If I Ever Get Out of Here

I really liked this book. Lewis, the main character, is a kid with amazing self-confidence and wisdom. He stays centered even though the world around him -- esp his school -- is unfair, unkind, and sparse of hope for his own particular future. The circumstance of his making a true friendship with another of true character leads the reader into scenes which celebrate a warmth of human kindness, and the things that last. This book would be great for any high school kid, or any adult looking to believe in human integrity again. My favorite quote: "Friends are always worth the moments of joy you share, even if they don't last." Oh yeah, I love the Beatles too, so that was part of the fun.

I heard an interview with the author on Indian Nation Radio and was intrigued enough to buy this book. I'm very glad I did. As a kid of mixed native descent and one who grew up in the 70's, this book spoke volumes to me. It took me back to places, both good and bad, that I lived and reminded me of things I had long forgotten about. This is supposedly is a book written for young adults or teens, but I think it is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone- whether you have any native bloodline or not. Even if you were just a kid who enjoyed the rock of the day, this walk down memory lane will surely have you smiling.

We wanted to love this book, but stopped after chapter four as it just failed to grab our attention..My son(12) and I were reading it together for his school assignment but never got immersed in the story as we found it a bit wordy..I seem to be the only one on here with a sub-par review though so I’m wondering if it’s because we had just finished the book ‘Then and Now’ which we enjoyed immensely, so maybe we were comparing it too much to that..

This is a well written story about the angst, sadness and dispair that can grip you when you are young, poor and don't see a way forward. And then it shows that there is hope, that work and love and faith can help one to a better place. I bought this for my granddaughters, but I enjoyed it very much myself.

Anyone who was a teen during the 1970's will love this book. Although it is about a Native American boy living on a reservation in Western NY, many of his experiences are universal. This book is about dealing with poverty, making friends outside of your circle of comfort, and of course, the music. This book is highly recommended!