ever since I heard an interview with Sherman Alexie on NPR, I have been intrigued both by his persona and writings. I was very happy to see his name turning up on my subscription lists at a price I could afford.None of his books have been disappointments. This one, a collection of loosely connected stories and poems is both funny and sad. I hated to turn the last page and find it was over. I could have gone on for another two hundred pages, and I would happily have read them.

“After our earliest ancestors crawled out of the oceans, how soon did they feel the desire to crawl back in?” (l. 1718)Sherman Alexie is an extremely gifted storyteller with a penchant for hopelessness. His collection of well written stories and poems, War Dances, despite moments of wry and sardonic humor, offers the reader mostly futility, wrought with existential angst.“Does a holy song lose its power if its singer is untalented?” (l. 452)Recommendation: Of course you should read anything by Sherman Alexie, he’s riveting. Just be prepared to be very depressed before your through.“If God really loved Indians, he would have made us white people.” (l. 732)Kindle edition, 256 pages (2,400 locations)

Sherman Alexie seems like a witty person to meet at a cocktail party. Alas, as a first time reader of his works, I was bored to death. In brief, Sherman Alexie reads exactly as if he never left college and needs to be PC to the supreme to get good grades by his writing professors and acceptance from his hook-up friends. BORING! Nothing deep, new, inspiring, or anything a college committee of shallow but witty students couldn't concoct in the quad over a semester of group writing seminars.I am looking to give it away, but I don't want to alienate any of my friends by such an insult. I also bought the Almost True Diary of an Indian (or something like that), and hopefully it will be a LOT better. Good news is that many of the reviews do assure the reader that this is NOT Alexie's best stuff. Whew! At least it's not just me.So, unless your a fan or like boring PC college level trite, save your bucks and buy something better (or try it first at the library--I sure wish I did.)

I've come to expect a certain caliber from this author's books. As usual, his writing here is jaw-dropping. Some sentences must be reread because of their beauty and power. Typical Alexie here -- disturbing, funny, and truer than most nonfiction. These stories will suck you in. Not as riveting as the National Book Award-winning " The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ," but that may be because short stories don't allow the reader as much time to become intimate with the characters. I'd also recommend " Flight: A Novel ," " Reservation Blues ," and " The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven ."

This book was a reading requirement from my English class. I enjoyed reading this book because Sherman Alexie is not only a great story writer but he's also a poet. My favorite story in this book was The Ballad of Paul Nonetheless. For some reason that story intrigued me. On Airplanes was my favorite poem by Alexie from this book. Overall this was a very good book to read. I'm glad my teacher chose it for our class and I recommend it to anyone who likes poetry.

I love Sherman Alexie--I haven't read anything of his I didn't like. That being said, his latest is pure Alexie, humorous, ironic, and always thought-provoking. I teach Literature at the college level and Alexie is a staple of my gen ed courses and multi-cultural lit courses. Not only do students love him and find him very accessible, his writing gives students an accurate while at the same time an entertaining portrayal of what it means to be American Indian in the U.S. Like his work or not, they never tell me he is "boring."

I enjoyed every story! Each one held my complete attention. There is every emotion imaginable portrayed skillfully without ever becoming maudlin or over dramatic. There is plenty of humor as well. I have recommended Alexi's writings to many of my friends.