Play Book Tag discussion

Shell Shaker - LeAnne Howe - 5 Stars

This is a story about the origin of the Choctaw women peacemakers. The legend of the Shell Shaker describes how Grandmother built a fire and strapped empty turtle shells around each ankle, sending silent prayers up to the sky dancing around the fire for four days and nights. As the ground around the fire becomes drenched in her blood, Miko Luak, the fire spirit, takes pity on her and carries her prayers up to Itilauichi, the Autumnal Equinox, who listens. He tells her she has proven herself worthy and what she has been praying for will be given to her. Thus, the Shell Shakers become peace makers, even as they sacrifice themselves.

The story moves between events that happened in 1739 and the more modern events that take place in 1991. When the book begins, Shakbatina, from the Inholahta Choctaw clan narrates how she sacrifices her life for her daughter, Anoleta, who has been accused of murdering a Chickasaw woman from the Red Fox Village over the love of Red Shoes, the great warrior leader. To avert war between the two clans, Anoleta must die. Recalling the legend of the Shell Shakers, Shakbatina takes her daughter's place and is killed.

In the modern day story, we learn about the assassination of Redford McAlester, Great Chief of the Choctaw Nation. When the tribal chief is murdered and Auda Billy is found unconscious with the gun lying next to her, authorities assume she is the murderer. But Auda’s mother, Susan Billy, confesses to the crime to save her daughter. Unsure of who is telling the truth, both are arrested. The whole family returns to Oklahoma to figure out how to get Auda and Susan out of jail.

There were so many beautifully written descriptions and I loved the way the importance of community was emphasized. The author writes a believable story about how the two independent events connect the past and the present, connecting reality with spirituality.

When researching what I wanted to read this month I found a list of 10 Essential Native American Novels and this was included. I wanted to read something that gave me a true sense of the culture and this was an absolute win in that respect. I had never heard of the author, LeAnne Howe, but I have another of her books on hold at the library and look forward to reading about the Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story.