White Buffalo Calf Warriors by Rose ChristoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
"I know I look square, but I'm like my father's tractor. I take a while to warm up, but once I get going I can turn your topsoil till the cows come home." -Betty White (Rose-The Golden Girls)
I bet you're wondering what the quote is all about, heck if I know-it came out of the blue (obviously my brain works in mysterious ways). I started reading this novel and that scene from the show popped in my head, because unlike other Christo's stories this one took me awhile to get into-even though the opening is actually a funny incident that actually marks the beginning of Tommy's infinite blunders. But then suddenly I couldn't read it fast enough and just wanted the night to be over so that I could get to the end.
Tommy's biggest wish is to become an oskapi, which is Cree for a Worthy Man. Prone to fainting in the most unlikely situations, his self confidence is at an all time low when he makes the decision to go after the first white buffalo born in several years and which has escaped from the reservation of Milk River where he lives. His mission is off to a rocky start when his vehicle breaks down close to an Amish community, and grows steadily worse when he faints at the sight of Micah and his hunting rifle. Trying to give up, thinking that maybe he's not the right man for the job, Tommy's surprised when Micah announces he'll go along. Tommy's journey is not without obstacles, yet he gains his courage and self confidence along the way; discovering that even an ages old prophecy might have a grain a truth.
Micah is a discontent young man; he finds himself conflicted and confused by what the bible teaches and his dull and plain way of life. Tommy's surprising entrance into his life gives him the opportunity for his Rumspringa. The farther he travels from home the more he learns about himself and others, it tests his beliefs but opens his eyes and his heart to other faiths and cultures as he meets people from all walks of life.
This story while it made me laugh, it also made me feel thankful and gave me a sense of wonder. With everything that seems to be going on in the world, it's difficult and sometimes I overlook the wonderful things out there. It really was a wonderful read for me.
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