Crazy Brave
A Memoir
Format:Paperback
Publisher:WW Norton & Co
Published:30th Jul '13
Should be back in stock very soon
This memoir reveals Joy Harjo's journey to becoming a poet, exploring themes of family, love, and the strength found in breaking apart.
In Crazy Brave, Joy Harjo offers a profound and intimate glimpse into her life as the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. This memoir is deeply rooted in her tribal heritage, weaving together elements of myth, music, and poetry to illustrate her evolution as a poet. Growing up in Oklahoma, Harjo faced the challenges of an abusive stepfather, yet she found solace in her imagination and a strong spiritual connection to the natural world around her.
The narrative of Crazy Brave explores the intricate dynamics of love and betrayal, revealing the complexities that come with family relationships. Harjo's reflections on her past are both haunting and illuminating, as she delves into the struggles that shaped her identity and artistic voice. Through her journey, she emphasizes the importance of breaking apart from the past to find one's true self.
This memoir is not just a personal account but a celebration of resilience and creativity. Harjo's lyrical prose captures the essence of her experiences, making Crazy Brave a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. It invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the paths they take to discover their voices.
"A saga about the survival of spirituality and creativity in the face of generations of racism, dispossession, and familial dysfunction…Fantastic, terrible and beautiful." -- Rebecca Steinitz - Boston Globe
"Stirring…In her harrowing and ultimately hopeful story, Harjo allows the reader to know her intimately, and we are enriched by her honesty." -- Ms.
"A must-read for her fans and a fascinating door into her world for those new to her work." -- Elizabeth Wilkinson - Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Gritty and mystical…Reads like a sacred prayer." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"Exquisite…A must-read for anyone who appreciates the healing power of literature." -- Southwest
"Blunt, moving…[Affirms and acclaims] the artistic impulse." -- Smithsonian
"Dances into hard truth. [Harjo’s] fine crafting of words and deft braiding of mythic visions throughout the text almost—almost—draw you past the truth of her personal story. That story is harsh and scary, mystical and loving, and, ultimately, triumphant and healing." -- Indian Country
"Joy Harjo has always been able to see with more than her eyes. Her writing is a testament to this gift. Her memoir honors her own journey as well as those who fell along the wayside. Her hero’s journey is a gift for all those struggling to make their way." -- Sandra Cisneros
"Joy Harjo is a giant-hearted, gorgeous, and glorious gift to the world. Her belief in art, in spirit, is so powerful, it can’t help but spill over to us—lucky readers. Wildly passionate and honest as a hound, Crazy Brave invites us into a whole new way of seeing—deeper, less cluttered, and vastly more courageous than our own. It’s a book for people who want to re-fall in love with the world." -- Pam Houston
ISBN: 9780393345438
Dimensions: 211mm x 140mm x 15mm
Weight: 150g
176 pages