Watershed

Purchased the book for an English course at uni. The intense beginning (an example of In medias res, where it then rewinds to the events leading up to it) gives off the impression that the mystery of the story will build up to something truly thrilling. Because of this expectation I read all the way though just to find out what was happening in this opening scene, even when the narrative lagged and the book delved into side-stories that seemed unnecessary. Sadly, what we get in the end isn't even close to a thrilling climax or fulfilling conclusion.Now, this wouldn't be as frustrating for me if the mystery itself, an essential part of the story (this is, for the most part, a mystery novel) wasn't all that compelling to me. It just isn't that good. There are much better mysteries out there that you can spend your time on. The only redeeming aspect of the story is probably some of its deeper meaning, such as its political or social themes, but that can only go so far.TLDR: If you're into complex messages and deeper meaning this might be for you, but if you're reading to be entertained or for a good mystery it's a waste of time.

Nothing in this book is overtly bad. The dialogue is fine, but the plot is incredibly boring and the main character gets really annoying. Can't say I'd recommend, but it's certainly not the worst book ever

Everett weaves little known/hidden/distorted American history into a compelling story of the continued disenfranchisement, alienation, discrimination, persecution, property loss and oppression of the various northwest American Indians by private interests with the collusion of the many US govt. agencies. Ones gets a real feel for the topography and geography of the region and the way of life of those who inhabit it.

This guy needs to be read by anyone who likes Charles Portis, Thomas Pynchon or even Kurt Vonnegut for that matter. Thematically there aren't many similarities but he has a singular voice of humor and seriousness that hits a sweet spot for people who give a s*** but need to laugh about it too.

Robert Hawks, a hydrologist, finds himself caught between the FBI and a Native American group in a mystery that deals with treaty rights, civil rights and water rights. Sounds a bit heavy doesn't it? But Everett pulls it all together in this book. Interspersed with actual treaty information, commentaries on peyote use, hydrology tables, this book moves effortlessly from the central mystery to Hawks' own past, filled with a distrust for authority, to Hawks' disastrous love life, Watershed seems to have a bit too much going on to be successful, but it is. Everettt builds the tension well and only the slightly pat ending interferes with the enjoyment of this book. But the journey is definitely worth your time.

One of the best!