Posted by Dana S. on November 20, 1999 at 11:06:50:
In Reply to: Reservation Blues posted by Chris on November 19, 1999 at 16:17:06:
: Hi all,
: Is anyone reading Reservation Blues? I am enjoying it very much, but find it hard to comment on. I like the way his writing flows as I read it. I love the terse humor interlaced with dropped comments that kick you in the teeth. I know there are places he goes with his story that I don't understand, and I wish I did. I think I relate to what Alexie wrote about Thomas' stories: "Thomas Builds-the-Fire's stories climbed into your clothes like sand, gave you itches that could not be scratched. ... Those stories hung in your clothes and hair like smoke, and no amount of laundry soap or shampoo washed them out." I feel that way about Alexie's stories. Does anyone else have any comments?
: Chris
Hi, Chris!
It is kind of lonely out there for us "Resevation Blues" readers, isn't it? I've commented a couple of times, too.
Like you, I find myself identifying with Thomas. Especially when he finds himself feeling frightened and undeserving of success.
The 'Blues' connection also has me very thoughtful these days. If I remember right, Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil at The Crossroads in order to become the greatest Blues player the world has ever heard. ( I bought a Robert Johnson CD. Still think Koko Taylor's better.) Is the Devil still connected with the guitar? Does the woman on the mountain represent God? Are Thomas, Victor and Junior in danger of losing their souls? Asking all these questions makes me feel like Gayle! (Ha! In my dreams!)
Tomorrow is another Cooper Day. Wooohooo!
Dana S.