It was a highlight of my week last week to sit down with BLS and read it straight through, absorbing all your gorgeous writing and incredible research (you are indeed a scholar even if you’d like to kick that word in the behind), and the honest, open-hearted Chris-ness of it all. My favorite part of this book is your clear love for your people—the Little Shell, Indigenepous people, and your own family, both Native and not. And the way in which you invite the reader along with your journeys inside and out. You made it up the mountain. It’s an incredible work and you should be proud of it!
And I particularly loved your extra dedication to Landless Peoples everywhere.
Llongyfarchiadau! (Welsh: congratulations.) Finished my copy last week. Read the final chapters at the Peace Arch in Blaine, WA (not planned, just happened to be there), lounging on the 49th parallel, undisturbed by border security, which seemed fitting in a way.
It's been a long time since I found myself nodding so much when reading, whether it was about the duplicity of the Hellgate Treaty, the Montanan infatuation with Lewis and bloody Clark, or arguing with your sat-nav on long drives. Your personal story also inspired me to start writing down some preliminary notes for that book I've been talking about (but doing nothing else about) for the last 5 years. For all of the above, diolch yn fawr. (Welsh: thank you.)
Congratulations! I just got the book for my kindle and am looking forward to reading it.
I was also delighted to see an Aaron Draplin shoutout as I scrolled down — my worlds are colliding! I took a monthlong skillshare/zoom class with him in 2022 that really helped my design process — absolutely amazing to watch him problem-solve. How did you meet him?
I've known that rascal for over a decade. I can't remember for sure how we met; I think it was somehow Field Notes-related. He designed the cover of my first book, One-Sentence Journal, in fact.
As a subscriber I feel jealous that the wider world can now claim “our” irritable storyteller. But I’m so happy about both the wider sharing of your stories and your storytelling. And mindful that a book tour is exhausting and numbing and energizing and annoying and way too personal all wrapped up with unfamiliar pillows. Looking forward to hearing whatever you can cobble together for us in the newsletter during this time but, honestly, there’s just so much a person can do.
Chris, aka Mr Irritable 😉, warm congratulations to you. Reading this entry/letter/whatever has given me the first flush of gladness I've felt in a few days. We 11,000+ readers are glowing with you and for you. This is wonderful. Again, congrats.
I enjoyed the book tremendously. Your prose style is so comfortable; it felt as if these were the kind of conversations one has on long drives with an old friend, where light words reveal deep truths.
Chris - please address the racist intolerant rally of Tim Sheey last night - we need an eloquent voice calling out this stuff in the beautiful state that is called Montana. I’ve been reading your book and this awful discourse by ok’ shady, is unsettling and not the way I choose to see the peoples of this land. I look forward to reading your wise words.
Just finished my second time through BLS. More emotions and memories stirred, even though our family stories are different. Yes different but closely related. Métis…well yes aren’t we all? Denials…yes that too in my family. Lakota people tended to be nomadic after they were forced from Minnesota by both settlers and their own. We larger Objibwe (Sioux, etc) have a complicated history too. Snake people, dog people and eventually horse people…Tshunka Wakan Oyate, Seven Council Fires, Hunkpapa, Sicangu and more. French (Maricotte), Irish (Watters) and some maternal German too (Job, yes that Job). Places; Milk River homestead of my “black Irish” (Lakota) grandfather…”No, I’m not Indian,” and his Scot wife Eliza Coffey attests to his dark Irish appearance. Yes too all those towns and places you mention in BLS, many still home to my own family. But Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Brûlée, and so many others full of Métis/Lakota but Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet, Arikara, Mandan and many more. Galpin…now there’s one I didn’t see?? Your Becoming Little Shell is intimately connected to hundreds, thousands of other stories…Métis indeed.
Well, barf on Trump, but I'm glad your book came out of it. Grateful for that, even if he is a pile of dog crap. I got my copy and am so happy to have it bedside. xxx and congratulations!
I am so grateful that Dan and Milkweed gave you a platform to share this integral part of your experience.
From when we first met during Poetry As A Spiritual Practice, I have been curious about this facet of you...and now I get the chance to understand it in your own words.
Thank you, as ever, for sharing your truth with us.
Reading BLS now (an autographed copy from Fact and Fiction, thank you very much!). What a marvelous book. You beautifully blend very important history with your personal story - compelling, instructive, and moving. Congratulations, and thank you!
Happy Book Birthday!!!
It was a highlight of my week last week to sit down with BLS and read it straight through, absorbing all your gorgeous writing and incredible research (you are indeed a scholar even if you’d like to kick that word in the behind), and the honest, open-hearted Chris-ness of it all. My favorite part of this book is your clear love for your people—the Little Shell, Indigenepous people, and your own family, both Native and not. And the way in which you invite the reader along with your journeys inside and out. You made it up the mountain. It’s an incredible work and you should be proud of it!
And I particularly loved your extra dedication to Landless Peoples everywhere.
Llongyfarchiadau! (Welsh: congratulations.) Finished my copy last week. Read the final chapters at the Peace Arch in Blaine, WA (not planned, just happened to be there), lounging on the 49th parallel, undisturbed by border security, which seemed fitting in a way.
It's been a long time since I found myself nodding so much when reading, whether it was about the duplicity of the Hellgate Treaty, the Montanan infatuation with Lewis and bloody Clark, or arguing with your sat-nav on long drives. Your personal story also inspired me to start writing down some preliminary notes for that book I've been talking about (but doing nothing else about) for the last 5 years. For all of the above, diolch yn fawr. (Welsh: thank you.)
Congratulations! I just got the book for my kindle and am looking forward to reading it.
I was also delighted to see an Aaron Draplin shoutout as I scrolled down — my worlds are colliding! I took a monthlong skillshare/zoom class with him in 2022 that really helped my design process — absolutely amazing to watch him problem-solve. How did you meet him?
I've known that rascal for over a decade. I can't remember for sure how we met; I think it was somehow Field Notes-related. He designed the cover of my first book, One-Sentence Journal, in fact.
I didn't know he designed your cover! He's a great guy.
As a subscriber I feel jealous that the wider world can now claim “our” irritable storyteller. But I’m so happy about both the wider sharing of your stories and your storytelling. And mindful that a book tour is exhausting and numbing and energizing and annoying and way too personal all wrapped up with unfamiliar pillows. Looking forward to hearing whatever you can cobble together for us in the newsletter during this time but, honestly, there’s just so much a person can do.
I’m a bit jealous too with all this sharing…but understand time to let go and set free to the big world—with happiness and much pride.
Chris, aka Mr Irritable 😉, warm congratulations to you. Reading this entry/letter/whatever has given me the first flush of gladness I've felt in a few days. We 11,000+ readers are glowing with you and for you. This is wonderful. Again, congrats.
Amy
Huzzah! A great day, today. Stoked to see a copy in City Lights bookstore on a trip to San Fran. Just started and am digging my copy. Cheers, -Nigel
Congratulations!
I enjoyed the book tremendously. Your prose style is so comfortable; it felt as if these were the kind of conversations one has on long drives with an old friend, where light words reveal deep truths.
Thank you for letting us share your journey.
Chris - please address the racist intolerant rally of Tim Sheey last night - we need an eloquent voice calling out this stuff in the beautiful state that is called Montana. I’ve been reading your book and this awful discourse by ok’ shady, is unsettling and not the way I choose to see the peoples of this land. I look forward to reading your wise words.
Just finished my second time through BLS. More emotions and memories stirred, even though our family stories are different. Yes different but closely related. Métis…well yes aren’t we all? Denials…yes that too in my family. Lakota people tended to be nomadic after they were forced from Minnesota by both settlers and their own. We larger Objibwe (Sioux, etc) have a complicated history too. Snake people, dog people and eventually horse people…Tshunka Wakan Oyate, Seven Council Fires, Hunkpapa, Sicangu and more. French (Maricotte), Irish (Watters) and some maternal German too (Job, yes that Job). Places; Milk River homestead of my “black Irish” (Lakota) grandfather…”No, I’m not Indian,” and his Scot wife Eliza Coffey attests to his dark Irish appearance. Yes too all those towns and places you mention in BLS, many still home to my own family. But Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Brûlée, and so many others full of Métis/Lakota but Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfeet, Arikara, Mandan and many more. Galpin…now there’s one I didn’t see?? Your Becoming Little Shell is intimately connected to hundreds, thousands of other stories…Métis indeed.
Wopila tanka. Wolakota. ☮️
Well, barf on Trump, but I'm glad your book came out of it. Grateful for that, even if he is a pile of dog crap. I got my copy and am so happy to have it bedside. xxx and congratulations!
WOOOOO HOOOOOOO! This means the copy I've had on hold at the library will probably head my way this week. I am STOKED!
I’m loving your newest book already. I knew I would though. ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations, Chris! I started reading last night, and I love it.
So delighted to have gotten the book in the mail this week. I'm looking forward to a long evening reading, as soon as the Democratic convention stops.
Congratulations, Chris!
I am so grateful that Dan and Milkweed gave you a platform to share this integral part of your experience.
From when we first met during Poetry As A Spiritual Practice, I have been curious about this facet of you...and now I get the chance to understand it in your own words.
Thank you, as ever, for sharing your truth with us.
Soak this up, my friend...you deserve it.
Take care,
Casey
Reading BLS now (an autographed copy from Fact and Fiction, thank you very much!). What a marvelous book. You beautifully blend very important history with your personal story - compelling, instructive, and moving. Congratulations, and thank you!