On The Rez

On The Rez follows journalist Ian Frazier's experiences and observations from his time spent on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The narrative centers on his friendship with Le War Lance, an Oglala Sioux man, and their interactions across multiple visits spanning several years. The book presents a mix of contemporary life on the reservation alongside historical accounts of the Oglala Sioux people. Frazier documents the day-to-day realities of reservation life, including poverty, alcoholism, and unemployment, while also highlighting moments of resilience and celebration within the community. Frazier incorporates profiles of significant figures from both past and present, including SuAnne Big Crow, a young basketball star whose story becomes central to the narrative. His reporting style combines personal encounters with research into tribal history, politics, and social issues. The work stands as an examination of modern Native American life, challenging common assumptions while exploring themes of friendship, cultural preservation, and the complex relationship between past and present in American Indian communities.

Readers found this book offered an outsider's candid perspective on life at Pine Ridge Reservation, though many questioned whether Frazier was the right person to tell this story. Readers appreciated: - The focus on friendship with Le War Lance, giving a personal entry point - Details about reservation daily life and culture - The historical context provided about the Oglala Lakota people Common criticisms: - Too much about Frazier himself rather than the community - Meandering narrative structure that lacks focus - Cultural appropriation concerns from Native readers - Romanticized "white savior" overtones Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews) "Frazier seems more interested in his own relationship to Native culture than in truly understanding it," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another on Amazon praised how it "strips away stereotypes to show real people living real lives."

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🏃 Author Ian Frazier made numerous trips to Pine Ridge Reservation over several years, often sleeping in his car, to gain genuine insight into life on the reservation. 🏆 The book spotlights Native American activist SuAnne Big Crow, who led her high school basketball team to a state championship and became a role model before her tragic death at age 17. 🗺️ Pine Ridge Reservation, where the book is set, is located in South Dakota and is one of the largest reservations in the United States, covering more than 2.8 million acres. 📝 Frazier's writing style in "On The Rez" deliberately breaks from traditional journalistic distance, as he includes his personal relationships and emotional connections with the people he meets. 🏺 The book addresses the complex relationship between the Oglala Lakota people and the nearby town of White Clay, Nebraska, which, despite having only 14 residents, sold millions of cans of beer annually to reservation residents until its liquor stores were closed in 2017.